I really hate disasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, sorry. Allow me to rephrase. I really hate the destruction and death that so often accompany disaster. It\u2019s hard to turn on the TV. It\u2019s hard to watch. It\u2019s hard to watch people hurting so much. From so much unexpected, tragic loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The uncanny thing about disasters, no less, is that they also present the opportunity to bring out the best in us\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because we\u2019re reminded of what\u2019s most important.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s most important?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Honoring people regardless.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of what?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everything. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We craft too many reasons why honor isn\u2019t necessary. Oh, wait\u2026 we have better words than that\u2026 necessary boundaries\u2026 next steps in my mental health\u2026 they really have some work to do\u2026 <\/em>Absolutely boundaries and mental health next steps are wise tools to discern in life, and all of us have some inner work to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, in current culture my strong sense is we use said terminology not to craft reasons, but rather to create excuses\u2026 and to create excuses as to why honor is unnecessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Friends, if we only had to learn to honor those it\u2019s easy to honor, then honor wouldn\u2019t be that big of a virtue. If we only had to learn to hold in high esteem those who thought similarly, honor wouldn\u2019t be all that significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The poignant beauty of honor is visible when we give it to another regardless. When conditions (or reasons or excuses) are creatively offered as to why honor isn\u2019t necessary, it is we who have the blind spot; it is we who have forgotten what\u2019s most important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So yes, I really hate the destruction and death that accompanies disaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was really hard to watch all unfold up the coast last week. As the waters receded and extent of the damage became clear, it was gut-wrenching to see the torment attributed to hurricane Helene\u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina\u2026 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Buncombe County, the surrounding area of Asheville, which looks to be hardest hit.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The damage has been catastrophic, with residents turning into first responders and communities now functioning as primary care givers. People need help. They need more. They need more faster. It\u2019s a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But there is one good thing buried amidst that lot, if we can see it\u2026 if we make the most of the opportunity\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Love your neighbor. Whoever your neighbor is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Honor others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May we quit allowing lesser things to blind us to what\u2019s most important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Soberly\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I really hate disasters. No, sorry. Allow me to rephrase. I really hate the destruction and death that so often accompany disaster. It\u2019s hard to turn on the TV. It\u2019s hard to watch. It\u2019s hard to watch people hurting so much. From so much unexpected, tragic loss. The uncanny thing about disasters, no less, is … <\/p>\n