Katrina Continued

Katrina. Variant short form of Katherine (Greek) "pure." For the residents of the Big Easy, pure hell.

Being displaced from the only homes many of them have known, registering their children in out of state schools, being called "refugees" in their own United States of America, and the New Orleans Saints playing their home games on Texas turf is pure anathema. But they are told it could be worse.

My family, by the grace of God, was able to evacuate. All present and accounted for. Their future is uncertain. God has stirred up the nest in a major way.

My mother and her sisters have never been separated this long. My Dad says he will rebuild. My brother is uncertain about the future of his job as an appliance store manager. And these are just three of 1.3 million residents. Who will rebuild the Big Easy and who will want to?

The people of New Orleans are a resilient and stubborn bunch. They do no let go of tradition easily. After all, there are rumors that this disaster called Katrina will not stop Mardi Gras from happening next year. And I am quite certain that just as a recipe book, tattered as it may be, is passed from generation to generation, the recipe book to rebuild New Orleans remains. Faith, hope, love, and togetherness will rebuild the city; not blame, fingerpointing, and bickering. And when the city is rebuilt, it will return to its glory as the most unique city in the United States.

As for me, I remain a not so casual observer of these events. I pray daily for all of the people who have lost so much, including their lives, to the disaster known as Katrina. The forces of nature remind us of the fragility of the small lives we lead. Spend your time in this life trying to make a difference. Use the talents God has given you to make that difference. Touch as many peoples lives as you can. And always proceed in His honor and glory.