A time to reflect, a time in need…

The media have been non-stop here in Australia, keeping us up to date about the Queensland floods which are now also affecting parts of New South Wales as well.  For those of us not directly affected, we can only watch on in horror.

As we put ourselves in our hearts and minds as if this were happening to us, grateful that it isn’t, we are also feeling the tears, anxiety and stress inside us for those that are affected.

Tears of love that want to flow when we hear about the bravery of those that have put their lives in danger to help others.  For those that died to save another. The lump we feel in our throat brought by the kindness of so many good people coming from everywhere to help those in need.  They come with their buckets and mops and spades to help remove the debris this crisis has brought.  Anger is also there for those that loot and take advantage for their own ill-got gains.

It is at times like this when we have to go back to basics.  To realise what truly is important.  Yes, we feel desolated that our material possessions, the memories, the photos, and other things so dear to us are taken from us so savagely.   We grieve for our losses.

For some the fact that our loved ones are alive brings a gratitude that overrides the loss of possessions.  For others that have not only lost their possessions but their loved ones as well.  The sadness is overwhelming.

Each person will react differently to their own disaster.  Each person will feel a variety of feelings, all of which are perfectly normal to feel in circumstances like this.  At a time like this, we can only acknowledge and validate the distress they are feeling.  We can only help them to strengthen their hopes to rebuild their future which may seem insurmountable to them at this time.

For us who have not been physically touched by these events we can also feel helpless.  Nothing will bring back the losses to those affected.  The psychological effects of events like this could last months or even years.  The experts tell us that the more support a person has at times like this, the more quickly they can get back on their feet.

No one knows that better than those that suffered when over 100 fires started on February 16 1983, a day known as Ash Wednesday. The day is now one of Australia’s most well-known bushfire events. Fires swept across Victoria and South Australia, killing 75 people and causing widespread damage.

Some of those people came to help those in Queensland as they remembered how much it meant to them to have people help them at their time of need.

Some of us although not involved in this crisis, it brings back memories of our own time of such helpless feelings.  We can look back now and know that time has been the healer, determination the rebuilder.  That time has allowed the rebuilding of our life that those now affected are yet unable to comprehend.

People have a great sense of spirit and toughness when the chips are down.   It often brings out the best in us.  It gives us a sense of gratitude for the things we do have, things normally taken for granted.  Things that are important for our survival, for the planets survival – loving, caring, and helping each other.

Let us put our thoughts and prayers to hope for a speedy recovery for all those in their hour of need across the world that has no boundaries other than those that man has made for himself. (Or woman, as the case may be.)