Disasters can be defined as natural happenings of nature and the universe.

That is, until they happen to you.

It’s one thing to read about a disaster that causes wide paths of destruction that destroy homes and wipe out neighborhoods, but to experience them is gut wrenching. Individuals losing their personal belongings bring the disaster to a whole new level of disparity.

Community and personal grief combine and expose people to an elusive experience triggered by sight, sounds and smells. It shakes people to their very core and begs the question: will they ever feel safe in this world again?

Some wonder if they will ever experience life again. The answer is a resounding yes. The human spirit is stronger than we realize.

Experiencing traumatic events like forces of nature such as firestorms or floods or other disastrous events like shootings will cause those involved to depend on their community and for recovery.

These efforts often seem to become repetitive and take precious amounts of time. Many who survive will experience a certain amount of grief. Their lives have been forever changed. My heart goes out to them as I have waded through the waters of grief over the past four years.

Oh! But this is different, you say. To which I reply: Grief is grief and it takes its toll on the human spirit. Finding a way forward will not be easy nor will it happen overnight. It’s a process that is different for each individual. Grief has no time frame. There will be road blocks, never-ending questions that have no immediate answers.

I challenge each and every person who is experiencing a loss to hang your heart on hope that precious four-letter word for expectation. It expresses a deep yearning in one’s heart. Faith is the glue that holds our hopes in our heart. We all hope for one thing or another during our lifetime. But, what exactly is the reality of hope?

In one sense hope can be defined as wishing for something and expecting it to materialize. Perhaps the best way to find an answer is to dissect the word itself. So, take a look at the word hope as it relates to our lives:

H >> To have hope we must have a compassionate heart for those around us;

O >> To have hope we must be optimistic and believe in our vision;

P >> To have hope we must persevere and keep moving forward in faith;

E >> To have hope we must encourage one another in truth.

THE HUMAN SPIRIT

It is there…

though seemingly dormant

it cannot be contained

even when in torment;

It is there…

though tired, weary and worn

it cannot be stilled

for it is waiting to be reborn;

It is there…

though drained and bent

it cannot be consumed

nor can it be spent;

It is there…

awaiting renewal

to rise and soar in triumph

having cheated death in life’s duel;

It is there…

indomitable, defiant

and unyielding….

The Human Spirit…

It is always there.

Email Betty Heath at begeheath690@aol.com.