| IncarnateBodies.com |
|
by Georgie Márquez-André September 19, 2005
EXAGGERATION, V. to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth : OVERSTATE SELF SERVING, adj. serving one's own interests often in disregard of the truth or the interests of others
(Definitions from Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.
)
First we heard about the tens of thousands that were probably dead as a result of Katrina. Then the mayor of New Orleans decided he did not want to be mayor of an empty city... so in spite of the horrific conditions in his city, he encourages everyone to come back in. But uncaring Bush (the same one who apparently hates blacks) steps up and say, hold it... so Mr. Mayor changes his mind. Of course, we have also heard about how everything really was President Bush's fault to begin with. This last one is particularly impressive, considering that the left believes Pres. Bush is an incompetent light-weight. Yet, amazingly, he single handedly managed to affect the weather by his lack of support of the "right" environmental policies. And, of course, we all know that the poor people in New Orleans in 2005 were not there when President Clinton was in the White House.
It would be funny, if it wasn't so absurd... and the worst part is that a lot of people really believe all that hogwash is true.
So what's the lesson to be learned from this tragedy? (That is, other than don't believe everything you hear/read in the media.) First, that in an emergency, your first line of defense is yourself. We need to take responsibility for our own lives, and the lives of our loved ones.
For the past four years, we have heard that we need to be prepared for the possibility of disaster. Millions of dollars have been spent by the federal government to help local governments (cities, townships) prepare for the worst eventuality. We have assumed that the enemy would be terrorism... and then it turns out that the worst disaster to afflict this country in a long time is a natural disaster. In a city that had been warned. And who is responsible for the poor, the weak, the infirm in our midst? We all are.
Ultimately, our society has established institutions whose main purpose is to protect our fellow citizens. But here, too, the first responsibility is personal, then comes family, then, ideally, neighbors, fellow church members... the immediate members of our community. So, please, plan for your safety... plan for your family's safety... if possible, plan with your friends and neighbors' for your safety.
In the meantime, do your part, help your distant neighbors: The Salvation Army, Operation Blessing, American Red Cross.
Have a blessed week.
Sign up now for Georgie Márquez André's Motivation of the Week e-zine. Receive inspirational thoughts, Bible studies, fitness tips and just general motivation to grow in body, mind, and spirit in your email box weekly. Yours FREE!! Here is a sample of the motivational messages you'll receive:
Complete the Form Below to Subscribe IncarnateBodies has a zero spam tolerance policy. We will never sell or rent your contact information to any third party, for any reason. |