The predicted effects of “Lawin” as a super typhoon had caused severe damages both on human and natural resources of the affected areas. It had caused loss of lives and properties that remind us on how natural calamities bring good and bad effects. To those who suffered due to its strong winds and heavy rains, we join them in their struggle to cope up with such losses. May they find comfort in the word Hope as they continue to believe in God, the creator and most powerful.
Natural calamities as they hit us bring two effects and it may be good or bad. To those who appreciate the word of God and had completely surrendered everything, it comes as challenges that strengthen their faith and continue to live and praise the Lord. On the other hand, some may even question why things happen because of the sufferings they encounter. They even ask why God allowed such suffering. Such situations often tests the ability of man to persevere in times of trouble.
Natural calamities like typhoon “Lawin” purge the environment of the many man-made toxins that destroys nature. As strong winds and heavy rainfall hit the earth, it washes away wastes and debris created by man. Petrochemicals applied in farmlands, pollutants along waterbodies, and garbage dumped in every part of the land are often washed away towards major tributaries and end up in the ocean or the sea. Without natural calamities, people might not be reminded on the need to take care of themselves and continue to abuse the use of the God-given resources.
The way I look at it, calamities must be taken positively. It must strengthen people to work together and come up with measures to mitigate its effects. For those who follow orders and take extra precautions during such situations, the suffering can be lesser as casualties may be minimized. The problem is when people insist on what they know and resist acceptance of imposed warnings. Also, casualties often occur when people are not properly informed. This brings to us the issue on the effectiveness of communication to all residents of a given community.
As a person who experienced traveling the misty valleys, hills and mountains of the Cordillera during calamities, I consider it as a normal occurrence and we need to know how to live with such challenges. It might not be a big issue if one day I will end up being caught by such disaster. But I pray to God for deliverance that such scenario will not happen to me and my fellow believers as God has a purpose for our lives. Just in case it happens, we should embrace the reality that we don’t own our life and anytime and anywhere God can take it back from us. The surest way to insure our life is to completely surrender to the Lord and believe he is our Savior. Going to church is not an assurance and having faith is not enough. Building a solid relationship with the Lord using our potentials by believing, sustaining our faith, doing what is right and witnessing can make a difference.
As people of God, we must not yield to the effects of calamities. We must continue to sustain our commitment to put our life to use according to God’s purpose. Ensuring that we can surpass natures’ wrath must be self-imposed and not government imposed. The life we chose determines how we handle situations. Others may say it is easier said than done but reality tells us that we are responsible in charting our own destiny. Our prayers that all families who currently experience pain and suffering brought about by the recent typhoon find comfort by embracing God’s word and have the assurance of the Lord’s help. Talking to God and doing our part make things happen.
