Yes, we are in the eye of a hurricane. Having recently endured the storm’s blistering outer edge, many of us are wondering whether the structures we live in will survive the inner wind shear to come.
You may not think so from the headlines, which all run one way – on purpose. Not as part of a QAnon conspiracy, but in furtherance of a far more mundane deliverable – eyes on screens. Bad, and even badder, taglines attract viewers. It was that way when we read pieces of paper the ancients referred to as newspapers and magazines. And it is that way now in our unedited, non-curated algorithm driven communications freefall.
The result? For me – a nagging sense of dread and deep disappointment sometimes interferes with my sleep and how I relate to others. Logically, it shouldn’t. But emotion is often stronger than logic, and I suspect that many of us are becoming increasingly emotional.
How, then, can we navigate this storm? Different people will answer that question differently. My answer has two pieces. I have been looking to the first piece since 2016. The second piece was shared with me only yesterday. Neither is my own. Both were fashioned by men of history, not part-time internet columnists.
The first is from Winston Churchill. Like all of us, a flawed man who – unlike any of us – saved Western Civilization a mere 80 years ago. Churchill’s sword was his words, which he used to inspire, command, and lead. At one of the darkest moments of World War II, he unsheathed that sword before a group of young British students at the Harrow School, saying:
“[n]ever give in. Never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large, or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force: never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy [of freedom].”
At the end of a long life filled with struggles, victories and defeats, Churchill, in his last great speech to Parliament, returned to this theme. He looked the world in the eye, and told it to “never flinch, never weary, never despair.” He certainly didn’t and we are all the better for it.
The second piece comes courtesy of Aeschylus, a Greek playwright whose voice, if we seek it, carries across the mists of time. About 2,500 years ago he made a simple, foundational observation; “happiness is a choice.” It was true then. It is true now.
Since the days of Aeschylus, the world has been through innumerable, terrible cataracts. I was born 15 years after the ovens of Auschwitz stopped belching human ashes. What we currently face is hard. But it is not that.
So, remember – as bad as this feels, we have gotten through worse. Persevere, as so many of those who came before us did. Try to make yourself pause often enough and long enough to authentically experience the love of God, of family, and of country. While focusing (and acting) on the good that is within each of us, which always matters. And often makes all the difference.
(Visited 20 times, 20 visits today)
Hurricanes are powerful and destructive natural disasters that can cause widespread damage and devastation. In order to stay safe during a hurricane, it is important to be prepared and know how to navigate the storm. Here is a guide to help you navigate a hurricane in New Jersey:
1. Stay Informed: The first step in navigating a hurricane is to stay informed about the storm. Monitor weather reports and updates from local authorities to stay up-to-date on the storm’s path and intensity.
2. Prepare Your Home: Before a hurricane hits, make sure your home is prepared. Secure loose outdoor items, trim trees and bushes, and reinforce windows and doors. Stock up on essentials like food, water, batteries, and first aid supplies.
3. Evacuation Plan: If you live in a coastal area or a flood-prone area, have an evacuation plan in place. Know your evacuation route and have a designated meeting place for your family in case you get separated.
4. Stay Indoors: During the storm, it is important to stay indoors and away from windows. If flooding occurs, move to higher ground and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
5. Power Outages: Hurricanes can cause widespread power outages. Make sure you have flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio on hand. Avoid using candles as they can be a fire hazard.
6. After the Storm: After the storm has passed, be cautious when venturing outside. Watch out for downed power lines, flooded roads, and other hazards. Check on your neighbors and offer assistance if needed.
7. Insurance: Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for your home and belongings in case of hurricane damage. Review your policy and contact your insurance provider if you have any questions.
By following these tips, you can navigate a hurricane safely and minimize the risk of injury or damage to your property. Remember to stay informed, be prepared, and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones during a hurricane.
