Faith, patience can turn disaster into triumph

  • Published
  • By Chaplain (Maj.) Peter Souritzidis
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing chaplain
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  A pastor friend of mine who was living in Oregon in 1980 told me he awoke one Sunday morning to see the yard covered with thick, sticky ash.
 
Though he did not realize it at the time, he had bore witness to the most destructive volcanic eruption in U.S. history.

It obliterated 1,300 feet of Mount St. Helens, spewing ash that could be measured in 11 states and that would eventually circle the earth.

So much volcanic ash covered the landscape that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported nearly 140 million cubic yards of material had been removed - enough material to build a twelve-lane highway from New York to San Francisco.

Those who witnessed this catastrophe would not soon forget the day because they were faced with something that no one could control. It was a life-changing event of unimaginable force.

On September 11, 2001, our nation suffered another life-changing catastrophe which affected every single person living in our land. Although not every one of us will face another volcanic eruption or a massive terrorist attack, many of us will face unimaginable and uncontrollable events in our lives. The kind of event that will test us and our family and our faith with situations so complex that we can only shake our heads in disbelief.

Perhaps the psalmist was facing such a situation when he wrote, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." (Psalm 46:1-2)

Ancient mythology incorporate the idea of the mythical Phoenix. Ancient Greek historian
Herodotus describes it as a powerful eagle-like bird with golden and red feathers with the unique ability to renew itself every five hundred years. It would fly from the Arabian countries to the country of the sun, where it would set itself on fire. Then, out of its own ashes, it would emerge renewed and powerful to live another five hundred years. During its regeneration, with its beautiful voice it would sing this melodious song that touched the hearts of all mankind. Even the sun would stop its chariot to watch the rebirth and listen to the song.

Today, life has returned to Mount St. Helens. Trees were replanted, some now standing 70 feet high. That which was destroyed and devastated is now alive.

Similarly, the World Trade Center in Manhattan's Financial District is also being feverously rebuilt.

The nation's wounds are slowly healing, and our country is emerging powerful and united from the ashes and destruction. The fast-rising new buildings serve as a symbol of resilience, hope and strength.

The same is true for you and me, my friend. That which may appear to be the end, with time, patience and faith, can become a new beginning. Maybe we cannot regenerate ourselves from our own ashes, but there is someone, the Holy One, who can take our lives from defeat into triumph.

Take heart! What we cannot control - God can.

Chaplain Souritzidis is chaplain of the Greek Orthodox Church. He credits "The Heart of a Great Pastor" by H.B. London and Neil B. Wiseman for inspiring the ideas in his commentary. The Air Force and the 514th Air Mobility Wing accommodate free exercise of religion as well as freedom of expression, except as must be limited by military necessity.