Resilient New Orleanians often turn to God for help

    As Hurricane Isaac made its slow descent into New Orleans, I watched from a distance, praying for family and friends in the city and surrounding areas as they braced for another storm arriving seven years after the city was seemingly destroyed and devastated. As I watched and kept in contact with my family, I was overwhelmed with the realization of the resilience and faith within southern Louisiana.
    Unable to forget my own evacuation seven years ago, yet reminded of the generosity and outpouring of love and friendship from people across the nation, I watched with bated breath as Isaac came to an almost-standstill.
    In my cubicle office in between teaching classes and attending my own classes in St. Louis, I kept tuned into Fox 8 News via the livestream, waiting to hear about news from my parish and subdivision. While obsessively watching, I met a fellow co-worker in another department who was also from New Orleans and worried about her own family. Even from afar, it seems that people who have lived their entire lives in New Orleans and its surrounding areas can never truly leave or escape the worry associated with hurricane season.
    In one of the news articles that I read online, a woman native to New Orleans who was trapped seven years ago in her home during Hurricane Katrina was interviewed, saying, “Isaac is the son of Abraham. It’s a special name. That means God will protect us.” What strong faith!
    As my mom called me before I left for classes on Wednesday morning, she asked me to light a candle at church and to pray that everything would be all right. During hurricane season, and in the midst of such a horrific natural disaster, turning to God for protection and help seems to be the norm in our city. However, we should not only turn to him for our protection, but also with prayers of thanksgiving for all that we have.
    Although not the same experience as Hurricane Katrina, many people in various areas of southern Louisiana and Mississippi are again faced with the loss of all personal possessions and property. While many may be experiencing mixed emotions – anger, sadness or doubt – the best response may be to pray. Pray for guidance and strength during this time of hardship, but also pray for the generosity of others. It is truly amazing to me to see the overwhelming donations and gifts that come from various churches and families from across the nation.
    Seven years ago, I learned to never take things for granted. My family was blessed with our situation, but many others were not. This year, I learned the resilience of the New Orleans community and the faith that binds that resilience. New Orleans is not alone, and that is something that no one should forget.
    Heather Bozant Witcher can be reached at [email protected].