The bright side of disasters

EVERYBODY, or almost everybody thinks disasters whether natural or not, are bad in general. I beg to differ.
Disasters can trigger off some positive consequences. Take for example, Hurricane Katrina. Yes, it has devastated the Gulf states of Mississippi, Louisiana and the city of New Orleans. The damages would eventually run into about US$100 billion.
But take a look at this natural disaster of biblical proportions from another perspective. At last count (according to CNN), there are about 100 countries and organisations around the world making offers to help America.
Help has come in various forms like food, clothes, money, doctors, equipment, etc. It is touching and indeed moving to know and learn that the spirit of compassion and kindness is truly alive among the billions on earth. God wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
America has been at the forefront of all natural disaster sites on a global basis for a long time. Now that it has happened to the good, old US of A, the world is quick to respond to her plight. These nations, rival and friendly, are queueing up to show that they do care.
We do not really want to ponder or dwell on their motives. It would be politically impolite or just plain impolite to question others' good intentions. It is a positive sign that the world has come together of sorts to help out a "giant".
This kind of reaction will have gentle repercussions from the only superpower nation in the world in the near future. We have been reminded time and again that it is our duty as fellow human beings to extend a helping hand whenever a dire situation affecting others arises.
Now, the opportunity has arisen and the world bears witness to this global show of unity and neighbourliness. It can almost bring tears to one's eyes.
Some of the things that we learn from this catastrophe are that material possessions are easily taken away from us. This means homes can be destroyed at a moment's notice; lives can be lost unexpectedly; amenities can disappear overnight and families can be torn asunder in the twinkling of an eye.
So what remain are those lovely, intangible things that we all hear about at one time or another in our lives. These are love, kind, compassion, understanding, sympathy and just plain old concern for others less fortunate.
It's nice to know at the dawning of the 21st century that human beings have not lost their inner attributes, contrary to popular belief, especially among the cynics.
So the good news is we are becoming closer due to shared woes. The bad news is there are about two or three storm-strength forces forming on a weekly basis.
Some psychics have foretold that these ferocious forces will be increasing in number and in strength with the passing of months. Not very comforting but nevertheless food for thought on one's own future, and the fragility of everything we hold dear.
Now is the time to look at the world and ourselves from a different perspective, at least from a window from which we had not seen through before. If all your life, your priorities are askewed or geared towards your own betterment, perhaps the time has come to look into the Wake-Up Call department.
The trip may turn out to be a life-altering experience.