The
Equalizer
Tragedies have a way of equalizing
us. It has been noted by first responders that in the aftermath of catastrophic
events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes etc. when homes are
destroyed, possessions lost and the ephemeral nature of life suddenly brought
to the forefront, that suddenly all involved find themselves on an even ground.
Rich, poor, ignorant, educated, white, brown, black are all looking for the
same basic essentials: water, food, shelter and blankets. All are also in need
of a reassuring word, a comforting hug and a dose of generosity. Times of chaos
remind us that we are all human and as humans, we all have the same essential
physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
As societies expand, opportunities
abound and economic prosperity begins to take hold in a nation, the differences
in us begin to polarize and become more distinctive. The rich become richer
making the poor feel poorer, the ambitious stand on the backs of the common
people and appear so much taller, the accomplished trumpet their achievements
and make others feel like under performers and the satiated flaunt their
abundance, making others feel less prosperous. The thirsty ask for a cup of
water, but it is a bother to give a cup of water if one has never known thirst.
Thus we feel unequal. We no longer tolerate the foibles, differences and needs
of others because we feel they are inexcusable- and sometimes they are!
However, it will allow us to be much more forgiving and escape much frustration
in our lives if we retain the understanding that all of us as humans have the
same wants, needs and desires at our cores. We are all on the ship of humanity
together, whether in first class or steerage, all heading towards the same
horizon and all hoping for a safe passage. May it not take a run-in with an
iceberg to remind us that when life is endangered, we are all looking for the
same lifeboat.
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