Friday, September 14, 2018

What's Important

Guest post
by Suzann Darnall

I sat in the hospital for a good portion of Thursday. Okay. To be honest, I paced the halls for a good portion of Thursday. I was spending such quantity and quality time at Brooke Army Medical Center ‘cause my dear husband of 41+ years was having surgery. We arrived shortly after 6am and left about 10 or 11 hours later. It was a blessing that he was able to have same-day surgery and not be kept overnight. But, even that brief time, or not so brief time, was enough to make me count my blessings and look at what is truly important in life.

My belief in my Savior, Jesus Christ, is truly important. My husband is truly important. Our children, grandchildren, family, and friends are truly important. Our animals and our home are truly important. My husband’s job is truly important. Our freedoms and our country are truly important. And, at this time, I think President Trump is truly important ‘cause he is striving to protect our freedoms and our country.

As I sat and walked in the hospital there were numerous television sets with various channels showing, for the most part, really unimportant matters. The coverage of Hurricane Florence was a mixed bag of limited useful information mixed in amongst fear-mongering dramatics, along with some outright lies, as well as political jabs at President Trump.

I was outraged that the so-called “reporters” were taking political potshots at President Trump when American citizens are faced with the possibility of losing their homes and perhaps their lives. Hurricanes are one of Mother Nature’s nastiest events. People die in hurricanes. Homes are swept away. Pets, livestock, and belongs are lost. But, all some newscasts could find to do was take swipes at the President of the United States. Wow! Impressive. Impressive in how completely out of touch these clowns can be when it comes to what really matters in life.

People in the hurricane’s path do not need to be told President Trump is going to fail. They do not need to be told President Trump is a racist. They do not need to be told how ineffective Fema, the Red Cross, and other support systems have been in the past. These people need to have hope. They need to know someone cares. They need to be able to think someone will save them. They need to have belief in the ability of their fellow citizens to have their backs and do as much for them as can be done. How cruel of journalists and their bosses to put politics above offering our fellow Americans the hope that might get them through the coming days, weeks, and months.

Am I saying we go all “Pollyanna” and deny that Hurricane Florence is probably going to be long-term devastating? No. We face the facts. But, we also offer the hope that help is there and help is coming. We let people know they are not alone. We reassure them that President Trump is doing what he can to mobilize government assistance and that their fellow citizens are prepared to give aid as well.
My somewhat tough day ended on a positive note, despite the bumps along the way. I brought my husband home and he is going to heal. We have a safe place to live. We have enough to eat. We have clean water to drink and bathe. We have our animals about us. We know where our children and grandchildren are and that they are all safe. Some people along the East Coast are already facing the ugly facts of life not being that good and simple for them.

What’s important? Not very much of the hate that is being spread by the venom spewing Main Stream and Social Media. What is important are the ones we love and the freedoms we hold. Wake up, America. Wake up and see the truth. We are a great nation. We have great citizens. We can do better for one another and we are usually doing it more than we ever imagine. Just look around. See the kindnesses everyday folks are doing one for another.

Can we stop the storms? No. But, we can share our water, our food, our money, and our homes. We can send blankets and clothing. We can share tools and volunteer on cleanup crews. We can do what Americans have done since the beginning of this nation. Share with one another.

One of my favorite scriptures includes the phrase, “ . . . willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, . . .” That is what I feel we must do for one another in times of disaster, sorrow, and need. We must stand together. We must help each other. It is what’s right. It’s what’s needed. It’s what God would have us do. It’s what’s important!

Suzann blogs at WoolyMammoth.Org

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