This commentary is by Rev. Devon Thomas, who serves the Ascension Lutheran Church in South Burlington.
Last week Vermont saw unprecedented flooding and damages that surpassed those of Hurricane Irene in 2011.
As I saw the photos and videos of buildings submerged underwater or getting damaged and washed away, I felt deeply the disruption this flooding caused our local communities, including one in which I once lived. As a minister, I find myself searching for something positive to turn to in order to process all this chaos, but mostly I find myself asking, “Where is the Ark that will keep my neighbors afloat and safe during these times of trouble?”
While it certainly feels like creation is coming down on our state with biblical wrath, the strength and mutual support I see among Vermonters seem to better reflect biblical love. In fact, I am heartened by the way neighbors are banding together to act on each other’s behalf, getting clean water to communities that have none, providing emergency shelter and aid, such as transportation, a hot meal, or a shower.
These loving gestures are a real comfort during times of trial and loss, and it is good to see the friendly neighborhood spirit of Vermont bringing us together to shoulder nature’s burdens.
However, as we come together to get through the floods and storms, we should not forget that there are further struggles ahead of us. Our state was struggling with sustainability, poverty and homelessness before these floodwaters hit our communities, and now these struggles will be further strained as people affected by these floods look for help.
The reality is that many of our communities will be forever changed by the damage these floods have caused. Some of our neighbors will have to move away, some of the businesses we have relied upon will have to close, and even our relationship with the rivers we live by will be altered.
This will surely happen.
But we have some control over the degree in which this disaster will change our lives, which depends on our ability to support one another long-term as neighbors look for money to repair their homes and businesses; as people seek new places to live; as communities work to repair the damage done to roads, bridges, power and water systems; and communities try to work back to normal.
These are things that our state and local governments will need to stay engaged with. And we too, as neighbors, will need to remember that the burdens those most affected by these storms are facing are not going away soon.
We here in Vermont are really good at meeting people’s needs when they arise and are visible to us, but when it comes to the invisible needs of our neighbors, we need to work a bit more. Right now, the needs of our neighbors are in our face and on the news, and Vermonters are eager to help. But these needs will not stay visible. Soon they will fade into the background of our living.
Let us not forget that those who are most affected by flooding are going to need our help long after the rain dries. Let us not forget that there are many who were struggling to find food and shelter before the storm.
And let us not forget that the Ark we have been given to survive this storm is the caring and supportive community of Vermonters who are willing to step up and help our neighbors back on their feet, no matter how long it takes.
