The stories of pain and struggle and heartache continue to pour out of the train tragedy that occurred in Lac-Megantic. Now the question is hanging in the air as to who will pay for the clean-up which will result in millions of dollars as the toxic waste is dealt with and rebuilding is attempted. As often happens in these situations everyone is pointing the finger at someone else and the poor victims are left in the middle, confused and devastated.
I have been holding these citizens in prayer. Though strangers to me their situation has moved me to prayer whenever a news report gives the latest update. The sudden turn in circumstance for them has left me wondering how one rebounds from such a life-changing event. What does it mean to have your whole life altered by an accident? It is not an experience I have had to deal with. We often hear of a tragic event where a routine-everyday-kind-of-day is interrupted with something totally unexpected, unforeseen, unplanned for and life is forever altered. What are the resources that people draw on to endure? Where does hope and confidence come from to face the next day?
These themes are very much a part of scripture. People new to reading the Bible often comment on how much violence there is in the Bible. It is not a children’s book! But, throughout its books the Bible rings with the constant assurance of God’s presence. That no matter what God is with us. This is the first and last line of our United Church Creed, “We are not alone, God is with us.” May the people of Lac-Megantic know that comfort.
How about you? Where do you find assurance and hope when sorrow comes to you?
