Thank God for Disasters???

 

 (This article was originally published on September 12, 2017)

 

Why is it that the best of humanity always seems to come

out of a crisis, disaster, traumatic event???

 

Is this the only time we truly feel our connection to others,

especially whole groups of people we “hate” -- or hate us???

 

When our normal -- self-absorbed, constantly consuming, immediately gratified, mostly distracted and indifferent -- lives are disrupted, we come to realize an ancient truth –

 

We Need Each Other!

 

Who else is there, but others who are enduring the same disaster? Without helping one another, we all hurt or may even die! In our Lives 1st Initiative at the TOV Center, we combine ancient values and wisdom with 21st century science.

 

This science is rewriting the book on how our brains function.

 

Research has shown that humans are genetically hardwired for fairness, loyalty and compassion. Babies, toddlers and even young children live without prejudice.

 

They have to be taught to discriminate, hate and fear.

 

● Years ago, I watched a news program about a massive earthquake in Turkey. Greek soldiers were there helping in the rescue efforts. Normally the two groups despise one another.

 

● The reaction and coming together in America after 9/11.

 

● Palestinian firefighters working with Israeli firefighters during the forest fires.

 

● The looks on the faces of Syrian refugees being bussed and helicoptered to Israeli hospitals for treatment.

 

These types of behaviors reveal who we all are really are! The Lives 1st Initiative views conflict, crisis and even disaster as catalysts for tremendous growth and transformation.

 

I teach that same idea about grief, loss and recovery as well. When things will never be the same, they can be different. Nothing like going through something that reminds us of this:

 

We All Are Interconnected!

We All Bleed Red.

 

What a revelation! I’ve mentioned before, that in our Jewish tradition, we say the same blessing when we hear good news and one when we hear bad news, because we truly don’t know the difference.

 

"Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe, the Just Judge.”

 

Disasters? If they help open our eyes, open our hearts and bring out our true nature, which is to Protect, Preserve, Raise Functionality and Increase the Quality of Lives -- then let’s not waste the opportunity to show Love!

 

It’s all about putting Lives 1^st!

Rabbi Jeffrey Leynor

 

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