One Flood, One Crisis, One City

Rev. Roderick Belin
Help Nashville Recover!

We have watched safely from our televisions and computers as hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes and volcanoes have wrecked havoc in other parts of the world. Our hearts were moved with compassion and many sought to provide assistance in whatever way they could. Then tragedy struck at home and, today, not of few us are still in shock. The loss is unfathomable. Experts are trying to assess the cost of the damage but no one can begin to estimate, to the plumb the depths of the loss of loved ones, dreams, family albums, diaries and journals, handwritten musical scores, precious mementoes. Lives are disrupted, homes — torn apart, feelings are hurt but I believe we have the wherewithal to rebuild a greater Nashville.

Tonight, it is clear that people from different faith communities have, at once, the courage and the humility to come together to seek the help that comes from a source greater than us and the help the resides within each of us. The flood in Nashville has occasioned our gathering but the need for our being together long preceded the flood. The flood has only laid it bare.

As tragic as this flood has been in the lives of Nashvillians, I have hope for the Nashville Flood:

I hope the Nashville Flood helps us to embrace and celebrate our diversity
I hope the Nashville Flood reveals our real strength
I hope the Nashville Flood brings people of all religious faiths together
I hope the Nashville Flood washed away barriers to community
I hope the Nashville Flood washed away religious bigotry
I hope the Nashville Flood washed away biases
I hope the Nashville Flood washed away fear of one (an)other
I hope the Nashville Flood washed away apathy
I hope the Nashville Flood teaches us to hold on
I hope the Nashville Flood makes us deeply appreciate Nashville
I hope the Nashville Flood makes us less dependent on things
I hope the Nashville Flood makes us even more grateful
I hope the Nashville Flood teaches us the value of simplicity
I hope the Nashville Flood teaches us that memories are precious
I hope the Nashville Flood teaches us to keep a song in our hearts
I hope the Nashville Flood teaches us that when one suffers we all suffer
I hope the Nashville Flood teaches us to help bear each others burdens
I hope the Nashville Flood shows us how to sacrifice for one another
I hope the Nashville Flood shows us that what unites us is greater than what divides us

I hope this Interfaith Unity Service nurtures sustained, meaningful dialog to the end that these hopes are realized.
Rev. Roderick Dwayne Belin, www.ibelin.me
Given at the Interfaith Service, after the devastating flood
Greater Bethel AMEC, Nashville Tennessee

Help Nashville Recover
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