Pride

Like many Americans, I have been anxiously watching the progress of Hurricane Rita and praying for those who live in the path of the storm.

The hurricane is never far from my mind. I thought of it when I read the following verse in the Qur'an tonight:

"Before you We sent Messengers to many nations, and We afflicted the nations with suffering and adversity, that they might learn humility." (6.42)

I don't intend to claim, as some have, that the hurricanes are punishment. This stance raises all sorts of ethical questions (Why would a loving God bring punishment against the poor?) which are far beyond my ability to address.

But I do look at the hurricanes as a reminder. A reminder to be humble.

The United States emerged from World War II as the undisputed leader of the world. By the time I was born, in the 50s, that standing had created a tremendous sense of pride. America was the first in everything, the best in everything, and Americans were the most fortunate people in the history of mankind. That was the message, anyway.

At times, there have been things to be proud of. A strong educational system. A good standard of living. Safety and security. There have also been things to be ashamed of. Laws defining people of color as second-class citizens. Enduring poverty. A war against Asians in the jungles and villages of their own country.

America is not the messiah of the world. It is not the only great power to ever have existed. But that was the message. And pride soon led to hubris.

It was hubris that sent American soldiers to conquer and dominate the people of Iraq. It is hubris every time the so-called president stresses the need to deliver democracy and Christianity to those poor brown-skinned people in other parts of the world. Sometimes at the point of a gun. In earlier days it was called the White Man's Burden.

Now America is being reminded of our weaknesses. We are not supermen. We are not gods. We are no better or worse than others who have lived before us, or those who share the planet with us now. We are humans. And we must remember the One Who created us.

It is not Mother Nature. It is the One God.

If we remember Him, and remember that we are accountable to Him, then I think we may have a way out of all this mess. But if we continue in our hubris, deeming ourselves as the creators and determiners of fate, then I think that this is only the beginning.

"A word to the wise is sufficient." Let's be wise, and be humble.