Blue Band-Aids - The Long Term Solution

Yesterday was the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall along the Gulf Coast. A year later, it is an occasion for the news media to pull out old video, send anchors to the area for weeklong specials, and for more finger pointing. I've heard a lot about "plans" the past few days - plans for rehabilitating the region, plans of governors and mayors, plans of President Bush and FEMA, and occasionally the plans of folks trying to go home or stay in their homes. All of this strikes me as a bit empty because instead of finding a common vision and then working together in that direction we witness a variety of groups pulling in many different directions. Perhaps such pulling is a part of finding the answer and taking action that ultimately makes a difference. Let us hope that is the case.

As I listen to all of this "news" though I am reminded of a comment by my friend and parishioner, Glen. We traveled together to Beaumont, Texas, 3 weeks ago to participate in our denominations rebuilding efforts in the area impacted by Hurricane Rita. His comment that keeps echoing in my head is, "All I saw were blue tarps and I kept thinking that this is the long term solution for too many folks." My apologies if I didn't get the quote exact but nevertheless I believe it is a profound insight into the situation all along the Gulf Coast. I am sure the blue tarps began as band-aids intended to protect from the weather and additional damage to homes, churches, and business. Like Glen said, these bandages though are no long term solution.

Band-aids don't work for deep and painful wounds. They are usually too small to cover wounds that require stitches or staples. When they are used in such circumstances, they are used to cover and protect those other medical interventions that can aid in the healing of such wounds. In those times when they are used, the band-aids get changed regularly and other wound care accompanies this small aid intended to keep dirt out. Sometimes this additional care is regular washing, other times it is anti-bacterial ointment, and sometimes it is like my mother said, "It just needs some air." The wounds from Hurricane Katrina and Rita and numerous others whose names we have forgotten take a long time to heal. They require more than band-aids but like band-aids ripping them off to provide the other necessary care will be painful.

Let us hope the finger pointing can end and we can find a way to work together and move towards a solution that gives hope and a balm that can heal.