24th Apr 11
M. R. SellarsI’ll take some heat for this, but hey, when don’t I?
However, before I say what I am going to take heat for, I would like to point out that I am not targeting any single religious group. I’m not actually targeting anyone. I am, however, finding myself confounded by those who who offer up religion – or deity, more specifically – as an excuse. And that goes for any and all religious paths – be the reference aimed at God, Lord and Lady, God and Goddess, Buddha, ad infinitum…
Here’s why…
Friday – GOOD Friday, mind you, just in case you are keeping track – Saint Louis experienced one of the worst tornadoes and storm systems it has in years. Fact is, this whole spring has been wicked for the Midwest and South. Here in STL we’ve had more hail and tornadoes for one season than I can remember. I don’t know if that’s a historical fact. I’m simply relying on my memory. Thing is, it’s been rough. From New Year’s Eve, through February, and on into spring we’ve had tornadoes touching down, and storms rolling through with straight line winds, hail, and all the trimmings. Plenty of damage too…
This past Friday’s storm put down a twister that is currently being estimated at an EF3. It did millions of dollars worth of damage to Lambert STL Airport, which incidentally is where I fly from on a regular basis, and is also just a scant few miles from my house. It all but leveled one subdivision as well, and caused immense amounts of damage to others. This isn’t even counting what it did to the West in Saint Charles County and to the East in Illinois.
Yet, injuries were minor, and so far I’ve heard no reports whatsoever of loss of life. This is a wonderful thing. My way of thinking is that because of technology and connectivity, folks were informed and prepared. We live in a vastly different world than that of 100 years ago. Hell, it’s vastly different than that of when I was a kid my daughter’s age. Back then you really had no idea what was coming until it was right on top of y0u. Now, it’s a whole different story and if you are paying attention to the radio, the TV, the internet, or even your phone, you can take cover with time to spare…
Hey, even E K, the O-spring, and I spent some time hanging out in our basement when the tornado began to cut its swath through our area. We were technically in its path, and they can change direction. Better safe than sorry. Technology. It can save lives. Gotta love it…
But here’s my thing…
No matter where I’ve turned – the news, Facebook, email, in person conversations – I keep hearing things like:
Thank God, nobody was seriously hurt.
Thank the Lord and Lady you’re okay…
etc…
Now, I should mention, I certainly appreciate the sentiments and I am glad that people are glad that I am okay – and that everyone else is okay too. Trust me, I get it. I appreciate it. I thank you for it. I’m glad that I am okay too. I’m glad that nobody was seriously hurt, be they my friends or even total strangers.
But let’s look at this a bit closer – Since all of these deities – (if one subscribes to the beliefs) – are responsible for everything that happens – (God’s will, Buddha provides, the Lord and Lady have plans for me/you/us/them, ad nauseum…) – they are also directly responsible for raining down said destruction upon us.
So… Why are we thanking them for this? Kinda reeks of a fraternity hazing, doesn’t it? Sorry, but I’m not about to look up to the sky and say, “Thank you, may I have another?”
Nope. The only divine intervention I am seeing here is that of Doppler radar, high resolution satellites, TV, Radio, Internet, and Smart Phones…
What’s that?
Ohh… Well… Umm… Well yeah… You are correct… I will look up at E K and say “Thank you, may I have another,” but that’s a whole different story and we won’t discuss it on a PG rated blog…
More to come…
Murv
PS. Just so nobody gets the wrong idea, I’m very glad everyone is okay, and escaped with only minor injuries, if any at all. I also feel for those who lost their homes, etc. I’m just not going to ascribe any good fortune to an unseen deity who is also theoretically responsible for the disaster in the first place…
Dawn Silver
April 24th, 2011 at 06:45
I agree totally. Every time I hear someone thank God for being spared, I wonder what that means for the folks who weren’t spared. God/Goddess didn’t like them..or what??? Anyway, good to know you and yours are OK. Dawn
M. R. Sellars
April 24th, 2011 at 06:54
Exactly… I mean, people just drop dead all the time, so if it’s God’s will or whatever that said individual has “other work to do” okay, fine. (Mind you, I don’t believe that, but hey, if it makes folks happy I am not about to crap on their beliefs)… So, if God can just strike someone dead, why the hell is it necessary to make everyone else suffer just to retrieve a few souls for a greater purpose? Just doesn’t wash for me…
But then again, no religion washes for me, so I guess I’m screwed… 😉
Tessa
April 24th, 2011 at 06:54
Murv,
Thank Doppler and Facebook you are okay…….life without Murv leakage would be so sad……
M. R. Sellars
April 24th, 2011 at 07:06
LOL!
Connie Leamont
April 24th, 2011 at 07:44
I’m glad to hear there were no injuries in your area, happy you and the family are okay. I have to totally agree with what you said, and it does leave you wondering when people say, “Thank God (or other such deity) for…….”
Alexx
April 24th, 2011 at 09:14
Murv:
Now that I think about it I am just simply thankful that you and yours as well as all that I know in the area are safe and sound. I was at work (less than a mile from where the insanity started) when the storm hit. Thanks to technology everyone I know is safe. (I was however grateful that my daughter left for the west coast at 2 in the afternoon on Friday.)
Celeste
April 24th, 2011 at 12:35
Ya know, Murv, I was thinkin the same thing. So, thank NOAA and modern technology we’re all okay. and yes, media. who gets the info out to us, all the time, even if its through their own myopic lens!
Tracey L Pacelli
April 26th, 2011 at 09:26
There’s a rhyme and a reason, I feel, my brotha…and yes, sir, you most certainly may have anotha!…;)