Two Types of People – Houston

The unfolding tragedy in Texas reminds us that there are, in this context, two types of people; those who respond with help and those who criticize others. We see this globally, we see it nationally, we see it locally; we see it in companies, in churches, in families.  Yes, there is a time for accountability, there is a time to learn, there is a time to plan for the future so that if similar events occur we can be better prepared. However, when lives are in danger, when morale is down, when people need hope, when problems need to be solved – these are not the times to criticize and blame and play the “what if?” game.

The energy people spend on blaming others, and the energy they suck from others who they are criticizing – is better spent on those who need help. Did I mention we see this in all areas of social interaction?

If the victims remain victims they cannot be helped. Life is fragile. The weather is capricious. We have no guarantees in an earthly sense. People need hope and they need other people to show love and care and concern. Thankfully there are the big-hearted people with little boats risking their own well-being to help others, while some of the little-hearted people who own big boats spend their time criticizing and seeking to stir up controversy.

I don’t know whether things could have been handled better, but I do know that right now we need to focus on helping others and that those in closest proximity to those who need help do not need to be distracted by critics.

Did I mention that we see this throughout society, in all social settings?

Am I known as a helper or a critic? What about you?