Panache Blog

Friday, August 27, 2010

The Resilient Spirit of New Orleans

What events are unfolding in your life right now that leave you feeling challenged?  Overwhelmed? Perhaps even victimized by circumstances seemingly outside of your control?  World events continue to escalate. Traditional political and economic structures are dissolving. Unpredictable and devastating weather patterns are appearing with greater regularity. Within each unexpected experience, your trust is tested and in the face of what is unfolding you are provided opportunities to abide in the resilient nature of your spirit.

This weekend, the people of New Orleans face the five-year anniversary of what remains the greatest natural disaster in the history of our nation, Hurricane Katrina. 1800 died in the aftermath of the storm and its flooding and hundreds of thousands were displaced; today some still live in FEMA trailers.

New Orleans and her residents found their way into my heart during our final Global Gathering in December of 2009. I was divinely guided to anchor the Christ Light in this city. Humanitarians of Light from across the nation filled a bus as we toured the areas hardest hit by Katrina. Our tour guide, a multigenerational New Orleans resident, as well as local gathering participants, shared their experiences from the days leading up to the storm’s landfall and the long-term reconstruction efforts that still continue today. Their love for this region was evident. And their desire to anchor peace and love stirred us all. From downtown New Orleans, to the lower 9th Ward, to Waveland, Mississippi, we off-loaded anchoring our love and prayers. Amazingly we were approached by strangers moved by our presence asking for our prayers; for them, their families and their beloved Saints.

Our Gathering coincided with the AFC championship game and the sheer jubilation of the ‘Who Dat’ army was palpable. The city was out in force singing, marching and celebrating in hopeful anticipation. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of renewal.

Regardless of what is unfolding in your life you need to take precious moments to nurture your spirit. Step away from the stress and find a reason to laugh, cheer and celebrate. Be gentle with yourself and allow healing to unfold during down time. Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep. Taking time to nurture and renew your spirit in times of adversity allows you to create the necessary space for grace.

I have yet to visit another place like New Orleans and deeply look forward to going back to the city of the Saints soon. New Orleans is a city today that is still recovering but no matter what they seem to go through their spirit remains resolute.