Typical Phases of Disaster

A Few weeks ago, the Reverend Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies of the Episcopal Church sent out this really excellent overview of the Phases of a Disaster, including this chart. You can find the entire article here.

This chart about disaster and recovery is not new, and the thinking embodied in it is well developed. We, of course, are in the middle of such an incident. It is important to note that this chart is about community reaction overall, not just each of us individually. If you are like me, my feelings sometimes change minute to minute, day to day.

Understanding that there is a somewhat predictable process communities go through can help us see what is happening and understand what is us, and what is just the part of the process. It is like thinking about the stages of grief or loss, and other emotional processes. Please notice that the line is squiggly and not a smooth path, there are lots of ups and down along the way.

I think that it is important to reflect on this chart, and these processes, at this time. It can be helpful to discern the difference between how we may be feeling at a given moment, and what is the COVID19 disaster working on us. Where do you think we are as a community right now? As a nation? As a church?

In her sermon on Sunday, Laura told us that Jesus speaks “Peace” into all the locked rooms, dark situations and seemingly impossible situation of the world and of our lives. Jesus says that to us today as well – “Peace.”

I invite you this week to remember those words Jesus speaks to you and to me – “peace.” When we are overwhelmed or fed up – “peace.” When we are scared – “peace.” When you are lonely – “peace.” Every time and everyday – “peace.”

Peace,

Noah
The Reverend Noah H. Evans, Rector