My Thoughts In The Midst Of The Storm
By Lana Moline
Some time ago I read in a book that “unprocessed hurt reproduces itself.” While most may think that this quote is reminiscent of the phrase “hurting people hurt people,” that is not exactly the reflection I am having today. Today my hurt is because I am still, along with many others, mourning the loss of a way of life that once was in a city that is forever changed. If I were to start the list of “I remember when,” this article would exceed the maximum characters allowed because there is simply so much that can be said of the rich heritage and history of the charming city of New Orleans.
I have to admit that I am hurt by many things that involved Katrina years ago and Isaac is causing those feelings to resurface. One of the things that I am still livid about today is the poor choice in media coverage and the exploitation of my community. No one desired to be stranded. No one desired to suddenly find themselves without resources. That’s just not the thought process. However, from most accounts in the news, the blame was totally on the citizens – never mind the fact that the burden remained theirs to get along with a sub par infrastructure where a contingency plan had never been established.
So tonight as I exchanged texts with my sister and brother, all the emotions came back. I started thinking about all the crazy things that I heard in the media and I thought to myself “please tell the real story.” I know I have to move past all the hurt I am feeling but honestly, I didn’t think that I would be back here especially so soon. This is my attempt to dispel some of the myths and release.
Here are a few facts:
- There are thousands of educated individuals who were either born, raised, or still live in major cities and New Orleans is no different.
- The vast majority of all people evacuate BEFORE a storm occurs.
- Natural disasters occur EVERYWHERE so the notion from others “to just move” is insulting.
- The construct of the levies is still questionable.
- FEMA failed itself.
I truly could go on and on but I better not. I love my hometown and am saddened by each off-colored comments that depicts the city in a negative light. I am trying not to be defensive but I have to tell you that it’s hard. So that’s why the quote came to my mind today – “unprocessed hurt reproduces itself.” The truth of the matter is sobering. I must take my own advice this time because this is truly a prayer thing. I ask every praying person who is reading this article to join me as I pray for my city and the hundreds of thousands of individuals who understand exactly where I am coming from. I know that God is in control and I trust that He will not forsake me. I pray for peace in the midst of the storm.
Lana Moline is an integral part of the Blackloveandmarriage.com writing team, freelance writer and poet who lives in Ft. Worth with her three kids and husband Emile. Married 11 years, both media professionals have vowed to maintain integrity in all aspects of print and broadcast journalism.Visit her atLana Moline Speaks.
