In West Virginia, which is a particularly religious place, folks find plenty of references in the Bible that make it clear that giving is an important part of Christian life.
For example, Paul reminded the Galatians that followers of Christ have a responsibility to “help carry one another’s burdens.”
But one doesn’t have to be religious to appreciate the moral obligation many feel to help others. It’s understood that generosity is a virtue.
And so when the snow piles up and the lights flicker out, West Virginians follow their natural order. They secure themselves and their families, and then head out into the mess to see how they can help others.
Some grab chainsaws and help clear the roads. Those with four-wheel drive pick-ups run errands for those who can’t get out. Folks check on their neighbors and share limited supplies of essentials.
Meanwhile, first responders are working around the clock. Granted, these folks chose their line of work, but it’s still a challenge to leave family behind, while concentrating on seemingly endless relief efforts for others.
Naturally, there are times of frustration and even desperation, especially for those who are likely going to be without power for a week or more. The power company crews had time to bring in extra manpower, but repair work has been slowed by broken transmission lines in hard-to-reach areas and the magnitude of the storm.
The power companies and the first responders ask for patience, which tends to run short the longer people are inconvenienced. But forbearance is required to make it through the storm.
As Robert Frost said, “The only way out is through.”
The bright side—and amazingly there is one in this mess—is that lives will be touched by thousands of random acts of goodwill. Human beings are flawed, but I’d like to think most people know the right thing and will do it, even against challenging circumstances.
Generosity has its own reward. We feel good when we do for others. Psychiatrist Judith Orloff says giving away creates our own sense of abundance within ourselves.
If that’s the case—and I’m sure it is—West Virginia should come through this storm with a kind of exhausted euphoria.