Helping Kids Cope with Disasters

I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to feel compassion fatigue. It is exhausting to watch the news with constant updates of wildfires, hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes, not to mention the thousands of refugees escaping places like Syria and Myanmar, and even the US, as people flee for their safety and their very lives.

Sadly, some use these sorts of events to promote a theological position, suggesting that what is happening is God’s will and some kind of punishment, or that God has made these things happen to test us or prove our capabilities. Others struggle to have faith in a God that they perceive as allowing this devastation to happen rather than choosing to stop it, or that God is just watching all of this from some far off place detached from us.

If adults are struggling with the complexities of so many enormous needs happening at once, so much catastrophe and loss of life, livelihood and property, then we can bet that our kids and youth are picking up on that in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. How do we communicate a reassuring message when we are having a tough time ourselves? How do we answer questions about where God is in all of this?

First, we need to solidify our beliefs about God and how God relates to us. I don’t believe that God is far away, even if it feels that way. Instead I believe the scriptures and the incarnation of Christ show that God craves to be with us, to help us and to save us. God can take our sorrow, our pain, our anger and even our blame, because God is big enough. Isaiah 43:1-7 talks about how we don’t need to be afraid because God has called and claimed us, and is with us through the waters and the fire, and that the fire will not consume us. There will be loss of life due to the wildfires and other disasters occurring around the globe, but no fire can consume our soul and no flood can separate us from God. Many may lose everything they own, but no one will lose God’s love.

Second, we need to share God’s Word with our kids and young people. Think about what other scriptures are reassuring to you in times of challenge and loss. For me, the story of Jesus calming the storm in Matthew, Mark and Luke shows Christ’s power over the wind and waves on a small lake, but more than that it shows God’s desire to be with us in the midst of the storm. Jesus could have opted to stay safely on shore, but He was there living this with the disciples and telling them to not be afraid, restoring peace and calm.

Third, we need to recognize the role we play in creating these catastrophes. There is sadly a turning away by some from the overwhelming evidence of how our choices are causing the severity and frequency of these kinds of storms. The increasing heat of the atmosphere creates a potent climate for more and more natural disasters, more devastating than ever before. We have a responsibility to make choices and to enact laws that protect God’s creation, restoring balance to chaos. Many countries are acting quickly and already have made great strides in doing their part to return health to the planet. Whatever we do to help the environment matters and is part of the solution.

Finally, we can lift ourselves out of despair to hope by listening to the good news stories coming out of these disasters. God shows up in the many hands and feet of Christ serving, helping, and bringing together communities of people caring for each other. God shows up in the humanity of the moments of realizing what really matters and in doing the work of restoring hope and safety to those in need. We can do tangible things to contribute to rescue and relief efforts. We can pray for all who are fighting fires, providing shelter and care, gathering and distributing food and supplies, and supporting those who are struggling to cope. We have a responsibility to help our brothers and sisters in some way, and by doing so, we are part of the solutions and healing that we know will take a long time.

It is a privilege to know that God walks with us. We are called to be vessels of grace to our learners, helping them to voice their fears and concerns, as well as vessels of care and compassion, urging them to learn ways of helping and sharing with others in need. What a great opportunity to brainstorm ways that they can be part of the answer and encouragers of people they have never met. That is powerful!

May God be with all suffering at this time, and with those of us seeking practical ways to help and serve in Christ’s name.