Dear Friends and Members of Shepherd of the Hills,
It has been a wild month. Lord, have mercy on our community here in Ruidoso. I wanted to talk with you about “disaster fatigue.” Right now we live in two communities simultaneously. We live in a community that is enjoying the vitality and joy of our mountain getaway. We also live in a community that is in the thick of dealing with disaster after disaster: floods, dilapidated infrastructure, displaced families and lives lost.
Disaster fatigue is when the brain’s capacity for empathy is overtaxed, leading to emotional withdrawal as a coping mechanism. Emotional withdrawal is difficult because it makes us cold to the hurts of the world around us, and we know this feels wrong. This is an action our brains take to protect us. But what does our faith have to say about dealing with all that we are experiencing in Ruidoso?
First, we live in a fallen world. This is what we expect and is a sign that something greater is on the horizon. Romans 8:19-22 says, "19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.” “The pains of childbirth” point toward that moment when something new will come into being. In the midst of our disaster fatigue, we remember this is “normal” for this world and at the same time we look forward to a new creation.
Second, God is sovereign and as humans we are still responsible. "16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Col 1:16-17) God is sovereign yet He permits disasters as part of His complex will in a fallen world. Rather than despairing or growing apathetic, we as people of faith are called to trust in God’s goodness and respond actively. The scriptures teach us that faith produces good works, including our acts of love and service. Disaster fatigue can be countered by focusing on God’s command to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:39), even when it feels overwhelming. Not to say that any of this is easy.
Third, let’s make this practical. How do we respond in a way that honors the reality of our mental state now and the commands of God’s Word?
Prayer and worship. Pray, for it is in prayer that our worries, fatigues and fears for ourselves and our neighbors are addressed by a sovereign God who loved us enough to send his Son. Be renewed. Isaiah 40:31, "31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Come to the Divine Service on Sundays and be rooted in the Word and Sacrament, which reorients us toward hope and community.
Continue in our communal efforts we have here at SHLC to love and serve our neighbors. We have a way to help: Spiritual First Aid, LERT, donations, and Christmas families. Let us be content in the role we are playing in the help of our community instead of burdened by a sense of “shouldn’t we be doing more?” When we are needed, we are ready to respond as you already have. Be at peace.
Guard against apathy. There is a temptation toward apathy in the midst of disaster fatigue. Let us resist this apathy by clinging to God’s Word and serving others, even in small ways. We are called to confess the truth and live faithfully according to the Lord’s commands, but don’t confuse yourself with the Savior of the World. Only He can bring healing and restoration. A compassionate heart is a beautiful thing: guard it against exhaustion by being compassionate for those who the Lord has called you to (as opposed to caring for every soul impacted by this disaster.)
Finally, hope in the Gospel. Your worth and strength comes from Christ and what he has given to you through his death and resurrection, not your capacity to solve every crisis. You are a baptized child of God, made in His image, bearing His name, and forgiven of your sin…God be praised!
Trust in the promise of a new creation as we hear in God’s Word. Isaiah 65:17, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.” Revelation 21:1-4 says, “1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.””
This promise of a new creation gives us hope that transcends our exhaustion and encourages our perseverance. We believe, teach, and confess, that God has indeed given His daily bread to us and all people. Why should tomorrow be any different?
Take heart, my friend, if your tender and compassionate heart is tired. Disaster fatigue is a real thing. Left to our own strength and will to bear up, we and our community are certainly to be pitied. This is not our reality. The strong right hand of the Lord bears with us the weight of a community in need, gives us hope and restoration when required and offers us rest and contentment through His Holy Spirit bestowed upon us in the waters of our baptism.
It has been a wild month here in the mountains of Ruidoso. Be at peace. It is all still in the Lord’s hands. Now, let’s get back to work.
In His Love and Service,
Pastor Rust