This is an open letter to anyone who finds value in it. Enjoy!
Dear people,
As Hurricane Florence approached the coast of North Carolina, there began a slow-rising panic. There was a scramble for basic goods such as milk, bread, and non-perishable goods. Walking through the aisles at any grocery store, you were guaranteed to see all the bottled water gone and one lonely box of cookies left. That shocked me to see that everyone had bought junk food and snacks to survive the hurricane, but then it made sense; those are the foods that would survive the storm.
Everywhere on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill and beyond, the battle cry became "Stay safe." Never have I had so many random strangers make a comment about my well-being with the impending storm on its way. What truly hit home and made the seriousness of the hurricane sink in, were those two words, because they were on the lips of virtually everyone.
It always seems to me, that the only time there is a mass concern for the other human beings around you, is when you share a mutual impending situation of danger. This wide-spread fear and concern, are often what brings people together. And isn't it true, that when the threat of death or serious injury is near, we reveal our secrets and concern for others as a way to find comfort? In a perfect world, this would not be the case.
There should be a genuine concern no matter the weather or the day.
But I write this article not to condone everyone, but instead to show the type of generosity and kindness that we are capable of. In the days during and after the worst of the storm, I have seen numerous posts about donating your unused clothing, food and water, and other goods, so that families who were more seriously affected, could be eased of their burden in some small fraction.
This is a marvelous idea, and it is not just families affected by natural disasters, but many families year-round that would benefit from these types of small acts of kindnesses.
Students on campus who left to be with their families or out of the path of the storm are now having to travel back to campus. In an effort to help keep everyone safe, Facebook groups have been made in order to provide information about safe routes back to campus and other questions about the aftermath. This type of people-helping-people is just what we need in a world creating separated people.
Instead of using these events as excuses to be kind, use them as times to practice the kindness that already is displayed. Even small acts of kindness shouldn't be overlooked because the result is positive.
It was strange to me how all of a sudden, two words started to spread and inspire hope and comfort in people all over, and that people can do so much when they view each other as simply humans too.
So let Hurricane Florence be a signal of hope for the human race and do something nice because chances are, someone will do it for you.
