Catastrophe

 Word Origin: First recorded in 1570–80; from Greek katastrophḗ “an overturning,” from katastréphein “to overturn”;

 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them                                                                                                            Genesis 50:19-21

Well, that is quite the word to discuss! In looking into the root meaning of words, like I did yesterday with the word humility, today I look at the word catastrophe. I think we can all understand what a catastrophe is. Each of us, in our own way, has at one time encountered an event(s) that we would consider catastrophic.

Typically, we would define a catastrophe as a sudden, perhaps violent upheaval in our lives. Indeed, the word means “an overturning”. A catastrophe overturns the things we are used to, and it changes everything immediately. Sometimes it changes things dramatically, possibly forever.  

So, anything that changes what we are used to, or causes us to lose something or someone precious, can be a catastrophe. Yes, a catastrophe can cause that sudden upheaval, but it can also cause us to respond in a resilient way that can eventually be used for a good purpose. Anytime there is a sudden change, especially one we did not choose or anticipate, it is a shock to our system. However, once that shock is absorbed, we can learn, grow, adapt, and use it for good purpose.

It often takes time and support to weather such things, but in the long run, a catastrophe can become an entrance to a new start that may hold untold benefits that would never have been known without it.  

Prayer: Lord, I pray that the events that we see as catastrophic, can also bring new life and positive changes, Amen