Boundless Better, Boundless Worse

“This truth within my mind rehearse,
That in a boundless universe
Is boundless better, boundless worse.”

-Alfred, Lord Tennyson in “The Two Voices”

Tennyson’s line, “boundless better, boundless worse” has resonated well through the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast, as we watch how the victims in those parts respond to tragedy. On NBC’s “Today” show, Mississippi Governor Hailey Barbour said, “The truth is, a terrible tragedy like this brings out the best in most people, brings out the worst in some people.” How true.

On the one hand we watch in horror as ruthless men work to finish the devastating job begun by Mother Nature. Awful reports have come through the news of arsonists setting fires for no reason and looters cleaning out the local shops (how do these thugs expect to smuggle out their plunder?). A fully-functioning hospital in Gretna, LA asked to be evacuated after a supply truck carrying food, water and medical supplies was held up at gunpoint. In Hattiesburg, MS, a man fatally shot his sister in the head over a bag of ice. A nursing home bus was carjacked.

We’ve all heard about the Superdome’s chaos: Gunmen fired at military helicopters trying to airlift the sick and injured out of the Superdome; a man was beaten to death; another couldn’t take it anymore and leapt off a balcony to his death.

Then there are the less-violent crimes: price gouging at the gas pumps and hotels, taking advantage of charitable giving, and insurance fraud. Though these do not lead directly to death, they can, eventually.

The finger-pointing and immaturity of some in positions of influence has also been disappointing. The time will come for criticism, but right now our nation needs leadership. When local leaders use press conferences to blame the federal government, they do nothing but foment unnecessary anger. The tension is already thick enough. There’s enough blame to go around. How about getting to work? Even more repulsive are celebrities like rapper Kanye West, who said, “George Bush doesn't care about black people.” Thanks, Kanye, for that flash of genius.

The news, though, is not all bad. Times like these also lead to “boundless better.” Out of the rubble of despair new heroes are born. Local leaders like Mississippi Governor Hailey Barbour have inspired hurricane victims to move on. New stories surface every day about National Guard units, rescuers, and volunteers who are valiantly putting their lives on the line to save others.

It is especially encouraging to hear about Christians working quietly to contribute their time, money, and even their own homes to help the storm-ravaged refugees. You won’t hear their names; they won’t be running for office. The only Name glorified through their efforts will be the Name of Christ.

Jesus taught His disciples, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mt. 5:16). We must resist the temptation to focus on the lows to which men can stoop in times like these. True, the news can be disheartening. But don’t forget—in this boundless universe, a light is shining in the Gulf.