Nothing happens without a cause, but causes are easier found and better understood than reasons. As of this writing, the Burmese people who were badly hit by Cyclone Nargis are still at the midst of indescribable suffering. Many are still in the state of shock or may be, still in the process of realizing the sorry situation they are in now, not knowing how to piece together whatever is left in their broken lives. This leads most people to question why things such as this happen.

Why, of all misfortunes, should one suffer such a magnitude that recovery seems so impossible? Many would even question God or even come to the point of questioning whether there is really God. Speculations came in different forms, all trying to give a reason behind the catastrophe. Scientists perhaps may say, it’s but a natural phenomenon, while some experts claim it was nature’s vengeance for the destructions caused by man. On the other hand, people of religion mention about the signs of times, and doomsday is peddled like news headlines.

Still others, say it was God’s wrath, punishing men for their evil deeds. What an easy excuse! I even heard a priest preaching that it was because of man’s oblivion of God that brought His anger unto them. But who can really say that? Who can really say whether a person forgets God or not? When the priest added that maybe those victims wallowed into pleasures and material enjoyment, and turned away from God, that they invited His punishment, I could not help but be sad.

If one will only look at those who have suffered much, he would not escape from seeing a large number of poor people composing most of those who had been devastated. People, whom, I doubt, never knew luxury than the company of their loved ones, in their common poverty. I do not say the priest was wrong or anyone who might be sharing his opinion, but I personally disagree with him. Honestly, I too seek for reasons. Because, I practically share the anguish of those who have lost their loved ones, homes, properties and even limbs. I even feel guilty for not being able to give as much as I want, to those who are greatly affected.

I could remember our own experience when Typhoon Reming hit the Philippines. My family was safe, and I thank God for that; but how I wished everybody should have been safe. Loss of properties is bearable, but how about losing practically everything one holds dear? Take for example the case of a man in Sangang Daan, Daraga; who lost his wife and two children while wading through the flood in a desperate attempt to save their lives..