It has been said that optimism is going after Moby Dick in a rowboat; chutzpah is taking tartar sauce with you! Chutzpah is defined as extreme self confidence, nerve, gall or audacity.
During the last week dealing with the aftermath of Michael on the Florida panhandle and southwest Georgia (wiregrass) area, I choose to use the word Chutzpah to describe these folks who are victims of the storm. They are calling on every ounce of extreme self confidence they have!
Most of the folks I know in this area, have no power, no gasoline, no water, and no immediate hope of internet and cable services. Yet, they go out every day with their saws, their tools, their strong backs and offer to help out their neighbors, friends or strangers who need assistance while trying to take care of their own losses. That’s Chutzpah
My cousin, Gene, sets out every day to help one person, but he says on his way, ten others are asking him to help them, and of course, he does -that’s chutzpah.
The hospital in my hometown of Donalsonville is running on power provided by generators to keep patients alive and comfortable. They have no power for air conditioning (and believe me they still need it), computer services or heating water. My friends there are putting out appeals to put hospitals first on the list – that’s chutzpah.
The lineman who work tirelessly to restore power are in staging areas near there and working through countless trees which are down on streets and roads everywhere. I can’t imagine the countless hours they are putting in to help those in need – that’s chutzpah.
The wait for gasoline to power cars, trucks, etc. can stretch into two hours at gas stations and until yesterday, the folks had to go to Dothan or surrounding areas to fill up their tanks. It takes chutzpah.
Many farmers who had picked some cotton already and stored their crops in storage bins lost the storage bins in the storm. The crops that could survive need gins, dryers, and warehouses which are mostly lost as well. My Daddy was a farmer, and I know that farmers live and die by weather. This is bad for them, yet they all have chutzpah, and I don’t see any of them giving up.
Amidst all this, every time I call to check on them, the response is always the same, “We are hurting, but God is good, and we will get through this together.” Chutzpah.
Tonight while we in the unaffected areas are watching television after a hot meal in our comfortable homes, please don’t forget those who are hurting, and please pray for all the affected areas and people. They may have chutzpah, but they can use all the help they can get!
Diane, prayers for so many who have been affected by this devastating hurricane, as well as Gene and many others who are aiding the victims. May God be with them all.
Charlotte
Diane, this is wonderful and I can’t imagine what your family and friends are having to deal with. However, we know God will be with them and look after them.