Human Spirit. What does this mean to you? Is it “ordinary people doing extraordinary things?” Is it “finding the strength to carry on when times are tough?” Whatever the definition by words, I have witnessed an amazing wave of human spirit throughout our State in the past few weeks.
As many of you have heard, Queensland in Australia is suffering one of its worst natural disasters on record. I am living in an area which experienced the “Inland Tsunami”, and the clean up and rebuilding has begun and the search for missing people is in full force. Meanwhile in other areas, flood waters have affected over 75% of our beautiful State with many people losing their homes and livelihoods. Some towns have experienced numerous flooding episodes in recent months.
The one thing that has prevailed through all this is the spirit of the people, not just those directly affected, but others throughout Australia and indeed the World. I am touched by the generosity and heartfelt emotion, and the dogged determination to rebuild lives and communities. Complete strangers offering homes, food and clothing. Communities cleaning up after the flood water has subsided. Volunteers working hand in hand with Government and charitable organizations to clean homes and businesses and streets, working tirelessly to get the job done.
My daughter penned this poem which epitomizes her feelings – The Human Spirit, which in the words of Anna Bligh, our Premier – “We are the People They Breed Tough. This weather may break our hearts, but it will not break our will, and in the coming months, we will prove that beyond doubt. Together we will pull through this”
The Human Spirit Calm your mind, you need to rest We need all our strength to be our best. There is no room for anger when there is so much despair it is so easy to fall down and get trapped in the void of a personal lair. Australians have bent before and the time has come again Together we will work and as one we will stand Queenslanders……..we are just that Gear up people, “Who’s stepping up to bat?” Even though we are spread far and wide Together we will sweep our beautiful land with a new tide. We may be a little damp right now but it will not soak our core because each of us will keep working even if we are sore. The loss feels so vast right now that it feels like it will never stop But the only way to rebuild is to start with a simple mop Some of us may be barely floating, But that means we are still on top. We may feel a little scared, but that won’t make us stop. We are Aussie Battlers under rain, hail or sun And today, this week, this year and forever more We stand united as one.Danielle Freeman 13 January 2011
Sure is rough what’s been happening over there Brenda, but that’s Australia for you. It’s a tough country that has over time built a population that has that toughness built into it’s core. We are truly one. Whatever it has thrown at us, whether it be tornadoes, bushfires drought or flood we will always band together to help each other out.
That is of course unless politics comes into it, but that’s not the Aussies fault, those pollies are another breed altogether.
A lovely poem.
Thanks Sire – it has been an incredible force of nature, but through it all, the one thing that stands out is the sense of community which has shone through.
Thousands of people have volunteered to help complete strangers get rid of the foot of mud in their homes, and in many cases remove destroyed buildings. Clothing, food and furniture has been donated, and people are there with a shoulder to cry on.
Australia has certainly lived up to its image of the land of “droughts and flooding rains”.
Looks like the Vics are getting a taste of it as well. We’ve had some up in Mt Gambier and a few other areas but nothing compared to what you guys have had to put up with.
I’ve heard another group of our CFS are flying over there to replace a group that’s tuckered out. Good Aussies in action.
Hi Brenda,
I love that poem! The human spirit is amazing. It’s well demonstrated and in the midst of crisis, it brings people together to uplift and support each other. Just like the recent AZ shooting. Even though I’m far away but it reminds us all how fragile life is and the importance of appreciating the life you do have right now.
Janette Stoll
So very true Janette.
A friend gave me a quote about 5 minutes ago – “Recognise your survival and say hello to the rest of your life”.
Appreciation for what we have is certainly at the forefront of many peoples lives right now.
My heart and prayers go out to you all ‘down under’ going through the floods. I live in an area of the U.S. that has, in some areas, seen its share of flooding too throughout the years. I know its a mess, I pray for Gods strength to enter the hearts of all there.
Your daughter is fortunate to have inherited her mothers spirit. What a lovely poem. She is talented and should feed her talent.
Thank you Christy. My daughter is very talented, and I am very proud to be her mother.
Through the sadness from these floods, an amazing spirit has shone through with the people of the State, and indeed the country and around the world. Thousands of people have volunteered their time to help with the immense clean up, and the support is amazing. Thank you
The poem is beautiful.
When the tragedy is deep the human spirit to help and protect one another does often show its self in wonderful ways!
Its funny just recently I made a delightful Australian friend on Facebook, have a new Australian client and now have been introduced to your blog. . .time to have a “cuppa” and ponder….if a Koala bear is in our future…:- D.
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Katybeth – sounds like a wonderful idea to visit for a “cuppa and cuddle a koala”. It truly is a wonderful country. The human spirit which has come to the fore in recent times is amazing.
Brenda,
Thanks so much for such an uplifting post. While disasters are horrible, it is incredible to watch the human spirit rise to it’s highest and best expression in response. And your daughter is such a talented poet, congratulations on that.
Wish you the best in these challenging times,
Adam
Thank you Adam. You are right – seeing the bus loads of people coming in from other areas to help mend fences, clean out the mud, and help put the communities back to a sense of normality has been amazing.
People from all backgrounds and ages coming together working as one, and the help continues.
I will pass your comments to Danielle – she is very talented
So sorry Brenda, I heard about the flood disaster too. Yaro Starak of entrepreneurs-journey also mentioned it on his blog. Truly, the human spirit is highly capable of achieving the impossible especially in a time of great disaster. There is something about us that makes we human come together in a time of distress to become a source of hope to one another.
This has certainly happened. People from all around the country are coming together to help rebuild. We are capable of anything we set our mind to
So sorry to hear that momma 🙂
All will be well with you all in no time. You just have to calm down and keep praying to God to help you out. Been in this kind of situation is not a good thing at all. But never think too much, all will be WELL (Amen)
Thank you Samuel.
My family and I are safe and suffered no damage. However, people have lost their homes and in some cases their lives.
It is wonderful how the whole world has come together to offer help in these times. People are wonderful.
Hi Brenda,
In such times, the best thing we can do is pray to God and depend on him. This is really the best we can do. Also, helping each other in such cases is crucial. Thanks for sharing
Dia, thank you for your comments.
Helping each other is indeed crucial and has been happening, and being received from all around the country. People have been taking action to help with the clean up and also donating money to rebuild homes and infrastructure.
Nice poetry Possum and Brenda I love your work!!! xx
Thank you Linda. Danielle (Possum) has a real talent and I am happy to share her writing here.
Thank you for your comment
Aw, this was a very inspiring post. Such tragic circumstances, but as you said – so much human spirit has shone through
Great job. Really good stuff here.
WOW! I love that poem! It just shows you that even through hell or rain the fight and will to live overcome everything that comes your way! No matter what or who we are as people things like this will always work out because you can knock over one match with a simple blow but you can’t when we all stand together helping each other up when one gets knocked down!
Thank you for visiting Mind Recipes Elizabeth.
This poem was written by my daughter and I loved the sentiment through it.
Community spirit is a wonderful thing. When tragedy occurs we can all band together. As a society to do this in our everyday lives is the key. Standing together in unity rather than segregation!
When times are tough – it is good to know that people can pull together. Wish it happened more often
Love this story and the emotions
What a beautiful poem
I watched in horror as this story unfolded. Thank you for sharing a different light on this tragedy.
Beautiful post – turning tragedy to triumph
We always see in the news about human tragedy stories – good to see some light at the end of the tunnel and how it can bring communities together
Good post. I learned something new from this.