No one was sure where exactly Hurricane Florence was going to do her damage, but all seemed sure it would be brutal. They were right. We prepared for the storm where we lived, but were only touched by the outer edges of the storm. Some trees down, scattered areas of lost power, some flooding. As I stood outside in the wind, watching the clouds race by overhead while the storm raged on the coast, I couldn’t help but think how different things are for those on the edge of storms.

I couldn’t apply what I was experiencing as universal to everyone. While we were getting rain and some wind, areas at the coast were getting pounded and torn apart. While I could sympathize with those who were hardest hit, I didn’t directly experience it myself. To assume that I understood the physical and emotional toll that those in the direct path of the storm endured would be foolish. It’s best for those of us on the edge of the storm to remain humble, eager to listen, and ready to help however we can.

The same is true of racial violence, sexual discrimination, poverty, and many other issues. I’ve never been afraid because of the color of my skin. I’ve never worried that my gender would leave me making less than others in my field of employment. While money was tight growing up, I’ve never been evicted from my home. I’ve never had to miss a meal because there was no food.

Problems arise when people on the edge of the storms assume they understand those who have been most powerfully hit by it. We can see the impact, hear the numbers, but we don’t fully know. We have to stay humble, eager to listen, and ready to help however we can.

Stay humble, keep listening, and help however you can.