Keeping a Small Business Alive Despite Severe Calamity

When typhoon Ketsana hit the Philippines, many Filipinos were
caught unprepared. It was a Saturday morning. The 26th of
September. Rain was light at about 6:00 a.m. Many commuters and
cars were on the road even at that early time. When the rain
started to pour heavily at about 8:00 a.m., little did Manila
city-dwellers know that the rain would cause many rivers to
overflow - with some areas being flooded and engulfing houses up
to their second floor!

The downpour only occured a few hours, but it was intense. About
8-9 hours of very heavy rain. It caused so much damage to lives
and property. Crops and businesses were greatly affected. Ponds
of fish and alligator farms had their enclosures broken. People
on the streets and cars were not only stranded, but had to move
submerged in neck-high water. It was a day that no one expected.
A day that place many individuals and families in grave danger.

In all the reports that came in, what surprised us was a radio
interview of a woman who had a sari-sari store (something like
a small Pop-and-Mom convenience store which sells basic food
commodities needed for a day). When the floods rushed in, this
small business woman immediately acted, obtaining help from her
family members, and placed all her commodities on the top of her
roof. It is quite amazing what she did. When bancas (small boats)
passed by her roof to ferry people away from their flooded area,
she was able to sell a few food stuffs to the hungry passengers
on the bancas. I do not know what to call what she did, but she
really is to be commended for not only saving her small business,
but also helping others regain strength to survive the stress of
the calamity.

The example of this woman can inspire many of us who often are
tempted to panic or feel helpless in times of extreme adversity.
This woman teaches us a lesson in how to overcome adversity not
only for oneself but also for others. Perhaps it was reason that
guided her more than emotions. Her example helps us to see how we
can use our intelligence so that we can survive. In a way, this
small businesswoman was also lucky. It was a good thing that the
floods in her area did not rise any further. Otherwise, her small
food commodities for sale at the top of her roof would also have
been swept away by the surging floods.

This true story (as reported on local radio) can remind us of the
gospel. In many passages of the gospels - especially those
towards the end chapters - we hear Jesus teaching his hearers
always to be vigilant and to be prepared. He even taught parables
on the importance of being watchful. "Watch and pray" were His
important words to His apostles. If we nurture this spirit
within us, perhaps when something like Ketsana suddenly irrupts
and strikes, we may be ready to act like the woman who brought
all her store items to the top of her roof. She continued her
business of serving those who needed even a small morsel of bread
to keep up their strength against the Ketsana calamity.