In times of crisis, Louisiana always rallies, unifies

Louisiana has its many, many faults.

No one at this paper, nor any other can debate that.

We’re last in statistics that it’s not good to be last. We struggle to compete in many areas it’s not good to be uncompetitive.

We are a place that others around the country poke at and prod because of the corruption, dishonesty and violence that have clouded the reputation we receive in the court of public opinion.

We deserve a lot of the criticism. The numbers don’t lie. There are many ways we can be better as a state. There is good, yes. But there is also a lot of bad.

But there is one area where Louisiana excels, and it’s a metric that was brought to light again this week – especially in Central Louisiana near Denham Springs and Baton Rouge.

When in times of crisis, Louisiana is the absolute best in the world at taking care of itself. Our people have one another’s back in times of crisis. Our people find ways to support one another – even when outside support isn’t present.

Our people know how to make the most of crummy situations, then find ways to come out of the storm and emerge stronger than ever.

Maybe it’s because we’ve been through it all so many times before.

We are a state that’s been crushed by hurricanes, oil spills and whatever other natural disaster one can think of.

But yet, it always remains the same – when things get tough, we don’t shrivel, nor fold.

Instead, we unite as one and help our people push through.

The flooding event this weekend in Baton Rouge is no different.

As soon as the water started to rise and people started to be in harm’s way, the wheels of unity started to churn within our state.

On social media, hundreds of posts from Houma-Thibodaux natives on Saturday offered prayers to those dealing with flooding. Many more shared photos and videos, offering to shed support however they could.

But Sunday as things got worse, those prayers turned to actions, as dozens took boats to the areas with water and physically helped to pull people out of dangerous situations and lead them to safety.

If unable to use a boat, others drove and volunteered their time and energy at shelters.

What’s great about Louisianians is that when in trouble, we develop a selfless, unconditional love for our neighbor that is unfortunately rare to see in today’s world.

On Sunday, countless businesses stepped up and offered food, clothing and supplies to those in need. Citizens took the items, loaded them onto trailers and trucked the gear to the area in hopes that something positive could be done to lend a hand.

To see that much camaraderie is special.

To see so much monetary support be lent during the current downturn in the economy is further proof what everyone in our state already knows: we will stop at nothing to help our own when things get tough.

Our deepest prayers are with the folks in Central Louisiana as they recover from the terrible events of the past week.

It is our sincerest hope that the waters will recede and life will get back to the closest resemblance of normal as possible – given the circumstance.

We also want to applaud all of the men and women in the community who have offered their time and resources to help.

Louisiana may be many things, but one thing we are not is selfless when in times of tragedy.

In fact, those are actually some of the moments where we show the world what we’re made of.

This is one of the best places in the country, and it’s because of the people’s loyalty to one another in crisis.

Louisiana has Louisiana’s back – always.

And the people of Central Louisiana are finding that out right now in their time of need.