Possessions can be replaced

But not life.

With all the urgent news coming out of North Dakota on the dangerous flooding and the threat of it worsening and spilling over the tenuous levees, I thought about Bishop Aquila up there and wondered what he’s telling his people in this emergency.

Here’s what:

As the waters of the Red River rise to record levels, Bishop of Fargo Samuel Aquila has emphasized the irreplaceable nature of human life and has praised the “wonderful” work of those combating the flood. He has also prayed for hope and strength for the disaster’s victims.

I called Aquila to be a guest on my former radio show after reading some of his writing. He’s a good shepherd.

Speaking to radio interviewer Scott Hennen on AM 1100 on Thursday night, he reported that a man who had no legs was there helping tie the sandbags.

“It’s a great witness. It’s a great morale booster. It’s wonderful to see how people are looking out for each other,” he said.

In his interview Bishop Aquila encouraged listeners to “focus on God and the presence of God in our lives,” noting that though material possessions can be replaced, “a human life, you can never replace.”

Those who have lost their homes to flood waters can take comfort in knowing “they still have their lives, they still have their families and those are the things that are most important to all of us.”

He’s in the middle of this himself, and may have to evacuate. But he’s doing all he can to help and encourage the people.

He also called for prayer, saying, “One of the important things we must do is really pray for the virtue of hope and keep our eyes on the future. If it means rebuilding the city, other cities have done it.

There’s a good message, even for people who aren’t besieged by flooding. From water, that is.