“We will guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride.”

This is a phrase from a song used a lot in Christian circles a generation ago. I was reminded of it when I was thinking about the challenge of maintaining self-respect when one is unable to be self sufficient. The victims of Hurricane Katrina didn’t just lose their homes; they lost their ability to provide for their families. Dignity and confidence are harder to restore than homes. Natural disasters don’t destroy dignity, but the results of disasters make people’s dignity and confidence more vulnerable. Many of the people most impacted by Hurricane Katrina were already struggling to hold on to the lower rungs of the socio-economic ladder. We do not live in a classless society and nobody is more keenly aware of this than the “have nots.”

I’ll admit I’m not at the point where I adequately guard the dignity and pride of those on the other end of the spectrum from the famous, wealthy, intellectual, or good looking.