Power loss--add this to the list of misfortunes which befall us. In our community, over the years people have endured death in the family, illness, fires and natural disasters. In early April, an untimely ice storm left over 200,000 area homes without power. Although most of us endure an occasional power outage for a few hours at a time, this episode impacted lives and homes for nearly a week. Food spoiled, people shivered, and lives were turned upside down.

My family was lucky. We were spared. But nonetheless, the power outage reminded me how much we come to rely on power sources. Our lives have become far too dependent on the utility companies. Not only for cooking and hot water, but also to operate our computers and televisions. A generation ago, our standard telephones were not impacted by electricity. But a power outage today inactivates the modern cordless phones.

Power loss is a loaded phrase. It refers not only to losing the ability to use electrical appliances, but also to the larger issue of feeling helpless and out of control.

Power, having it and wanting it, dominates too much of our existence. We associate power with people who have money or physical strength, or people in positions of authority. And we feel that the rest of us, the ordinary among us, are far less in control of our destinies.

Similar to one whose electricity is not working, an ordinary person might say, "I am powerless--I hope for good health, a loving family, admiring friends, a strong economy, a safe world--I hope for these things, but what can I really do?"

When I successfully lost weight four years ago, one of the things which motivated me was noticing that I truly felt in control over an aspect of my life. It was a great feeling.

The trick is that we're not so lacking in power as we might otherwise believe. Alcoholics Anonymous, and the various other Twelve Steps programs, call upon adherents to have a belief in a Higher Power. No matter what happens, no matter how challenging the circumstances, belief in God can get us through many a difficult period in our lives.

Because of God's power, we are alive. We live in a world created with us in mind--a world which needs our attention, but brings far more benefit to our lives than challenges. Because of the power of God, we are endowed with varying degrees of intelligence and sensitivity. Because of God, we have reason to be hopeful for the future, even in the face of darkness, and we have the incentive to do the best we can to improve ourselves and the world around us.

During the recent wave of power outages, as much as I felt bad for those impacted by the loss, I was also impressed by the goodness which resulted. Neighbors reached out to one another, friends and relatives opened their doors to those in need, and people found the inner strength and creativity to cope with the unfortunate turn of events.