In our church service today, the youth minister preached about overcoming adversity, with emphasis on the victims of the tsunami. He related stories from the area, one concerning a man who said he lost his wife, children and at least 100 family members and friends. Along with that loss, he now had no home, no job, no co-workers. Nothing, NOTHING!
I remember the times in my life when I've faced a critical time. In every instance, I've had a home in which to take refuge. I've had family members to share in those critical times, and friends to support me in a way no one else can.
I began to really see what has happened. This man had no home in which to take refuge, no family to share his grief, no friends to bring him a warm bowl of soup, or comforting cake or bread. He had no one, NO ONE. This man is only one of thousands in the same position.
Then there is the man on one of the islands who was washed out to sea by the first wave, then a second wave landed him back on his island.........alone. After 20 plus days he was finally rescued waving a flag made from his clothes, wearing only his underwear. All this man owns is a pair of undershorts! No one else on his whole island survived!
Though this is a half a world a way from me, how can I not share in the grief and loss of these people? I've suffered loss of a child, a mother, a father, a sister, a brother, a mother-in-law, a father-in-law, brothers-in-law, 2 nephews, BUT - not all at one time. These losses were spread over an approximate 25-year period. I had time for one grief to lessen before another hit. This man and these people suffered all this loss in probably 1 hour or less. How can we not have compassion in view of all this?
What can I do? I am but one person. One with little material wealth, but much more than these people have. I have food on my table, my family, my capabilities and my compassion.
Many agencies are sending money, clothing, workers, and other aid. Our church will on Saturday, January 29, have a "Comfort Food Sale". Our church members will bake cakes, cookies, breads, soups and other comfort foods for a public sale. All proceeds will go to the Tsanami relief fund. I can cook! I can be there to assist in the sale. I can buy items my family can use. I can help! There is something for each one of us to do and if each one of us does what we can do, much will be accomplished. I can't as one do very much, but as one in 1000, I can do much.
Matthew 10:42
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
