As the full horror of the devastation caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami two days ago in Japan begins to unfold before our eyes, you can't help but notice that the phrase #prayforjapan is trending on Twitter, being reported by several newspapers and is being taken up by celebrities across the globe.
At times like this people like to feel that they are making a contribution no matter how small and many people do this by praying however, a few derisive and derogatory comments have been creeping onto the internet on various forums and on the comment sections of newspaper reports. These comments are mainly rubbishing the idea of people praying for Japan and several comments suggest that instead of praying we should all basically get up off our backsides and do something.
Now, I am in no way, shape or form a religious person although I do believe that there is something, a greater power, out there and I respect those who follow their religion, regardless of what that religion is. I think it's very important for people to have something to believe in and to fall back on for comfort in times of sorrow. It's also good to be able to share joy and happiness and all of this can be done through prayer. When any disaster occurs people pray. We feel helpless in the face of overwhelming devastation and hope that by praying, in some small way, we can make things better. Somehow I can't imagine the global rescue teams welcoming thousands of people from around the world into Japan to 'help' with the rescue effort as has been suggested in some of the comments and so, apart from donating money, the only other thing left to do is to pray.
And so I shall continue to pray for the people of Japan and also for the people of New Zealand and for people all over the world living in terrible conditions. I shall pray that somehow they will be able to get through the dark days ahead and that, in time, they will be able to get their lives back in some small way although I'm sure for many, life will never be the same again.
It's not much to ask so please everyone, PRAY FOR JAPAN.
Until the next time,
Denise x
At times like this people like to feel that they are making a contribution no matter how small and many people do this by praying however, a few derisive and derogatory comments have been creeping onto the internet on various forums and on the comment sections of newspaper reports. These comments are mainly rubbishing the idea of people praying for Japan and several comments suggest that instead of praying we should all basically get up off our backsides and do something.
Now, I am in no way, shape or form a religious person although I do believe that there is something, a greater power, out there and I respect those who follow their religion, regardless of what that religion is. I think it's very important for people to have something to believe in and to fall back on for comfort in times of sorrow. It's also good to be able to share joy and happiness and all of this can be done through prayer. When any disaster occurs people pray. We feel helpless in the face of overwhelming devastation and hope that by praying, in some small way, we can make things better. Somehow I can't imagine the global rescue teams welcoming thousands of people from around the world into Japan to 'help' with the rescue effort as has been suggested in some of the comments and so, apart from donating money, the only other thing left to do is to pray.
And so I shall continue to pray for the people of Japan and also for the people of New Zealand and for people all over the world living in terrible conditions. I shall pray that somehow they will be able to get through the dark days ahead and that, in time, they will be able to get their lives back in some small way although I'm sure for many, life will never be the same again.
It's not much to ask so please everyone, PRAY FOR JAPAN.
Until the next time,
Denise x
Comments
I too have been deeply moved by the scenes happening in Tokyo, its just unbelievable and trying to understand what they must be going through is nigh on impossible.
Its human nature to want to help out in someone else's hour of need but as you say, knowing exactly what to do can be difficult; too many cooks and all that. My thoughts have been with them since I first saw the headlines and I too have been hoping, and I suppose in my own way praying, that the worst has passed and they can start to repair the damage.
Here's to the Red Cross and troops that are doing a fantastic job at the scene.
Heather