I could not bring myself to post on the devastation I have witnessed via television from the Haiti earthquake until now. I use my blog as a journal, and I really want my children to know one day the feelings and impact that this moment in history has had on so many. First of all up to date, the death toll has reached 110,000 people, and may end up as high as 200,000. I cannot fathom that number. Growing up in a midsize town of 65,000 people, I cannot imagine the whole town dying and then the surrounding smaller towns included. It is so horrific and the way we can be there via television and internet, it has been overwhelming for so many to sit and watch the event unfold.
Of course we can give our resources, and praise God we all are doing that through our churches and relief efforts by so many wonderful organizations. We can pray for the people who have lost so many loved ones and for the thousands of people left homeless, sick and in fear of their future. And most of all continue to support these loving people by continuing to support them as a country to help them get back on their feet physically and spiritually. I read an amazing blog post from some wonderful American Christians who were there in Haiti and shared there experiences. You can go here to read this account from the Beth Moore blog.
Just over the last several days I have been sick with a stomach bug, and couldn't do much of anything but lay and watch tv. I was unable to eat, barely move, and felt like I had been hit by a truck. However, my temporary sickness was absolutely a blessing because it was temporary, I was surrounding by my loved ones who cared for me, had warm bed, a roof over my head, food nearby and hope. I sat in my bed and just prayed for those hundreds of thousands of people in need, and those who felt hopeless. I begged God to give them hope in Him, and to send his favor and blessings on the people in such desperate need. I see God answering those prayers through so many people. So many have given their talents, their finances and their many resources to help the people of Haiti. On every channel I watch, people are finding ways to support the relief efforts and get involved in making a difference locally, nationally and globally. However, I never want to forget that God is the Lord of all, and it is Him alone who we put our hope in and our assurance for all things.
Psalm 46 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. "
