?Just Help?

The apocalyptic bleakness of destruction blurs the mind ? why? why them? Questions have been asked, answers given, nature has talked. If this is our plight, watching television images thousands of miles away, what could be the state of those bearing the full force of this attack? Those who are dead and gone, may their souls rest in peace. Those who are struggling to survive are desperate, they need us. Something inexplicable has happened down there that demands respect. As the haziness clears, this global warning is calling upon our compassion and generosity. No one can remain indifferent to so much despair, we all want to help, but how?

International Organisations have assessed the immediate needs of the survivors, namely water and food, clothing, a house and medical means to fight epidemics. Each one of us can help in any way within our means, let?s get organised. Let?s not wait for government initiatives. Individual efforts can bring all the momentum, energy and focus required to gather contributions and despatch them to destination. Individual prayers, offered with sincerity, can achieve miracles. Let?s do it.

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

● Concrete actions

Help materially, physically and spiritually, give your time, give your energy.

On a material level, giving something ranges from things you do not need, eg: used clothes, to something you can spare from your kitchen, a can of beans, up to a real sacrifice and giving away something you yourself like: instead of getting a new cell phone, give the money to help.

On a physical level, organise your family, friends, company, community or be part of a group giving help, communicate to awaken people, make your children and others understand the meaning of this disaster, and learn to be compassionate.

On a spiritual level, think about the disaster, and how lucky you are. Share this joy with others. Give a thought, a prayer. One of the greatest spiritual help you can give is to be mindful and to overlook small things which disturb you, and to remain peaceful, and to give peace. The atmosphere is already so charged with grief and fear. Differences among people will always be there, this is a time to forgive and forget. Help by giving universally, and wish that everyone receives help, even if it is not directly from you, then at least from some other sources.

Ponder on this Tibetan saying:

?Who knows whichever will come first: tomorrow or your next life.?

Just HELP.

Kim Leung DARGA Sunyta D. KINNOO Veronik POMPON