I'm still a bit at a loss as to what to say. I've watched hours of TV footage, read the papers, cried a lot, and still I'm a bit stuck. I think in many ways that that is a right response. I should maybe just shut up now, but that would be out of character- so a few thoughts.
Again, we see the different life value that is placed on Western and non Western lives. In Phuket, the local victims have been burned, the Europeans stored. God we're sorry that we think that we are more important because we have more stuff.
This is a huge disaster. But lest we forget that 30,000 plus people die every day from hunger and water related issues. God we're sorry that it takes something so huge to shake our complacenecy.
Observationally- this is a key moment for the future existence of the UN. The US's early reaction was an interesting insight into the future of international relations. God we pray for right solutions, for integrity and honesty as we move forward.
As I write I'm watching the Archbishop of Canterbury- challenging us to act on a small scale rather than just looking at the big picture. God, make us aware of what we can do.
I went to a wedding yesterday, a day of great celebration, of great love. I think we all felt a bit weird enjoying that in the midst of what is happening. It was the first time we had gathered to worship as a community since the tsunami hit. And in the opening hymn I began to realise that God is in this. In many ways its ironic, some may find it sick, I found it a glimpse of God.
"Here is love, vast as the ocean, loving kindness as the flood.
When the prince of life, our ransom, shed for us, His precious blood"
God, would you reveal your loving hand in all this. Be merciful, show grace, bring comfort, inspire justice, be glorified. So be it.
Again, we see the different life value that is placed on Western and non Western lives. In Phuket, the local victims have been burned, the Europeans stored. God we're sorry that we think that we are more important because we have more stuff.
This is a huge disaster. But lest we forget that 30,000 plus people die every day from hunger and water related issues. God we're sorry that it takes something so huge to shake our complacenecy.
Observationally- this is a key moment for the future existence of the UN. The US's early reaction was an interesting insight into the future of international relations. God we pray for right solutions, for integrity and honesty as we move forward.
As I write I'm watching the Archbishop of Canterbury- challenging us to act on a small scale rather than just looking at the big picture. God, make us aware of what we can do.
I went to a wedding yesterday, a day of great celebration, of great love. I think we all felt a bit weird enjoying that in the midst of what is happening. It was the first time we had gathered to worship as a community since the tsunami hit. And in the opening hymn I began to realise that God is in this. In many ways its ironic, some may find it sick, I found it a glimpse of God.
"Here is love, vast as the ocean, loving kindness as the flood.
When the prince of life, our ransom, shed for us, His precious blood"
God, would you reveal your loving hand in all this. Be merciful, show grace, bring comfort, inspire justice, be glorified. So be it.
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