I’ve stayed away from this subject because I can’t think of adequate words to describe the depth of sorrow and empathy in my heart for everyone touched by this tragedy. Many blogs have been focused on it all week, the news has been filled with new and unfolding details, and all my conversations have been peppered with it as well.

What can one say in the face of such disaster?

My heart breaks for everyone who’s lost someone they love, for all those — especially mothers — who had to make a choice between saving one child and letting another, or all others, die, or risking death for all of them because she can’t save them all, for all who watched others, especially loved ones, swept away by raging waters or dragged under by currents or buried under debris or cannot find their loved ones now. I cannot fathom the nightmares the survivors have, or the pain they are in. Nor can I fathom how much work is ahead of them to continue to survive.

To say that this tragedy puts my life in perspective is, to me, to trivialize it. This isn’t about me at all. It has nothing to do with me and has only impacted me on an emotional level that is so far below what others are currently experiencing its hideously selfish to even mention.

What can be done now?

So many are in need. So many will never be the same. Perhaps that is good. Perhaps it was time for a change for this region of the world. Hopefully, as the people rebuild, they will be able to see new possibilities and realize a better future for everyone who is left than what they had before. But I fear that will be a long time in coming. These folks are in for a very long, hard climb out of the rubble.

I’ve been amazed and proud to see the outpouring of support and help that has flooded the region. I’ve been very encouraged by the major corporations who have kicked in millions to support the relief effort, and even more so by all the individuals who have given millions through Red Cross and other organizations.

All we can do now is continue that flow. Continue to pray, continue to send —- and perhaps even volunteer to go. My brother called me last night and as we talked he mentioned that  World Vision desperately needs people to go to the region (he lives in Seattle where their headquarters is). They have a huge amount of money that’s poured in for the effort and now all that’s missing is people to go and do. I admit, I was very tempted to sign up right then. I don’t know what I could do, but I’m ready to go do whatever I can.

Wendy has written a couple of good posts on the Tsunami, and ways we can help.

Beyond this, the best I can think to do is continually pray for all those affected by this tragedy. They need strength, grace and hope only God can give.