Have you ever read a newspaper headline and your heart just sank or you felt a little sick? That was what happened today when I read the headline on cnn.com: Myanmar deaths may top 100,000. 100,000 people may have died! I looked up some figures to put that number in perspective. About 3,000 people were killed on 9-11. 1,500 died in Hurricane Katrina. 4,000 US troops have died in Iraq. That means that more than 10 times as many people may have lost their lives in the cyclone that in these three other tragedies combined. COMBINED. And the loss of life is not the only catastrophe. There is already a food shortage that officials worry could last up to 18 or 24 months. In some places over 95% of buildings and houses were destroyed. This is a tragedy of epic proportions.
Yet, I turn on the tv and am seeing a lot of stories about the US presidential primary, the possible economic recession, the tax rebates, etc. It kind of makes me wonder where our perspective is? It also makes me feel rather helpless.
So, if you read this, please consider joining me in doing one of two things:
- Pray for all the people of Myanmar.
- Consider donating money (even if it is just a tiny bit) to the Red Cross International Response Fund.
Also, if it is on your heart, talk about this or forward this to your friends and family.
