And the eye-opening continues. In pictures posted online by the Wall Street Journal, it is easy to see the tragedy of the situation. (WSJ Strong Earthquake Strikes Japan) In a video posted on YouTube, buildings can be seen swaying, demonstrating their architectural prowess. (Skyscrapers Sway during Japan Earthquake) And perhaps the scariest of all are the news reports of damaged nuclear reactors and the efforts to contain them. (WSJ Japan Tries Using Seawater to Cool Damaged Reactor)
We live in a global society. That is well-proved through social media as we connect quickly with stories from around the world. However, no matter how well we network or raise money and awareness for causes, geological forces and weather remain outside our grasp. We would do well to remember that as we plan for our future.
But today, that just doesn't matter. There are people, more than 9,000 from one small coastal town alone, who are missing. People must first be made secure. Then there will be infrastructure to rebuild, and lives to reconstruct. The US Air Force and Navy have been deployed to help Japan's own Self-Defense Forces; the Red Cross is at the ready, and Japan reports more than 70 specialist rescue teams have offered their services.
What should nonprofits, service clubs and individuals do? If the last global relief effort taught us anything, I believe it taught us to wait for direction. And pray. And perhaps share a positive message by reciting the Optimist Creed aloud. There is nothing wrong with sending a positive message to the world, to God, to others around us, and to the universe. It's true, positive thoughts help heal all wounds.
Download your copy of the Optimist Creed here.