Response to Disaster
Posted on 06. Apr, 2010 by Angie Wyatt in Blog
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We are all horrified at the tragic disaster that recently struck our brothers and sisters in Haiti. How could an earthquake of this magnitude have happened? Have we not just waved goodbye to a decade wrought with disaster? The question on everyone’s mind is … Why?
When disaster strikes, people shocked and appalled immediately begin asking ‘Why?’ Why did God let this happen? God is big enough to handle our toughest questions. It’s safe to come to him with our doubts, fears and even our why’s. The danger lies, not in asking the question, but in attempting to answer it. Our finite human answers always fall short. We end up confusing the situation and hurting people.
Recently, Pat Robertson attempted to answer why this earthquake killed so many people in Haiti. He explained that there was witchcraft in the nation, thereby implying that the earthquake was God’s wrath. To see the clip, click here. Imagine how this response must feel to the woman crying out to God over her child’s body lying dead in the street! Perhaps this was even a god-fearing woman?
We cannot know why disaster strikes. And, we must not misrepresent God’s heart in the midst of our confusion and distress. God doesn’t think like us, it’s impossible for us to fully understand Him. This is a great mystery that we learn to accept as we continue in Spiritual Wellness.
5 Questions for a Spiritual Wellness Response to Disaster.
1. God, what do you want to say to me during this time?
2. God, where were you when this happened?
3. God, is there something I can do to bring light to this darkness?
4. God, how do you want me to pray for both others and myself?
5. God, do you have a promise for me to hold onto while I grieve?
Connect with God when disaster strikes in your personal life, or in the world around you. He is your stabilizing force in a chaotic world.
What is God saying to you during this crisis in Haiti? Share your thoughts and leave a comment.
If you wish to donate to a Haiti relief fund, I recommend World Vision.
9 Responses to “Response to Disaster”
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Donna
13. Jul, 2010
Hi Angie,
Thank you for this great blog. Yes, it is so hard to see the tragic sights as they continue to unfold in the lives of so many of our brothers and sisters in Haiti.
I don’t for a minute believe that God caused that natural disaster. I do believe that He put us on this earth with the free will to make choices. For one, we have chosen where and how to build our societies. There are natural consequences as a result and some of them are very painful.
We will continue to see God work through his people as we choose to help one another through this latest natural disaster. Christ is represented in all of us when we love others and help in their healing. He told us that He has no other hands and feet but ours. My prayer is that the ones who question God without reaching out in love will decide to do something loving and productive as a result of the disaster in Haiti.
Thanks Angie for helping people understand that they can do something good and they can grow in love as a result of this tragedy. DMS
Jan-Michael
13. Jul, 2010
Yes, Angie it is hard to see another tragedy and on the poorest but we can pray, keep the hurt or distressed in our thoughts and see how He opens hearts across the world.
I do remember a Minister asking the congregation to stretch out our arms and look at our hands. “Those are the hands of God you are looking at” said the Minister. It was a powerful message that has stayed with me, And I think when someone speaks helpfully on a Blog or to followers or friends “That can be as the voice of HIM”.
I am shocked that Pat Robertson would suggest witchcraft in Haiti as possibly a reason for God’s punishment with an earthquake!!! If God wanted to wipe out a practice or a country HE could but God is loving and though we do not always understand we see the miracle of a baby or a flower, a sunrise or sunset and know it is LOVE of us ALL regardless our practices or mistakes!
He blesses us through your blogs, Angie
Jan-Michael
Rose
13. Jul, 2010
What can I commentate here?! Yes, God putted us on this earth with a free will to make choices, Donna. You have already chosen the right words Donna, so it gives no more to say and add for me. – Blessings Rose
Anonymous
13. Jul, 2010
Our thoughts & prayers are with them–In their time of need- And to help Re-build a Christ Centered church-
Free will- Is a huge factor in the afterlife. And also, where they chose to live in their part of the world.
How many in HAITI worship Christ? God does warn against Wichcraft, Voodoo and Higher Spirits-I dont think much of calling Non-Christians brothers and sisters–as I walk in Christ-
But, rather as thy neighbor. Helping them through Christ Love. A huge difference in my view.
Also, Pat Robertson, made a history reference–At least in his view-points. And to Support a re-building of God’s Church and that is what I think got lost in the media clip and to other media translations- Thought the media was pretty harsh and never followed up with a factual addition-
After everything is done and is cleaned up–Will America help rebuild HIS church? Wonder if any of that money will be alloted for a Christ centered church-
Maybe, it was a decade of prophesy? A lot gets missed-from all of us and the media-
Prayers are with them in Christ Love,
and helping in other ways-
Jan-Michael
13. Jul, 2010
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Haiti
It should noted that most Haitians claim Christianity as their religion though voo-doo as in say Louisiana, USA is still practiced.
I think poverty, hopelessness, exploitation and dictatorships can leave the down-trodden grasping anywhere. Thus we read often Christian ceremonial funerals are followed by Voo-Doo ceremonies.
Haiti is considered a Christian country with many followers but whatever, as a Christian, I
nust pray and help as I can. Pat Robertson’s differentiation between Dominican Republic and Haiti separating the misery in Haiti and suggesting Dominican, being more Christian shows a sad lack of knowledge of tectonics earthquakes. Of course Haiti was risen from the seas as was Hawaii by earthquakes/volcanic eruptions. And Louisiana devastation has to do with poor planing of a city below sea level and hurrican winds not Voo-doo.
God blesses all
Jan-Michael
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Haiti
Angie
13. Jul, 2010
Thanks for the interesting dialogue everyone. I think we all support the expansion of Christianity throughout the whole world. In the end, we should be asking the right questions, “God, what are you saying to me?” I’m hearing pray, pray, pray.
mary alvarez
13. Jul, 2010
Where do I begin. I was so disappointed in Pat Robertson. How could a man of God say such horrible things in the midst of this unbearable tragedy. I pray that God sets him straight in his thinking because his 700 club is so influential to his viewers and I hope that his influence isn’t far reaching right now. Good Christ centered people live in every country in the world and to condemn those who live in Haiti as if they are all sinners and punished by God is deplorable. God is a loving God. He created us and the Earth, then gave us free will. He is there to help us through the difficult times if we “Lean into Him”, Robert A. Schullers wise words. We grow closer to Him by weathering the trials we encounter with his support thru prayer and quiet time with Him and by reaching out to our family and friends. God has given us all the tools we need to overcome any hardship we encounter. That is his gift to us. I don’t believe that God punishes us on this earth, He loves us so much. He created us in his Likeness. Pat Robertson should look around at the evidence of this as people from countries all around the world rally together to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. In Christ… Mary
Jan-Michael
13. Jul, 2010
Mary Alvarez said “HE is there to help us through the difficult times if we ‘Lean into Him’, Robert A. Schullers wise words(and most recent book Leaning into God). “We grow closer to Him by weathering the trials we encounter with his support thru prayer and quiet time with Him and by reaching out to our family and friends.”
Thank you, Mary, for noting also how HE has brought nations together. Canada has very close ties to Haiti and our Goveror General Michaelle Jean is Haitian born. Canada is fast tracking immigration for family members with relatives in Canada, essentially in French speaking Quebec.
Following Angie’s last remarks and wise thought, “Let’s (now) Pray, Pray, Pray!”
He is Blessing
Jan-Michael
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