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January 16th was the National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Tsunami disaster. I spent the morning at Unley Park Baptist Church watching a brief powerpoint presentation that provided an opportunity for prayer and reflection over the events of December 26th. The Pastor entitled this sermon “When Disaster Strikes”. He reinforced humanity’s extended search for the meaning of life and God’s presence in our pain. Our longing for such truth reminds us that God sees the big picture even as He sees every individual person and every heartwrenching emotion. Often, we only see what is clearly evident, but He sees our pain individually, one by one. Not one is overlooked. Psalm 22 reinforces that pain is pain and that God gives us permission to be angry, disappointed and doubtful. It does not surprise Him when we have questions.

National Day of Mourning

Tanya
2006-03-10 21:02:45

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January 16th was the National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Tsunami disaster. I spent the morning at Unley Park Baptist Church watching a brief powerpoint presentation that provided an opportunity for prayer and reflection over the events of December 26th. The Pastor entitled this sermon “When Disaster Strikes”. He reinforced humanity’s extended search for the meaning of life and God’s presence in our pain. Our longing for such truth reminds us that God sees the big picture even as He sees every individual person and every heartwrenching emotion. Often, we only see what is clearly evident, but He sees our pain individually, one by one. Not one is overlooked. Psalm 22 reinforces that pain is pain and that God gives us permission to be angry, disappointed and doubtful. It does not surprise Him when we have questions.
Furthermore, faith does not give us an explanation for life’s circumstances but, instead, it gives us the capacity to endure (Psalm 23).
So, the question isn’t “Where is/was God?” but “Where is/was humanity?” That is, how are we, as humans, responding to the needs of others? We are to respond with action not sympathy.
With that said, Adelaide held a benefit concert
for the Tsunami relief later that evening. A few of us gathered at the park to view photos of the destruction and the talent of local artists.

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