To Give is to Receive

Mea e 'ai e tatau ma le aso
"...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40)

Observing the recent events in Japan should teach us a real valuable lesson in human dignity.  With at least 10,000 people believed to have been killed, millions more have spent four nights with little food, water or heating in near-freezing temperatures as they come to terms with the loss of homes and loved ones.

As if the 9.0 magnitude earthquake, tsunami and threat of nuclear fall-out was not enough, up to 450,000 people in near-freezing temperatures are scattered in temporary shelters, as they search for thousands still missing or buried amongst the rubble.
 
In face of such tragedy of monumental proportion, the Japanese people seem quietly calm and collected despite the catastrophic events.   There are no visible scenes of looting, robbing or rampant disorder, but a certain dignified calmness amongst the people.  In contrast, to what we saw in "Hurricane Katrina" in 2005 were pockets of total disorder.  

"What we are seeing is a new style of Japanese crisis management," said Thomas Berger, a Japan expert at Boston University.  I don't know if it's the Japanese instilled cultural and moral values, but what strikes me is the fact that many of these survivors appeared middle aged or elderly.   

"It is the elderly who have been hit the hardest," said Patrick Fuller of the International Federation of Red Cross, many lie shivering uncontrollably under blankets. They are suffering from hypothermia having been stranded in their homes without water or electricity.
Christians could learn something from this mostly Buddhist nation.  The Lord's care is over all His creatures.  He loves them all and makes no difference, except that He has the most tender pity for those who are called to bear life's heaviest burdens.

The tragedy in Japan should remind us that God's children will meet trials and difficulties in life.  But they should accept their lot with a cheerful spirit, remembering that for all that the world neglects to bestow, God Himself will make up to them in the best of favors. 

The plan of life that God gave to the Nation of Israel was intended as an object lesson for all mankind to follow.  If the principles that He taught them were carried out today, what a difference it would make in the world!
"Give counsel, execute justice; make thy shade as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; betray not the fugitive." "Let Mine outcasts dwell with thee; . . . be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler." 
(Isaiah 16:3)

"Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." (Matthew 5:42)    "The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth."  (Psalm 37:21)

Family, our brothers and sisters in Japan really need you today, please find a local "Red Cross" and give what you can.  Jesus said.  "...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40)

Ia manuia,

failauga p. anoa'i