Why Am I Here?

Recently I have been working on an assignment for one of my university classes, where I have to look up recent natural hazards and events and write a report based on what happened, the damage that was done, and the possible ramifications of the event. At first it seemed pretty easy, just look up a few articles, explain what they are about, no big deal. That was, until I got to the very end.

In the last entry I wrote, I mentioned how families would have to deal not only with physical loss, but emotional loss as well, as they deal with the deaths of friends or family, and the loss of their homes. At first this didn't bother me, until I typed in the last word and realized, "This could have happened to me." There is little to no reason why I should not be in that same situation, dealing with that grief and loss, and yet I'm not. Instead of losing everything after starting off with next to nothing, in a country that is economically poor, I am safe and warm in a place where I have all that I need, writing about the misfortunes of others a world away, and all I can say is, "They should try to be more prepared next time," or, "Outside help should find more efficient ways to get to those in need sooner."

It almost makes me angry to think that while I'm here, others are suffering in the world, and there's not much that I can do about it. Thankfully, there is at least one thing that I can do, and while it might not be a direct influence, I have learned today that it can really help. So please, if you are willing, I would ask that you be considerate of those who are suffering, or who may be in pain, and may need a glimmer of hope, and that you would pray for them. It may be all that I can do, and all that a lot of people can do, but at the moment it feels like that is why I am here; to pray.