No one watching the coverage of the horrific Tsunami/Earthquake in Japan or the Earthquake devastation in Christchurch could not wonder what was happening the world? When will it end? Is this the end? and Where is God?
There is never one answer and no answer that everyone will accept or understand.
(Dealing with Grief and truma with kids)
In events of this magnitude it is overwhelming and it would be insensitive to share anything but sympathy and empathy with those directly affected.
The place religion and our faith plays is this;
To provide a space that is within our reach, and within our experience, that acknowledges what has happened and the level of personal loss involved. A place to put all that is too much, too hard, and far too fearful for a while. To put our faith that inspite of all that has happened and will happen, God's faithful presence and love can and wants to hold us.
This is no cop out, it is doing what we as humans can do, what we as people of faith believe has been an historical and appropriate response to these events that we struggle to understand.
We pray for Japan and her people, for Christchurch, and for all affected by natural disasters.
We act with all we can as their brothers and their sisters. We unite and remember that we are all in it together, our neighbour, our school friends, our town, our country, indeed the earth's community of living things.
Some things that may help on a day to day level.
Be gentle
There is never one answer and no answer that everyone will accept or understand.
(Dealing with Grief and truma with kids)
In events of this magnitude it is overwhelming and it would be insensitive to share anything but sympathy and empathy with those directly affected.
The place religion and our faith plays is this;
To provide a space that is within our reach, and within our experience, that acknowledges what has happened and the level of personal loss involved. A place to put all that is too much, too hard, and far too fearful for a while. To put our faith that inspite of all that has happened and will happen, God's faithful presence and love can and wants to hold us.
This is no cop out, it is doing what we as humans can do, what we as people of faith believe has been an historical and appropriate response to these events that we struggle to understand.
We pray for Japan and her people, for Christchurch, and for all affected by natural disasters.
We act with all we can as their brothers and their sisters. We unite and remember that we are all in it together, our neighbour, our school friends, our town, our country, indeed the earth's community of living things.
Some things that may help on a day to day level.
- Routines -just take a little more time with them and be a little less ridged.
- Be gentle on ourselves. If you find you are tearful or upset easily, it is natural, just take it easier on yourself and those around you.
- Take time out from what is real. Movies, humour, a book, creating something.
- Talk to people you trust and who care about the fears you have, it makes them a little more easy to face and to overcome.
- Every emotional response is natural. anger, fear, confusion, sadness, anxiety, injustice, doubt - accept that this is so, and be gentle with it, with others -our tolerance levels and awareness can be a lot lower, even when the trauma is only watched from a distance.
- Nothing wrong with a another dose of hugs, cuddles, and 'I love you's.
Be gentle
Contribute as you are able
Pray
Talk
It is the right thing to do, the only thing we can do.
Pa Richard
LINK for Dealing with trauma and grief for kids
Waiata Tangi for those who have passed:
Pray
Talk
It is the right thing to do, the only thing we can do.
Pa Richard
LINK for Dealing with trauma and grief for kids
Waiata Tangi for those who have passed:
