Thought for today:
"Ten years ago today, the world witnessed one of the greatest natural disasters of all time when a 9.0 magnitude earthquake created a devastating Tsunami in the Indian Ocean. In less than 24 hours over eighteen countries were affected and over 1.7 million people were left homeless and 250,000 people were left dead.
Families lost brothers, sisters, parents, children, cousins; generations wiped out before many had time to realise what was happening to them. Nobody who saw the images of despair upon the faces of the bereaved survivors can ever forget that look of utter loss which has captured their minds and bodies for the remainder of time. Many survivors experienced a sense of purpose thereafter which shaped their attitude and lives to such an extent that numerous charitable instutions were created in the memory of their deceased and loved ones which helped to rebuild vast areas and produce new employment for the indiginous population.
The world instantly responded to the people's plight with aid, materials, medical needs and people-power when they first saw such images on their television screens. The mere fact that it was Boxing Day, coupled with the awareness that they watched from the comfort of their family rooms as they celebrated Christmas added a poignancy to the occasion that was undeniable.
Let us spend a few moments today in reflective thought and prayer for all of those families affected by this disater ten years ago as we hold on that little bit tighter to the loved ones we are blessed to be in the presence of today." William Forde: December 26th, 2014.
"Ten years ago today, the world witnessed one of the greatest natural disasters of all time when a 9.0 magnitude earthquake created a devastating Tsunami in the Indian Ocean. In less than 24 hours over eighteen countries were affected and over 1.7 million people were left homeless and 250,000 people were left dead.
Families lost brothers, sisters, parents, children, cousins; generations wiped out before many had time to realise what was happening to them. Nobody who saw the images of despair upon the faces of the bereaved survivors can ever forget that look of utter loss which has captured their minds and bodies for the remainder of time. Many survivors experienced a sense of purpose thereafter which shaped their attitude and lives to such an extent that numerous charitable instutions were created in the memory of their deceased and loved ones which helped to rebuild vast areas and produce new employment for the indiginous population.
The world instantly responded to the people's plight with aid, materials, medical needs and people-power when they first saw such images on their television screens. The mere fact that it was Boxing Day, coupled with the awareness that they watched from the comfort of their family rooms as they celebrated Christmas added a poignancy to the occasion that was undeniable.
Let us spend a few moments today in reflective thought and prayer for all of those families affected by this disater ten years ago as we hold on that little bit tighter to the loved ones we are blessed to be in the presence of today." William Forde: December 26th, 2014.
