To the Rescue!
March 22, 2011
It’s been more than a week since a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. Like everyone else, I too have been tuned-in to the news more than ever these past days. There have been so many heart-rending images and stories of loss and destruction. Yet in the midst of all of them, there have been some heart-warming ones as well — images and stories not just of survivors or of the calm nature, resilience and discipline of a people, but also of family, friends, and rescue workers (human and canine), who have not given up hope.
Dogs to the Rescue
Earlier today, I caught this CNN video featuring Atticus, Byron, Tomo and Racker, four of the many brave and highly-trained canine rescue workers helping to save lives in Japan.
I came across some other dogs too! Baxter, Cadillac, Hunter, Joe, Pearl and Riley from America’s National Disaster Search Dog Foundation are six other dogs currently aiding search-and-rescue efforts in ravaged Japan. Click on their names to meet these brave ones!
God to the Rescue
The devastating events in Japan drove many of us to our knees in prayer. While I usually and almost automatically begin my prayers by saying “Thank You God”, on March 11 I found myself in front of the TV at a loss for words.
Today as I continue to watch events unfold in Japan, I’m reminded of a couple of sobering truths. I’m reminded of how sovereign God is, and how fragile life is — that anytime, anywhere, in the twinkling of an eye, my life and my world as I know it can all be taken away.
I’m reminded of how lost I too once was, how sinful I still am, and how I really don’t deserve any better.
BUT, I’m also reminded of the most amazing search-and-rescue operation ever — the one God planned out even before the creation of the world, the one He graciously began and the one He will faithfully complete. Certainly this is reason enough to be grateful, and reason enough for me to humbly pray and say, ”Thank You God”.
“And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21
