Control Issues

"To a large degree, I control my own destiny."

  That's a statement that, admit it or not, many of us in the developed world would agree with.  In fact I would venture to say that believing this statement on some level is what allows us to function without undue anxiety.  As I have considered the astounding and horrifying recent events in Japan, I can only imagine a tiny fraction of the sorrow and fear those that lost their homes and families must be feeling.  But what also has to have been ripped from them is their sense of control.  It's probably not something conscious, but must be, I think, a foundation of a great deal of their fear.
  Perhaps my personal outlook causes me to overstate this aspect. (I did spend 22 years with the word 'control' in my job title.)  But when I try to imagine myself in that situation it elicits in me a cold, empty void that I can not look into for very long.
 
So, I have two things to ask of you.

First: If you believe, pray for the people of Japan.

Second: Give. If you don't know where or how, might I recommend the
 United Methodist Committee On Relief, where every dollar given to a designated emergency program is spent entirely to support the intended need. UMCOR does not use any of your designated gifts for administrative costs. Those expenses are covered through other funding channels.

Ok, actually three things.  Hug someone you love, and tell them how you feel about them.