How have YOU responded emotionally?

We've had a day of much sharing today. Sharing heart wrenching stories, heroic stories, stories of generosity and encouragement ... all about friends who have been touched by the recent bushfires. Everyone went from tears of distraught sadness, to tears of joy and relief throughout a couple of hours of discussions.

It was put to me today, "Have you had trouble trying to figure out how to respond emotionally?"

YES! Have you? There is so much needing to be done, to be given, to help with the physical, emotional and psychological recoveries.

We have all heard of various groups and individuals making donations, either with money, clothing, household items, seeds, quilting projects, blood banks ... and we can check off a material list of so many ways to help. Red Cross is doing a fabulous job out there. We were also encouraged to see our Armed Forces out there helping and providing shelter.

The giving and self-sacrifice has been absolutely overwhelming! This 'thief' , with very little warning, has stolen so much, and yet, look around! A disaster has awoken numerous accounts of heroism and generosity, from within those who have suffered losses and those from without. How many will take on this self-sacrificing as part of their permanent human make-up?

My hope is that many who have learnt such wonderful lessons, gone forward that extra step, will not forget what they have done during this time. The heroism does need to go on, to continue to grow into better acts of generosity. We need to continue to admire the good and encourage each other to develop greater acts.

To everyone who has made an impact on helping those in need, I offer my sincerest thanks. This letter is really for you. :)