Christchurch Earthquake: Strength & Honour
We used to live in Christchurch until very recently, our children live in Christchurch, we have family in Christchurch, many friends in Christchurch and business associates in Christchurch, so we are definitely very much part of this situation, although thankfully not living amongst the chaos.
There is no doubt that this disaster is “a disaster” and our prayers and thoughts go out to everyone in the Canterbury region. We are deeply concerned for people, for businesses and for the heart of the region.
People all over the city are “mucking in” to help those in need and those outside the city are leaving their homes to travel into the region and provide whatever assistance is required. This is a time when individuals and communities are reaching out to neighbours, family, friends and to their faith.
Despite this clearly obvious show of camaraderie and fortitude, news broadcasters are repeatedly using words like “this is end of Christchurch” and “the Cathedral has collapsed and so has the heart of Christchurch”.
It is very important to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and to not hide behind a Pollyanna attitude of “everything will be alright”, because for many people, “it will not be alright”, especially if they have lost a loved one.
I believe it is equally important to include a few positive words of hope for the future and was delighted to hear John Key point out that “other cities around the world have suffered serious disasters and they have successfully re built themselves, and although Christchurch will be a very-different city when re built, he is confident that it will recover and prosper”.
The people of Canterbury have suffered badly and I suspect it is not over. They are essentially at war with nature and just like every war time scenario they need someone in authority to stand up and give them courage, faith, hope and a vision for the future.
New Zealanders are re renowned for their courage, their compassion, their fortitude and their commitment to one another.
We are a nation of winners and I believe the residents of Canterbury will once again show the world that we can recover from any situation and that we will rise above the ashes of the present disaster, stronger and better equipped physically, mentally and spiritually to deal with any future challenges.
Thanks Keith. If you can do something to placate Rūaumoko we will all be grateful.
Yes, don’t love the media version of the story. I personally believe the Cathedral is not ruined and will be re-built. Other buildings around may not be so lucky though – Provincial Chambers for example.
There are going to be some amazing stories come out over the next few months, especially from people trapped in buildings and those that had near misses with boulders, etc. Looking forward to hearing them.
regards
Greg
Greg Comfort
February 24, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Hi Greg
Thanks for your comment.
I have spoken with many people this morning and despite all the pain and suffering, there is already a sense of recovery and re establishment coming through in their words.
There are still some very traumatic moments to come as people are removed from the rubble and identified.
And as you say, there will also be stories of miraculous discovery, near misses and positive life changing decisions as a result of this earthquake.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all the people of Canterbury during this time.
I appreciate you taking the time to submit your thoughts.
KEITH
publicsp
February 24, 2011 at 3:11 pm
While we in the eastern suburb of Brookhaven escaped unscathed in the 4th Sept quake we got the full brunt of the 22nd Feb one. Over a week later we have power, phones and the internet but still no water. The contractors and students are doing a great job cleaning up the mess, we will rise above this all we need is a bit of time.
Lou Harrison-Smith
March 3, 2011 at 7:40 am
Hi Lou
I agree with your comment “we will rise above this, all we need is a bit of time”.
It has been wonderful to hear Bob Parker consistently speaking about recovery, the strength of the people, and the “Christchurch Spirit!”
Bob certainly seems to be “the right man at the right time” and so often we see leaders like Bob lift themselves to full strength during a crisis, almost as if they were purposed to be in that particular position of authority to help people deal with an event.
Rudolph Giuliani was named Time magazine’s “Person of the year” after his leadership during the 911 disaster, Winston Churchill’s dogged determination and powerful speeches helped the people of Britain deal with the horrors of war, and Abraham Lincoln held fast to his principles of personal freedom and eventually “united a nation”.
Christchurch is a beautiful city and the inhabitants are a proud bunch of people (if you doubt that, just attend a Crusaders Rugby game), and they will re group, re build and re establish Christchurch into a new vibrant city, bigger, stronger and more capable than ever before.
Thank you for taking the time to comment, I hope you will soon have water (and be able to drink it without having to boil it).
KEITH
publicsp
March 3, 2011 at 9:24 pm