Today’s topic: Let’s not forget our grief but now is a time to rebuild

Today as we give thanks for survival, seek consolation in our grief and honour our dead, there is a common question on the lips of so many: Why?

Of course there are no answers to such questions, for which of us would presume to know the mind of God?

We can only hope that all of those who brought their grief to their churches today will have left with some consolation and, above all, hope for the future.

Over the past six days this newspaper has reported stories of death and destruction, miraculous survival and inspirational heroism. We have seen how the people of Samoa have selflessly helped one another through one of the greatest tragedies in the nation’s history and we have seen how the global village has responded to the plight of the suffering.

So despite this cynical and increasingly self-centred and materialistic world that humankind has constructed for itself, we still see virtue and human compassion bringing light where there was darkness, hope where there was despair. Perhaps – just perhaps – the world is not as Godless as so many of us had come to fear.

The response has transcended denominations and even belief systems. For example, the help and support offered by Samoa’s Muslim community has been an inspiration to us all. Can we not build on this so that out of tragedy can come deeper understanding and a commitment to a shared future?

This newspaper is by no means the first to suggest that we must now look forward to the rebuilding of shattered lives while cherishing the memories of loved ones who are now beyond all harm, pain and worry in the arms of their maker – but we feel sure that Samoa will face that future with a determination and resilience founded on faith.

Looking to the future, then, Samoa’s tourism industry on which our short term economic prosperity so much depends is down but by no means out.
Already plans are in place for a renewed marketing campaign stressing the positives – and there are many – of Samoa as a destination.

Already there are rebuilding plans.
Already people are talking of how they can grow again rather than simply survive.
They need all the help and encouragement we can give them.

But let’s be honest with ourselves – this isn’t going to happen overnight. Samoa faces a long and no doubt expensive process of rebuilding not just homes and resorts (though of course these are vital) but families and human lives in general.

Of course it will take time – the greatest of healers – to fully mend the emotional wounds suffered by so many in recent days. Let that time begin its work today.
To return now to the opening question: Why? There are answers on offer most of which will find their shares of support and opposition.

Is it, as one mayor suggests, that Samoa has abandoned the old ways, the ways of the ancestors who by accepting Christianity showered so many blessings and benefits on their descendants?
Or, again, is the tsunami no more than accident of geology?

It is perhaps idle to speculate on such matters when there is work – God’s work - to be done. Of course that work includes giving love, solace, comfort, food, shelter and medicine to those still suffering.
But as the old adage tells us: God helps those who help themselves.

Samoans have already started helping Samoans in a heart-lifting spirit of community.
May it ever continue.

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