The Power of Caring

The power of nature is a fierce reminder that we humans mustn't get too cocky. Yet, with all the devastation, there is a message that is beginning to resonate -- it is ubiquitous on many websites, and it is another powerful force: the power of caring. Everywhere you look, people are stepping up to help. People care. Prayers are being shared for those who have lost their lives -- who have lost their families, belongings -- entire towns. I would be willing to bet that the people of Japan are in the hearts and minds of most of us now, as their country is grappling with one of the most horrific disasters they've ever known.

The caring for Japan, just as the caring for New Orleans, Haiti, New Zealand -- and so many other areas of the world that have been dealt severe blows by nature, will need to go on for quite a long time. Thankfully, I suspect this will happen. The message to do good, to give, to help others, is a message we've been cultivating in many of our schools for years. From what I see, it's taking hold. Somewhere along the line, we've been doing something right. We've been laying the foundation for socially responsible, caring individuals. We're raising a generation of citizens who are interested in making major changes in the way the world works, and I've been lucky enough to have met many of them.

The power to care, to love across nations, is not limited to times when nature shakes a fist, and stomps a beastly foot. Young people determined to make a difference in the world are finding creative ways to solve difficult problems by using the power of caring -- the power of love. I met a young woman recently who has set up a company with the potential to bring about a sea change in a part of the world that desperately needs one. Her company is called, Love Begins with L. www.lovebeginswithl.com. Visit the website -- you'll be amazed by what she's doing.

The power of caring -- the power of love. It can actually compete with the power of nature, because love is a life force too.

 

Follow Cheryl Saban Ph.D. on Twitter: www.twitter.com/csaban

Comments

[laymancanuck]

09:20 AM on 03/15/2011

GREAT. We must struggle to over come our fear to truly care. Let it show every day, every way. Let it ripple through the world. It comes back to you, as a smile.

[la fourchette]

05:01 AM on 03/15/2011

Unfortunately, as of this writing, caring is not translating into donations. A news report this morning in France indicated that at the same point after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, donations amounted to 150 million dollars. For Japan (at the same point of measure) after a triple hit? 23 million dollars.

Quite a difference. Good feelings are important. Now it's time to step up and act.

[Cheryl Saban]

12:55 PM on 03/15/2011

You are so right. We need to step up our donations. We can donate via Peace Winds America - www.peacewindsamerica.org, which is affiliated with Mercycorps.org. Also, we can donate to the Red Cross - www.redcross.org. You can donate $10.00 to the Red Cross by texting 90999 and in the subject line, typing in REDCROSS.

Many ways to help. Thanks for pointing this out.

[Vicki Iovine]

12:37 AM on 03/15/2011

I love Cheryl Saban's calm, focused and optimistic point of view in all her blogs. This is the perfect reminder that there is hope in the face of helplessness, that there is generosity in the face of abject loss. Thanks, Cheryl, for offering this gem at a time when most of us don't know what to do or how to understand this catastrophe.

[Jan Shepherd]

10:32 PM on 03/14/2011

Well said. Caring,sharing,loving=the life force I like to flow with