As I received news of the 8.8 earthquake that hit Chile over the weekend, I couldn’t help but to think about the recent earthquake in Haiti as well. I then recalled the tsunami from a few years back. Whenever I see the natural disasters, I think about a few things.

1. Life is short and unpredictable. Every day we should make an effort to be productive and do things that we enjoy because we never know when it could be all over.
2. There is someone greater than us in charge. I mean no matter how us control freaks like to control everything, when a natural disaster strikes, you know that you can’t control what happened. All you can do is deal with the result. So, roll up your sleeves and dig in.
3. People throughout the world are connected. Every natural disaster that has struck has needed the support of other countries in order to rebuild. We are all connected–no matter our language, our country or our customs. Human beings need each other.
4. Everybody has a role to play. Whether its sending $10 to Haiti from your cell phone, or donating $5 to the Red Cross at a telethon or sending toilet paper overseas. Everybody has something that they can do. The person who believes that they can do nothing to help is blinded by his own selfishness.
5. Cherish your life and the people in it. When I see the stories of people who are looking for lost loved ones its heartbreaking. To not know if a loved one is alive or dead must be a painful experience.  So, take the opportunity everyday to show your love for the ones that you do love so the last interaction is always about love.

Those five things are what I think about when I hear about natural disasters. Overall, the natural disasters are saying to us, “Appreciate Your Life, Today! Don’t look for your happiness in a promise of tomorrow because tomorrow is not promised.”

Peace & Love

People magazine’s website www.people.com is reporting that the Hope for Haiti benefit telethon full of performances with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Sting, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, etc. has raised $57 million dollars! That should buy a whole lot of hope, help, and HURRY–as in get to Haiti and help out! I’m pleased that so many people chipped in to assist this country. I wish them a speedy recovery and rebuilding.

After the aftershocks that Haiti suffered, I thought it was important to post this video from our first lady, Michelle Obama.

Amid accusations that his charity Yele is not on the up and up, recording superstar Wyclef Jean holds a press conference and defends it. Watch the video. It shouldn’t require that much concentration to tell the truth.

In his press conference, Wyclef said that his father told him that he’d be questioned for doing good. I wonder if his father ever mentioned that the truth always comes to the light… If we open businesses to be stewards of the people, let us honor that stewardship by doing the right thing. I’m just saying.

A recent texting campaign has raised millions for earthquake stricken Haiti. Will you be counted? By texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999 funds are going directly to the Red Cross to support in earthquake relief for Haiti. There are an estimated $270 million cell phone users in the US. From Tuesday night to Thursday, the campaign had raised over $4million dollars.

Will you be counted?

Giving is rarely this easy. Pull that cell phone out and cut your fast food habit this week–Haiti needs your support.

American Red Cross Pledges Initial $1 Million to Haiti Relief

Send a $10 Donation by Texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999  — (I just did!) You can also make a donation by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575

I’ve never experienced an earthquate, but after seeing the devastation that has hit Haiti, it is clear that this disaster needs all of our prayers and resources.