It's a small world, after all

Our world is so large and yet so small. As I sit at my desk and write this post, the islands that make up the country of Japan have been devastated by an earthquake, a tsunami, and more than one explosion in a nuclear power plant. And, what's worse, there will probably be more devastation to come as a result of the three aforementioned disasters. Thousands will have lost their lives by the time the tally of the dead is complete. Probably even tens of thousands. I can actually turn on the television set and watch this "live" on some Japanese tv station broadcasting on our local cable network. I do not want to watch the "live" broadcast of this. I'll settle for second-hand information.
I did notice Ann Curry and Diane Sawyer are there amidst the ruin and wreckage. I asked myself, "Why are they there? Are they there to offer help to the helpless, food to the hungry, shelter to those without?"  No, I think not. They are there because that's where the big story is. They are there because we are voyeurs who have a freakish desire to be a part of another world without having to experience the horrific results of this disaster. They are also there because of greed and competition. Let's see who can get the most heart-wrenching, tear-jerking story before the other reporter. Let's see who can get the best video of that family who lost four children and a grandmother in the waves of destruction. Let's see who can have the highest ratings when the Nielsens come out.
I hate to sound like the skeptic that I am and I also hate to sound like a mostly negative person, but when it comes to the media, that's actually what I am.  Sure, the networks and news sources can say they're doing it for us, but that's untrue. They're doing it for themselves. I'm sure Ann Curry and Diane Sawyer will be changed somewhat by what they experience in Japan and that's well and good. Hopefully, we Americans will be changed by what they show and tell us. But, in the end, is it really worth it?  Are we changed enough to act upon what we see and hear? Do we, especially the Christians, see enough that we want to offer hope to a hopeless world? Do we continue to sit in front of our computers and televisions and watch, or do we get up and act upon what we see? Do we sit at the dinner table and just talk about those poor people in Japan (and Haiti) or do we actually stand up and do something? I'm sure the networks would disagree with me, but that's ok. I disagree with them most of the time anyway.
Japan is known as "The land of the rising sun" - My prayer today, for the people of Japan, is that their hearts will be opened to the God who loves them. That they will seek and know the One who heals and restores - not only physically, but spiritually. That the Son will rise within them.
My prayer for us here in the Good Ol' US of A is that we will seek to be the ones that bring good news to those in need...in Japan, Haiti, and right here at home.