On January 12, 2010, a 7 magnitude earthquake struck Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti, wrecking havoc on its presidential palace, UN HQ and other buildings. At least 150,000 people were killed and a large number rendered destitute. These are the life lessons I have drawn from this event.
1. Life is delicate - Anything can collapse without warning – family, friendships, security, structure, reputation, health, wealth… Nurture and enjoy by all means but do not rely unduly on these things.
2. Humility is crucial - Black men, white men, blue women… When the chips are down, we never know where help is going to come from – neither will we care. Treat everyone like a potential rescuer.
3. Talk isn’t cheap - Do the people who matter know how you really feel about them? You may not always get ample chance to say what you want to say. Communicate often, passionately and effectively.
4. Nothing is impossible - We cannot die without a silent consent to ‘give up the ghost’. We cannot fail, in life and in business, except we relinquish hope. Those who are willing to ‘dig deep’ and pay the price can defy all odds.
5. Miracles are rife - Who knew a 3 week old baby could survive 8 days under a heap of rubble? Who thought a woman could be pulled out alive after 15 days without water, sun and food? Likewise, we never know the good (and the bad) that we are capable of – until the stakes are high enough. Stretch yourself positively! Faith has no elastic limit…
It’s tempting to look at Haiti with eyes of sadness and pity but frankly courage is what I see. They say that life is for the living. But it is also what we make it. “Dream and do.” It would be a tragedy not to.
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Ogo Ogbata is the author of the inspiring historical fiction novel titled Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Very inspiring article, Ogo!
Thank you, Steph
God showed His power and majesty to the Haitians but He let them experience this through calamity and tragedy so that they might believe, have faith, repent from every sin committed and accept Him. Such simple messages come from above, from time to time, to ALL who forget the Lord.
One’s faith in God can grow stronger in challenging times. Food for thought indeed…
I too am an inspirational writer/blogger. Always nice to find another! I would love to follow you but could not find where to “follow”.
Also if you are looking for more to read as well; please stop by!
Inspirational musings and random commentary to make your heart smile!
http://artisanofthehumanspirit.blogspot.com/
Passionate and refreshingly different from the majority of articles about Haiti. Well done, Ogo!
@ Tony: Thanks for stopping by! You can subscribe via RSS feed using the link on the navigation bar. l’ve had a look at your site too.
@ Irina: Long time no see! Thank you so much for your kind comment (as usual).