I’m not really sure what to write about today. My week has been quiet, but I’ve been preoccupied with reading live blogs and updates from Libya and New Zealand – one nation fighting for freedom and one nation fighting to save people. Both have seen death this week, but both have seen courage and bravery. I’ve seen a lot of cynical posts on Facebook and Twitter, as well as on comments pages, about the revolts in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya – but I find them inspiring and faith-affirming. Yes, there are those who might be there to radicalise and promote intolerance under a new kind of regime, but mostly I have seen the youth of those countries standing up for what they believe in. We need more youth around the world with that kind of courage. I have to believe that the good kind of change is coming for those people, because they are so determined to make it happen.

I was lucky that the two people I know well in NZ were not in Christchurch when the earthquake hit – one had only left a day or two before. But again, the courage and bravery of people helping to rescue others, bring clean water, food and supplies to those stranded, and take care of strangers, is inspiring. My heart broke for this girl, who posted on Amanda Palmer’s blog (see the comments) about losing her entire family, but people as far away as Melbourne offered her a place to stay, help, love, support, kindness. I hope reading those comments made your heart sing, like they did for mine. The best of humanity can be seen around us even in the darkest places, if we take the time to look.