It's fair to say that over the course of the last few years, populations around the world have been dealt a series of devastating blows, the repercussions of which, in most cases, will continue to play out for years to come. Economic uncertainty, famine, pending war and continued conflicts, ecological calamities and corrupt leaders are enough to make anyone depressed, fearful and confused. Our present situation makes even the most optimistic among us feel unsure about the coming years and how we will cope.

Only just last year, a devastating tsunami wreaked havoc in Japan, killing thousands, devastating homes, and making the recovery of their already damaged economy even more difficult. Then, as if the situation weren't dire enough, the huge wall of water had severely damaged a nuclear power plant and we watched anxiously as Japan tried to handle and contain its demise, knowing full well that the failure to do so would cause immeasurable suffering for years to come.

Even now, as the Japanese people struggle to rebuild their lives, feelings of uncertainty are prominent for we know that at any time an equally devastating natural disaster could occur in another part of the world.

Then, we're repeatedly reminded of our frailty as drought and conflict lead to serious famine in countries throughout Africa. Few of us have turned on the T.V. or read the newspaper lately without seeing a picture of a severely malnourished child. The solution to these devastating famines seems so easy for us in countries where food and water are readily available, but yet we feel powerless to do anything about it.

The sense of hopelessness that has arisen from those events, seemingly outside of our control or caused by nature, is only compounded by the rising tension and, even, pending war between countries. No matter where you figure into the conflict, it's impossible to know which side is 'right' or 'wrong' and what, if anything, you can do about it.

Although not as catastrophic in terms of lives lost or the physical devastation caused, the economic downturn that has enveloped much of the world has reinforced these feelings of defencelessness. Job, home and business losses, financial collapse and the unnerving realization that people trusted with our economic futures failed us, makes it increasingly difficult to stay optimistic or to persevere.

Who is there to provide comfort when so much seems to be wrong in the world? How do people find the courage to persist when it seems the universe has turned against them?