To say that it has been an especially trying week for our nation would be a gross understatement. 

The recent tragedies in Boston and Waco, TX, have to some extent made us feel a little less secure, a little more aware of how precious a commodity life truly is.

In these moments of unexpected human suffering, it can be hard for us to be mindful of the human suffering that occurs elsewhere, far from our pain and beyond our own borders. Yet mindful of it we ought to be.

It is important to know that Iran is still just beginning to recover from a 6.1-magnitude earthquake that has claimed the lives of nearly 40, injured approximately 850, and left thousands homeless and with nothing left.

Survivor of April 20 earthquake in Sichuan province, China. Courtesy of Associated Press.

We ought to extend our sincere thoughts and concerns to the people of Sichuan province in China, who have just experienced an earthquake of their own, with an even more devastating aftermath: nearly 160 dead, 5,500 injured, and thousands more missing or unaccounted for.

For us in America, our hearts pour out to the citizens of Boston, MA, and Waco, TX, and rightfully so. But let us not forget that we should be equally informed and concerned of the immense loss of life and suffering in places like southwest Iran and Sichuan province.

For those under unimaginable duress and tribulation there, let our hearts pour out to them as well.