I was talking with one of my sisters on the phone a couple of days ago, and she noted that while the U.S. government is quick to provide aid to other nations, she had heard nothing about any other countries offering to help the U.S. in our time of need.

Because I'd just received an email message from a friend in Minsk, I was happy to report some encouraging news that suggested otherwise. Alla had mentioned what to her seemed ironic--that small Belarus had offered aid to big America. Alla also offered words of condolence: "Every day I follow the news on the situation in New Orleans. It is unbelievable to see and to hear what is happening there. I really feel sorry for the people who faced this disaster... I have read today that Texas helps a lot since it is the next state...My problems seem to be so small when I hear the news like this." After I told my sis what little I knew, I set out to find out just who had offered aid. What I found brought tears.

One hundred fifteen countries and 112 international organizations have rushed to provide assistance. In fact to date about $460 million in cash has been received, including a $25,000 donation to the American Red Cross from the nation of--gulp--Sri Lanka.

And these governments have given more than cash. They've pledged stuff like fuel, technical expertise, and equipment. The Republic of Korea has sent two tons of disposable diapers. Tunisia has sent twenty tons of relief supplies. Cuba offered 1,586 doctors and 34 tons of medicine. Canada and Mexico have also been extremely generous. I won't list the other one hundred ten nations and their contributions. You get the idea.

Add to that the individuals--like the ninety-nine members of a team from Germany and Luxembourg, experts on flooding, who have arrived in New Orleans and are setting up shop in the northeast section of town. A woman in Lithuania who, remembering American aid provided in her time of need, sent her life savings of one thousand euros to assist hurricane victims.

Most significantly, people around the world have prayed for us.

Two nights ago I watched a one-hour biography of Osama bin Laden. I know that the United States and all we stand for are hated by millions worldwide. Our hubris has not helped us. And we've been plagued by more self-interest in many of our policies than we'd like to admit. Nevertheless, much of the hatred comes as a direct result of the very things that make Lady Liberty hold her lamp high--that the tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free can find refuge here.

Four years ago today near New York Harbor where she stands, America was brought to her knees by the destruction of two symbols of our financial might. A young husband and father said the Lord's Prayer followed by "Let's roll!" and helped reroute a flight intended for the U.S. Capitol to a Pennsylvania field. And flames engulfed the Pentagon.

Now we are again brought low.

In the same way that no man can be an island, neither can any nation. To the one hundred fifteen countries and countless individuals around the world who have shown that love has no borders, thank you. We have been reminded in the past two weeks that even a great government is not enough. We need each other and we need the Lord. We can't make it on our own.