It's amazing what it takes to remind us.
An unexpected tsunami wiping out entire villages, sweeping thousands out into the ocean. A massive hurricane bearing down on a historic and vulnerable city. A powerful earthquake in one of the poorest nations in the world, sending buildings crumbling down as thousands flee for safety while others are buried beneath the rubble.
Neighbors beating each other over the head with the butts of rifles because they practice different religions. Children sold by their parents into a sex trade for pennies in exchange. Families fleeing the only home they're ever known because those in power make it clear their 'kind' are not welcome anymore.
What do we learn from these tragic events? That we can't always prevent them. That, sometimes, we can't even prepare for them. That we live in a desperately fallen world desperately in need of a holy Savior.
Life. It's short, regardless of how many years we spend walking this earth. In the days following the devastating earthquake which shook the small nation of Haiti, I find my heart heavy. I am reminded of how utterly precious life is...and how short it can often be. I am convicted of my comfortable life in a comfortable country while thousands in Haiti and millions around the world suffer each and every day. It's not fair. It's not just.
When reading my words, I know some may simply shrug their shoulders, commenting that "Life isn't always fair you know. No one ever said it was." I know that. The natural ebb and flow of the 'haves' and 'have nots' doesn't necessarily bother me. What bothers me is that so many times, the 'haves' simply don't care. What bothers me is so many times, I simply don't care.
I posted this video about a year ago, but it is on my heart again this morning. Please watch it and consider not only the message, but also your response to this clip.
My heart is still heavy, but I am happy to report the children of Three Angels Orphanage, our Focus of the Month for September, are all uninjured. Please consider giving to Three Angels during this time of recovery. CNN's Impact Your World also has an excellent resource guide of what we can do to help Haiti and serve others.
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1 comment:
For me, it's not the not caring, its the "what can i possibly do?". I care deeply, although, not nearly as much as I should, and admittedly, in one month, Haiti will probably goes days without crossing my mind. But, now it's fresh in my mind- but I'm stuck. I know people on planes right this second on their way to help- I can't do that. I know people who have given lots of money- I can't do that.
I feel absolutely useless in every way because I don't do anything, because I don't exactly have an outlet TO do anything. But pray.
-grace
ps- that video really puts things in perspective- especially the water part. and the choking on our obesity while others starve, part. wow.
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