The photos and reports from Haiti show a scale of suffering that is painful merely to absorb, much less live through. What can we do? Send money. Pray. Help weave a web of compassion to hold the people there.
I’m supporting the efforts to help through donations to Week of Compassion and Church World Service, who are experienced and effective agents for responding to disasters around the world. Even a dollar helps. For a more tangible means of giving, Church World Service is also in need of hygiene and baby supply kits.
What else can we do?
Perhaps, as in the wake of any disaster, we can practice seeing our own lives more clearly.
- I’m reminded that my life rests on the relative luxury of counting on water, food, and shelter
- I’m thankful for the health and safety of my loved ones
- I’m mindful that it’s having my basic needs met that allows me the privilege of working towards a fuller and more meaningful life
- I’m grateful for the ability to share the journey of body and spirit with others, and to offer help
- I’m appreciative of the organizations in place to deliver assistance to people in need
Life is fragile, and we are missing out if we don’t try to make it as rich and good as possible.
The outpouring of concern and support from around the world is a reminder of the human connection that binds us all together. My heart goes out to the people of Haiti, those who have lost loved ones, those who cannot feed and shelter those they love, those who are injured and suffering, those who need some reason to hope.
Sometimes it’s hard to see that we’re all in this together. Sometimes it’s easy.
What’s on your mind as the news reports continue?