Yep, there are reasons not to. There are lots and lots of other pressing problems in the world. There are plenty of things to compare it to, reasons that will keep you from sharing your blessings with those who have less.
And yes, there are liars in the world, corrupt politicians, greedy businessmen, shady clergymen, drug dealers, thieves, and the rest. A sinner’s buffet, around us all the time. These things anger us, threaten to distract us from the fact that the helpless are dying.
Down in Haiti, right now, there teems the cruel result of the juxtaposition of extreme poverty, despair, and natural disaster. Insult to injury. A speedier death to those already dying. A fast-forward to a living hell.
This isn’t a guilt trip. This is a heaviness. It’s part of you too. Give yourself a moment to feel it. Allow yourself the gift of sharing the burden with them. It’s a heaviness there, crushing these people, these fellow humans into dust.
Give here, now.
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Thank you for this impassioned and passionate response to the disaster unfolding on our nightly news. I feel more and more sick with every image I see. I am doing all that I can, and I hope that everyone else will dig down and find the place where their compassion resides. And even if you cannot do a lot, that should never dissuade you from the little bit that you can do. Even if you have just one dollar, and if you don’t you can at least send your prayers to heaven. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Now. Just go and do it.
Enjoy the day, Charlie.
Erin