Just
Do It |
| "The
only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good
men to do nothing." |
-Edmund Burke |
Challenged by the great needs
of our neighbors to the south that have been devastated by Katrina,
I’ve been pulled into reading humanitarian relief stories from
across the globe. I guess I’m convicted with the need to do
something more than I’ve done.
I’ve experienced a frustration that comes with wondering what
I can do to make a significant difference. I’m not an EMT; I
can’t fly a chopper; and I don’t even know how to put on a roof.
I have a family, not to mention that I’m not independently wealthy
in time or money. The enormity of the task at hand is simply
overwhelming in relation to my personal capacity.
Just the same, we must all do something, thus this article.
One of biggest concerns is the “Bystander
Effect” which is characterized by the more people
witnessing an event, the fewer who actually respond. In our
increasingly depersonalized society, it is possible to “live
be at the scene,” yet invisible to everyone else.
Recently, I had lunch with a friend who has spent extensive
time working in an orphanage in Nicaragua. As we ate in comfort,
we discussed the concerns over media saturation and hype of
the moment regarding those suffering from the aftermath of Katrina.
We were both a bit disquieted by the potential that the needs
of those less fortunate will be too soon forgotten in our all
too materialistic culture. We discussed his co-workers that
seem paralyzed in their current work by the desire to do something,
to go there, and to help. Right now, volunteers are only helpful
when sent by established organizations such as the American
Red Cross, but here are some options on how to volunteer from
USA
Freedom Corps and is listing needs for the following:
• Call
for medical and health professionals
• Call
for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) to serve as Crisis
Corps Volunteers
• Volunteer
with your local Red Cross chapter
A greater concern, however, is that we will all get back to
our comfortable routines and forget that the rest of the world
hungers, thirsts. A recent blog
post I came across stated, " Angels dancing on
the head of a pin dissolve into nothingness at the bedside of
a dying child."
There are lots of things we might not be qualified to do, but
here are just a few things almost anyone can do:
• Give money
• Give blood
• Give time
• Give prayers
• Volunteer locally
• Connect with a church or synagogue
that has partnered with a church or synagogue in MS, LA, AL
to actually send a team to help feed, volunteer and rebuild
• Ultimately, give love
What an
opportunity we have before us to shine in the darkness for thousands
of displaced Americans. What an opportunity to grow as a nation
to better serve all those less fortunate, locally, nationally
and globally. As Carl Sandburg said “I
won't take my religion from any man who never works except with
his mouth.”
Personally, I am stretching for an epitaph stronger than “he
talked about doing good things” or “he was a great bystander.”
I know I am not alone; I’m just about to make a quick trip to
give blood right now.
| "Anyone
who sets himself up as 'religious' by talking a good game
is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and
only hot air. 27Real religion, the kind that passes muster
before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless
and loveless in their plight… " |
-James 1:6 (The Message Bible) |
Ideas/Organizations
we recommend:
Look for organizations that are matching contributions. Many
larger employers are making matching pledges and Salesforce.com
is matching up to $5000.00 to the American Red Cross. There
are other companies / organizations with similar programs; look
for them.
Additional non-profit organizations:
•
Samaritans
Purse
•
Salvation
Army
•
Habitat
for Humanity
•
World
Vision
•
Network
for Good
[more] |
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