Aching Hearts

It is hard to imagine living in abject poverty.  It's hard for most of us, that is.  It's even harder to imagine that in that life of poverty the ground shakes, the earth shifts, and a deeper devastation becomes reality.  To see the coverage, to hear the stories, to feel the loss of the Haitian people is nothing less than heart breaking.  I do wonder how people like Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh are considered fully human when it appears by their actions and their speech that a heart is not to be found within them.  To belittle, mock, and dismiss our sisters and brothers who are suffering incredible loss is nothing short of shameful.  On a very different level, my heart aches with sorrow for Robertson and Limbaugh.  But this post is not about the heartless! 

Sitting in sorrow and bemoaning the tragedy  of Haiti may be understandable, but that time is over.  Sitting and bemoaning is no longer an option.  It is time to act, to do, to be people of compassion and hope.  Each of us can do something.  Even my fifteen-year-old son was able to text on his phone and give $10 to help.  Can the rest of us not do at least the same?

Joy is not found in seeing anyone suffer.  Joy is not found in sending soap or water or money.  Joy is in living with compassion and hope that is deep enough to be shared infinitely. 

I'd love to hear how you are responding to the plight of our Haitian sisters and brothers.  Share your thoughts and share your joy.