When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Louisiana back in 2005, I can't recall a single person I know who wasn't in some way impacted by the tragedy. There were those who physically lived through it, while others, like me, did whatever we could from our small corner of the world and simultaneously looked on in disbelief at the slow response of the government to this devastating tragedy.
In this very moment, we are watching the aftermath of another cataclysmic natural disaster in Haiti. Unlike Katrina, however, the victims are citizens of another country. Yet, we cannot turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to those in need.
As I was on Facebook, I came across the status updates of a woman named Gessie Thompson, a New York based Christian publicist whose father (Along with other family members) live in Port-Au-Prince. Originally, some members of her family were presumed dead and Gessie solicited the prayers of friends and acquaintances. Thankfully, her family members were discovered alive and unharmed. Today, we celebrate and give God praise right along with Gessie!
But sadly, there are other families who were not so fortunate.
In a Newsweek essay entitled "Why Haiti Matters," President Barack Obama said:
"In the last week, we have been deeply moved by the heartbreaking images of the devastation in Haiti: parents searching through rubble for sons and daughters; children, frightened and alone, looking for their mothers and fathers. At this moment, entire parts of Port-au-Prince are in ruins, as families seek shelter in makeshift camps. It is a horrific scene of shattered lives in a poor nation that has already suffered so much."
According to news reports, an estimated 3 million to 3.5 million people are in need of aid for what is being called one of the most serious humanitarian crises in decades. We must do what Jesus taught us to do and look on the needs of others with compassion. Let's not just "wish them well," but we each can do something to help.
There's a scripture I love found in James 2:16 that says, "If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" (NIV)
This week, I challenge you to identify a way you can help and do something about it. Discover an easy way to begin here.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
