Remember Haiti

Haiti did not have a special place in my heart. I have never been there. I didn't even know where it was on the map. I'm not sure Haiti has a special place in my heart even now, but people do. The Haitian people, who are people just like MY family and MY friends, are hurting, and that does have a place in my heart.

I thought I'd have more to say, more feelings to express, but I mostly just feel ache. I ache for the people who are injured, bleeding from crushed flesh and bone, and scrapes and stabs, inflicted by the walls and roofs that used to protect them. I ache for people who are thirsty and starving. I pray for the doctors who are working endless hours, and without proper equipment, medicine, even lighting. I cry for those who stare at the buildings that crushed their loved ones to death and that hold them there still. My heart hurts when I see videos of construction vehicles, loaders and dump trucks, scooping and moving lifeless bodies instead of the dirt and trash they were meant to haul.

I hope I -- we -- will not forget the graphic images and heart-splitting stories we've seen and heard. I hope we will not slip easily back into our lives of comfort, but will remember the dead and the dying. I hope we will keep praying for those in mourning, and those who are alone, fearful, homeless.

As with most everyone else in the U.S., my life will go on. I will wake up, shower, dress, drive to work. I will laugh and order lattes and watch TV. But I want -- and I challenge you -- to remember. And to give what we can, and maybe even a little more than that, as though we were giving to God himself. And then, "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'. (Mt. 25:40)

And, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Cor. 9:6-8)

[If you don't know where to donate, or aren't sure which agency to choose, you can read about various organizations that are accepting Haiti donations here.]