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:
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. Real 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
Every
Success,
Matthew
Ledford
A
few of the books the Wild Men read and recommend:
Wild at Heart, John Eldredge
Nine Things You Simply Must Do to Succeed in Love and Life, Henry
Cloud
Getting Things Done,
David Allen
Today Matters,
John Maxwell
Success is Not an Accident,
Tommy Newberry |
|
|
