Are you tired of seeing Haiti plastered all over the news? Well, if your answer is yes....then I pray for you. I pray for your soul. Where is your compassion?
It's only January 14th and COMPASSION has already been a strong word I keep thinking about this year. Compassion, my friend, is exactly what we need more of in this world. And the people of Haiti is just ONE way that I think God is trying to wake us up. Jesus IS the true example of compassion. Just as my pastor spoke this last Sunday, Jesus had compassion just by walking in a crowd and stopping to place a hand on someone and healing! It brings me to tears. He has had SO much compassion for you and I. If only EACH ONE of us would strive to have the compassion of Christ. I'm guilty myself. There is a stirring in the air this year. A stirring for compassion, a stirring for miracles for our eyes to see, a stirring of simply....Jesus. Psalms 145:8 "The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works."
I have to admit the last few days I have not sat and watched the horror of Haiti.....I only have listened while getting ready for work. I have only read numerous blogs of the outpouring of Christians wanting to do SOMETHING. I have only read articles online. We are so far away in miles, yet, we CAN make a difference. As Christians, we should want to reach out and have compassion for the lost, the hurting, the broken & bruised. As Christians, we should want to lift up in prayer those that may have NEVER had the opportunity to have the story of Christ shared with them.
I want to be more like Christ. I want to have HIS kind of compassion. Not just today, not just for Haiti, but I want to strive to become more compassionate each day for the rest of my life.
Compassion defined: sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it
I'll use the scripture Kelly from Kelly's Korner chose to use....it is perfect
"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18Therefore, I can not just sit here any longer and act like my money won't help. I may not have much but I can give. I can pray. I can show compassion. There is so much information out there to help you decide on where to donate, if you choose. Below is a list of websites I have found to be helpful.
Compassion InternationalAmerican Red CrossNumerous ways to donate (via msnbc.com)
(also lists information on scams)