In the last five months the people of this nation have been
tested and tormented. Terrorists have brought fear and destruction. Evil posing
as a troubled youth brought heart break to a small town school. Now a natural
disaster has rocked the heartland.
This is not a particularly strong time for our country. The
economy is poor, jobs are scarce and morale is low.
What is something that shines in these dark times? The human
spirit. The decency and kindness that stops people in their tracks in the face
of a tragedy, if for nothing else, but to hurt with those that are hurting.
That spirit is what drives volunteers and emergency workers
to ease suffering and work through the night to do all they can. It’s what
encourages children to send drawings to the wounded and adults to send checks.
Because there is an outpouring of helping hands, I have hope for the human
condition.
As long as we care more about easing the suffering of others
than our own petty inconveniences, there is hope for this world as a whole.
If you are a thousand miles from a disaster and have no
funds or supplies to donate, why not keep victims in your prayers? If you are a
non-believer then you could keep them in your thoughts, if you prefer. What
harm is there in thinking kind, sympathetic thoughts?
Is that not offering a kindness?
There has been some criticism, following the tornadoes in
Oklahoma, scorning the offering of prayers as a way to support the victims.
Some of the discussion has turned quite nasty.
Instead of real help we cling to our antiquated religion,
praying for the effects of God’s work to be un-done.
No. I cling to the principle that most people are good and
decent. That the human spirit will reach out to one another in times of need
and lift each other up. I cling to the fact that most people will feel and
empathize and send out hopeful thoughts for those in Oklahoma, Boston and
Newtown.
That they will wish for comfort and relief for the victims and the
safety of all involved. I do it in prayer to my God. You do it anyway you see
fit.
What I cannot wrap my head around is the wasted efforts, and breathe
of tearing down people that are trying to offer hope. Why take the time to
spill such hatred when there is so much suffering happening right now? Of all
the things you could be doing with your time, why belittle those who are offering
kindness and encouraging others to do the same?
The world suffers enough. You don’t need to add any extra
hatred or pain to it. I’m sure there are many that could use donations of your
time and money. Maybe, you could start with a kind thought.
I’ll offer one on your behalf, with those I send out for
Oklahoma tonight.
I don’t apologize for my belief in God and you shouldn’t
apologize for your beliefs, but this is not the conversation we should be
having right now. Find a positive way to help, any way to help.
Do you want to be the person bringing hope or hatred in this
time of suffering?
