Too much suffering and too much pain.
Everywhere there is devastation.
Looking out from behind the wall
Brick and mortar that was once a school
Longing to see the faces of family.
How could this have happened?
No warning of the impending disaster
Everything that was familiar is now destroyed
Even though separated by miles
Am I able to glimpse into his heart
And say, 'I understand ... I am with you.'"
What have those eyes seen? Surely few of us living in the United States today have seen such sights, such horror. Can we even imagine what it must be like?
When I was very young, we lived with the threat of an atomic bomb attack. Was that ever real? I have no idea. But we were told as young children that a bomb could be dropped on us. There were shelters everywhere, in school basements and public buildings. We were instructed about what we were to do to remain safe. Some families had underground bunkers stocked with food, water and other necessities.
But that attack never came. Not to us.
How is it that human eyes are so expressive? What can change in them? There is a spark, a gleam, that can be dimmed. It's hard to put into words, but fear, a haunted soul, anger, love -- they all shine through the eyes, giving us an immediate sense of connection or lack thereof.
What disasters have been unwelcome guests in my life?
The disasters in my life are what might be called "First World Problems." Ran out of money before the end of the month. Internet isn't working. Nothing good on TV tonight.
Or maybe a little worse: I recently feared I might lose my job, not because of anything I'd done wrong, but because things are changing. I survived that, but it was stressful.
Stressful? Ha! Compared to what this young boy has seen, hardly a disaster. I've faced minor illnesses, minor financial upsets (never been foreclosed on, like many Americans have endured). I still have a job, in fact, it's a better job now. We've had heating problems in the coldest part of winter this year. So we got chilly. We didn't have any frozen pipes, like many of our neighbors.
Honestly, looks like I have a lot to be grateful for. I should not complain, not at all. But I will, because I am human.
How do I stand with others amid the devastating storms?
Storms, like war, natural disasters, military coups?
I have to admit that aside from writing the occasional check to relief services or writing the occasional editorial about said relief services, not much. But storms closer to home? Yeah, I've done a few things. I have donated material goods to homeless relief efforts, and I went out with a group of friends who were trying to help the homeless in our own community to distribute donated clothing and food.
There are some who stand on street corners holding signs asking for help, but they are known not to be suffering all that much. One was followed home by someone to a middle class suburban home. Was he scamming those who were trying to help? Maybe. Or perhaps he really is down on his luck and just hasn't been put out onto the streets yet. But he's been photographed in a nightclub, drink in hand and pretty girl by his side.
Who knows? Is it better to take someone at his word?
Our city erected signs asking people not to give money to pandhandlers, because they are found all over the place near stores. Not sure it's the best way to deal with it, but whatever.
And there are so many agencies and charities and other groups who work hard to make sure help goes to those who truly need it.
How am I invited to stand in solidarity with others who suffer?
"Christ is hidden under the suffering appearance of anyone who is hungry, naked, homeless or dying." -- Mother Teresa of Calcutta
So that sounds like an invitation to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless and comfort the dying.
I guess there are many ways to accomplish that. I still admire what my friends are doiing, on their own, using social media to solicit support and donations. No cash involved, no questions asked. Just handing out clothing, blankets, hot food from a crockpot and when available, toiletries and other necessities. No questions, no background checks, honor system.
If it gets abused, the onus is on the abuser, the exploiter.
I do have a problem with panhandlers though. I don't know if it's something I need to overcome or just common sense.
I do more. I coordinate and contribute to a project started by a now-deceased friend. It's called HUGS, and it involves getting handmade scarves -- crocheted, knitted and sewn from fleece -- for children whose parent visit the Joseph House Crisis Center seeking assistance. The children are allowed to pick out a scarf and a book (donated by a different group). It's more than just giving children a colorful neckwarmer. It's supposed to also be a way to let them know there's a community out there who cares about them, who wants them to grow up strong (it's an acronym: Help Us Grow Strong.
We can be one on the journey, each contributing what we can, using our gifts and talents to help others, or at least to make their journey a little easier in some way. Small sacrifices.
There is a couple at my church who never pass by an opportunity to stop and help, never. They were late to lunch after the Rite of Election because they stopped to help a woman who looked lost, standing on a patch of ice on the sidewalk. The wife is going to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. They married after she entered the RCIA process, and for their honeymoon, they did missionary work. He is one of the kindest, most generous souls I've ever met and she is trying to learn from him. It's beautiful.
What about you, dear reader? I know I'm not resting on my laurels. I will continue to do what I can, which might be more than some, but less than others. But still one on the journey in faith through this life. Solidarity.
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