A week of turmoil

I have been so shocked and saddened by this week events in Haiti.  A terribly strong earthquake followed by days and days of after-shocks.  Millions of people directly affected, tens of thousands dead, and the number of feared dead far greater, thousands of people injured - such a shocking tragedy.  

Events like this happen and it's immediately natural to wonder how God can let this happen, why would He allow this?  I can't answer it, I cannot fathom His reasoning on this.  At the same time, I know that He is still loving us, encouraging us during this time of need to come to Him, and at this moment millions of people need Him like they have never needed Him before.  I pray that those who truly seek their answers and support and guidance find it and are open to the signs that He is very much  by our side.

A few years ago there was the devastating Tsunami in Sumatra.  I remember hearing about it and seeing the television coverage regarding the devastation and the many who were impacted.  But I continued to live my selfish life - I was sad to see what was happening so I just turned the tv off, avoided the multiple websites that were broadcasting what had happened.  I thought about how sad it was but I didn't let it affect me, I didn't want to dwell on something that could bring down my own personal day.  I was too wrapped up in my own life and since that didn't directly affect me I wasn't inclined to lend a helping hand or open my wallet.

I realized today how much of a change my new heart has been.  I have found that praying for the survivors of the tragic Earthquake in Haiti has brought me comfort and NOT in a selfish way.  Through the prayer that I have given this matter I have been able to find ways that I can help.  Actively help to bring aid, hope, medical treatment and love to people of this nation.  Suddenly I see that opening my heart doesn't make me weak but strong.  I am strong enough to think about sacrificing, pushing aside my comfort to help another.  So for the next two weeks I am going to skip my Starbucks, or Tim Horton's, and movie rentals and instead take those funds to donate to various organizations that are helping the victims. 

I have prayed about why God did this, and I'm sure that He will not tell me (and most likely it really was out of His control).  Those prayers of question are not going to get the answers that I want.  However, I can find out what He would like me to do to help the survivors and that is what I have been concentrating on.  It is because of Him that I am finding ways to help.

Part of my mind is also starting to think that I'd like to do a missions trip to Haiti, later this year or next year, to help re-build.  Right now that country needs volunteers that are specifically trained to deal with such large scale disasters.  They need people who can organization logistics and reality of the first and foremost needs.  And I know that I lack those skills - however when it gets down to re-building and being a body that can help with long-term issues I can be there.

So for right now the small sacrifice of $$ is so small that I will not miss it.  I am so happy that I could open my heart and truly hear what He has in mind for me.