Please bear with me. There's something bothering me and I need to say something about it. Maybe my prayer request should be for me to just get over it.
Since the earthquake in Haiti hit, I've heard many Americans say, "What about our own?" in response to the help being sent. They are bringing up the Katrina victims, saying we aren't done with New Orleans yet, so how can we possibly send money we don't have to Haiti? I have heard this more than a handful of times, maybe you have too.
The thing that bothers me, besides the lack of compassion, is the comparison.
Katrina was not the largest natural disaster the US has ever had. The largest hurricane hit Galveston, TX in 1900 and killed 8000+ people. Katrina ranks #9. In Haiti, the death toll is expected to be over 100,000. That makes it one of the worst GLOBAL natural disasters in history. These people are not equipped to handle this at ALL. New Orleans IS in recovery - they're getting their economy and tourism back. They have clean water to drink and food to eat - the Haitians aren't comparable to the Katrina victims at this point - it's been five years since Katrina - it's been one week since the Haiti earthquake. So why help people outside our country? Because we're HUMAN. Where is the money coming from? At this point, who cares These people are in a situation that we can't even begin to fathom. Imagine hearing YOUR child crying under a pile of rubble, begging you to help, and there's nothing you can do. Imagine sitting outside the ruins of a hospital with broken bones and deep cuts, amidst dead bodies, and the only thing you're thinking about is water. Their situation is completely unthinkable. What about New Orleans? New Orleans can wait for now. A bigger fish just jumped in the boat.
Katrina was first detected on August 23 - five days before it hit New Orleans. It first hit Florida, then went into the gulf of Mexico, where it strengthened. This was tracked - they KNEW it was coming, they KNEW the levies wouldn't hold, they KNEW they should get people out of there, but they didn't. In this situation, there IS someone (many, actually) to blame.
Now look at Haiti. This earthquake hit with no warning. It was a shallow quake (which means there weren't any warning tremors, letting people know to get out of the buildings) and the violent ground shaking and destruction started immediately. They (unlike New Orleans) didn't have a chance.
I did cry when Katrina hit. I cried for all the people who lost their lives and all the people who were left suffering. But those tears did turn to anger when I found out that a lot of it could have been prevented. I was angry at the mayor, at our government, and at the people who CHOSE to stay and "ride it out." But in Haiti, there's no one to be angry with. Their leaders didn't drop the ball - this was a time bomb that finally went off and hundreds of thousands died and are still dying.
Do I believe in helping "our own?" Absolutely. I think when a town, state, or nation bans together to help victims of a disaster it brings out the best in that town, state, or nation. But when the world can come together to help victims of a global disaster, it reminds us that "our own" travels farther than any border.
Please, pray for our own. No matter what country you live in.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean for that to turn into a rant, which is exactly what it was. I'm just frustrated. And annoyed with myself. As I type, from my warm house, in my safe town, with my healthy kids tucked in their clean beds, I can't help but wonder, why me? I have done nothing, and I mean NOTHING to deserve the way I live. I cursed God more than I care to remember before I gave my life to Him. There are people trapped under buildings that have loved Him since they could walk. Yet, here I am, and there they are. I'm not doubting God, I'm doubting me. I'm doubting my appreciation, my gratitude, and my willingness to use what He has given me for His glory instead of my gain. I didn't have to buy that second TV - or the makeup that promised to make me look 10 years younger - or the cat food that was shaped like fish when I could have bought the same food - all the same shape - for a buck cheaper. I could have used this money to FEED someone.
Right now, I'm feeling really helpless, and really ashamed.
Our Father, YHVH, knows exactly what He is doing. He is in control, and He does nothing without a reason. Just because we can't always see that reason doesn't mean it isn't there.
I have raised several sets of children in my life, including mine, and the one thing I do know is that being a parent is one of the most important jobs God can entrust you with. He has entrusted the care and education of His little ones to you, think what an honor that is. What higher compliment could He give you?
Anyway....haven't been online in a while, saw your post and thought I'd say Hi.
dear linnie, you have such a compassionate heart for others.. youre right about alot of things youve said here.
we need to help those in need no matter where theyre at. and a much bigger need i dont see right now than haiti.. i cant begin to imagine the horrors they have endured and are enduring horror even as i type..
lets keep prayin and doin what we can.. and hey dont be so rough on yourself. its not your fault either..
I've spoken to one of the military down there trying to help and when I hear him say things like "the worst I've ever seen" and hear the anguish in his voice...I know it is bad.
When you see a cruise ship dock in Haiti so that it's "guests" can tan themselves on the beaches...your blood begins to boil.
These are our brothers and sisters. There by the Grace of God... If we are capable of lending a hand and do not do so...then our Faith is a Lie and merely for show only.
I respect you outrage and admire your concern. They need prayers and also much more.
