A Cry for Help
I read something recently (I think this is becoming a theme in my blog entries) that made me want to write something. It really is kind of amazing all the support and aid being given for the Tsunami victims from around the world. To see everyone coming together because of this tragedy. Take away things like the celebrity phonothon, basketball players giving a thousand dollars for every point scored and evangelicals claiming they know God's mind on why it happened and it really does astound me. However, this is what i read. "Millions die annually from malaria and AIDS in the countries devestated by the Tsunami. More die monthly due to these causes then the whole of the Tsunami." I was blown away, its funny how certain statements can completely change your persepective. Why is it so easy for us to support the "Tsunami victims" yet so hard for us to desire change in the poverty situation for many of these areas. My only guess is that we like projects that have visible results in a short time period and we see this recent tragedy as a project to be completed and admired once finished. We don't tend to like things that will take much time, generations probably, and continued support financially. We don't like to get messy, we don't like the idea of taking on other people's pain since it has that unwanted side effect of taking on pain yourself. Closing our eyes and joining the rich celebrities in giving money to the "Tsunami victims" suits our pleasure much better. If it takes a Tsunami or a blown up building to get American Christians to give some money away we are way off course in what it means to be a disciple of Christ. I wonder what we would have said if it didn't happen near any American vacation spot, or just solely on the coast of Africa. I tend to think it would have been a side statement in the news and on the 3rd page of the newpaper. Ive listed three organizations that I trust in and am a part of, check them out and not out of pity for the "Tsunami victims" but because you have the funds to have the internet and the time to read this blog.
www.worldvision.org
www.compassion.com
www.redcross.org
* the quote came out of the editors note in the magazine "Scientific American"
posted by NJ Lawyer @ 5:24 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
It's much harder for people to notice things that "have always been that way". Many people go through life in a fog. Sure, they see those ads to sponsor a child, but those ads have been there forever, so there's no immediacy to going to the trouble to sign up or even just make a donation.
On the other hand, the tsunami was dramatic enough that people took notice. There was an immediate need, and people came through.
People mostly do care about others, I think. It's just a lot of trouble to figure out where your donation dollars are going to go and it's often easier for many just to give to the church, which then decides how much will go to assist others, and in what capacity.
so what are you doing about it? the point of that blog was not to bash other people (though it might have come off like that) it was to challenge whoever reads it, including myself. (i have heard the culpepper story by the way)
I don't know; I see exactly what Jon is saying. I mean, I gave money to the tsunami victims; I have a compassion child. But why? Well, I gave to the tsunami victims because my dad asked for it as his bday present. I am almost certain I would've done nothing if I wasn't doing it for that. My compassion child? It takes a little self-examination to figure that one out. I think I give to Nehemias because I consider it my offering to the Lord, since I don't really give at church. I mean, He convicted me at Creation to do it... I don't know, I continue to give because I have the means and I think it is a very worthy cause, yadda yadda... I'm just rambling now. Good post Drew.
Nate
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