Jan 15 2010
Paralyzed by the Scope of Tragedy
When major tragedies occur in our world similar to the massive earthquake in Haiti, I become very still inside. The scope of the devastation is so great that it overwhelms me. The tragic loss of so many people and the great need of so many injured is impossible for me to take in.
I can do nothing at first but pray. I cannot fathom being a first responder. To have the ability to catapult from shock to action escapes me. I often feel paralyzed by the scope of tragedy and cannot think of how to respond.
The pictures, stories, and sounds of destruction convince me that I can’t fix it all, I can’t right it all, I can’t make a difference when the scope is this great. So, I freeze into inaction trying to block it out so that it does not overwhelm me.
When asked to help meet a great need I always think, “What difference can I make?” Then, I receive a request. Someone has family there and is bringing items to the Haitian embassy to be flown down for assistance. There are three million people affected. I am one person. I understand clearly that what I can do is a pittance in comparison to the need.
However, God reminds me once again that it is not my job to worry about the massiveness of the need. It is my job to meet the need that I can and pray that He will meet all the rest. So, I donate packs of tuna and baby wipes.
Maybe all you can do is small too, but do not allow the smallness of it to stop you. Donate a meal, clothing, a blanket. Give money to fill a gas tank, a belly, a school desk. Write a note of encouragement, hope, and care. Most importantly, pray. Pray that the people of Haiti would cry out to Jesus Christ to be saved and that He would deliver them.