People are Hurting

It’s been nearly 2 weeks since the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. Since that time, the area has suffered several high magnitude aftershocks, as well. We’ve all seen the images on tv at this point… to classify it as devastating just seems inadequate.
Now that the United States has given untold millions in support of relief funds,we’re beginning to shift focus from the personal catastrophe, the children with no food and water, the children who have been orphaned, the elderly without medications necessary for them to survive, to a “Hey, what about us?” attitude.
I, for one, understand this. We, the United States, are suffering from our own calamities. There are skyrocketing unemployment rates, unmanageable homelessness, and hungry Americans with fewer resources to turn to. It’s a difficult situation, to say the least.
I do know this to be true, though. The US is always first on the scene, anywhere in the world, where there is disaster. It’s this that sets us apart from other countries and cultures. It’s what makes us different…and dare I say, better?
On the other hand, why do we treat our own tax paying citizens with slower assistance? Less compassion? Why are CEO’s who have been involved in the collapse of major corporations allowed to continue to prosper while his/her lower level employees are treated poorly; treated as easily eliminated expenses despite their years of dedicated service. Why are American children sleeping in cars at night and unable to enroll in school?
There isn’t an easy answer, I suppose. It’s just something that weighs heavily on my heart. How far are each of us from something like that happening to us? An earthquake away, a paycheck away? Several paychecks away if we’re particularly blessed?
I’m praying today for Haiti. I’m praying for their relief and for the relief workers and agencies and donors that are doing all they can.
I’m also praying for the United States and those who suffer here. Those who are really trying to make their own way and can’t and those who don’t know where the next meal is coming from.