Building One Another

HAITI Vol 9 No 3

January 19, 2010

Dear Friend,

Twice this week I was forcefully reminded that while we may fret over a variety of matters, the vast majority of us have our basic needs met and often much more than our basic needs met.

 

The first time I was reminded of this I was reading the newspaper and enjoying the comics section when the evening news began to broadcast incredibly horrible pictures from Haiti of schools, churches, stores and homes that had simply collapsed on the people living inside. 

 

I found reading the comics suddenly terribly superficial.

 

The second time occurred as I was in a Starbucks sipping on a grande latte.  I began to read news accounts of the rescue efforts in Haiti and the increasingly desperate plight of people struggling to escape entrapment, seeking food, water and shelter, trying to protect meager belongings from thugs and enduring overwhelming grief at the loss of many dear ones.

 

Suddenly the latte felt like a total extravagance.

 

Of course it is appropriate to stop, to be grateful and to enjoy the blessings each of us has been given.  At the same time let us be fully aware of those who suffer in our own midst such as those whom our rough economy has left facing situations of uncertainty and anxiety.  As the Haitian crisis begins to drop lower in the news cycle, continue to remember them and pray for them and give to the relief agencies of your choice.

 

When life is difficult it is good to remember that our God is with every one of us inviting us to trust our Lord anew.

 

”God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1*

 

With joy - E. Stanley Ott

Copyright 2010 E. Stanley Ott

*Scripture from the NRSV