We have a life so many would do anything to have. Yes, there are hardships and trials. But only a fraction of the American existence has ever experienced anything which would remotely compare to the reality so many live each and every day.
Sometimes, at least for me, it is heartbreaking to see these images, yes, but the more concerning question is "What am I supposed to do about it?" or "How in the world do I even begin to take the first step towards helping?" or "Is this starving person in a third world country even my responsibility?" Sometimes it is a severe case of "out of sight, out of mind". Regardless of what your view is, there are people starving, and they need help.
I've been convicted lately of my worldly possessions. I feel that while I don't live lavishly by American standards, I live like a queen by most worldly standards. There have been recent opportunities for me to share what I have.
Two nights ago in the NET Lab, I had just finished my homework and there was a lady there that wanted to use my phone. She looked foreign, and I was terrified she was wanting to place and international call, but I let her use it. Luckily she called locally. When the person she was attempting to reach didn't answer, she asked for a ride. I tried to pretend I didn't hear her ask because I didn't have a lot of gas, but I couldn't ignore her offer. It was late, I was tired and had just finished my homework, but I knew this was an opportunity to help my fellow man.
She told me she lived out almost to Ft. Gibson, and I told her I would give her a ride. Come to find out, this lady is a professor at NSU. Once we were in the car, I smelled alcohol heavy on her breath. She absolutely broke my heart.
I said "So, you don't have a phone. The person you were trying to get a hold of didn't answer, and you don't have a car. What would you have done if you didn't find a ride?"
Her response shocked me. "If I didn't find a ride, I would've just gone back to the bar and tried to go home with a guy."
Wow. I told her how she is worth so much more than to just be used. She continued to share with me, and told me how the God that provides for me and loves me (and also loves her) had betrayed her. I told her he never would do anything like that, but she wouldn't hear. By this point we were at her house. I let her know how glad I was to be able to give her a ride home. She thanked me, and stumbled inside her home. I sat in her driveway and cried for her.
There are ways to give to those in need, whether it be giving funds to projects that provide meals (http://www.changethisworld.com/) or just giving your time and resources to those around you. People are in need, and people need love. We just have to be sensitive to others and willing to help.
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