Our family has been sobered and saddened by the devastating effects of the earthquake in Haiti. In trying to help Gavin and Arwen understand how these faraway events relate to us, we shared these thoughts in last night’s Family Home Evening:- Mosiah 18:8-9 And now, ye [that] are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people . . . are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.
- Mosiah 4:16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.
- Luke 3:11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
- Mosiah 4:27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength.
I have felt powerless watching the images of suffering and hearing the stories of chaos, but am thankful to be able to contribute what we can financially, and just as importantly, to lend our faith to our neighbors in Haiti.
Tonight as we looked over the latest news stories online, Gavin asked why we don’t just forget about it so we don’t feel sad. What an opportunity to teach about the power of faith. I do believe that educating ourselves about what is going on enables us to focus our prayers on the help the Haitian people need most. From the January 22 statement from our Church leaders:
“Money is not the only need in Haiti. People are frightened, bewildered, and wholly uncertain about their future. In addition to what people can do in helping with food, water, and shelter, there needs to be a calming influence over that troubled nation. We invite our people everywhere to supplicate God for a spirit of calm and peace among the people as urgent aid and reconstruction efforts continue.”
Our family is praying that the people of Haiti and those providing aid will experience calm, a spirit of organization, and an ability to care for each other. This may seem near impossible in light of the images of pandemonium delivered up each day, but there are also stories of strength, patience, kindness, and human decency (here, here, here, and here).
1 comment:
We have been similarly touched and moreso myself, who thinks about it every day and reads CNN, cries, etc. I just read a story about an LDS family in Haiti whose three children miraculously survived (as did the parents). The oldest boy sang Primary songs while he waited to be rescued. We have talked with our kids, their school has had fundraisers, and we watched the Hope for Haiti concert. Elizabeth asked if she could give all of her birthday money to those in Haiti. I think our kids understand that there is suffering but probably feel as helpless as we do!
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