Proclaim!

It's been a tough couple of weeks since my last post. On January 12, two events occurred that have affected me deeply. You'd have to have lived under a rock to not know there was an earthquake in Haiti, leaving millions homeless and injured, and a six-figure death count. In addition to all those who died in Haiti, there was another death that hit closer to home. A friend and colleague lost her life as a result of what was for her an incurable depression.

The latter death has had a profound effect on how I've personally absorbed the impact of global event. I know it's been difficult for me to turn on the TV or radio. I simply could not handle any more grief for several days. It dawned on me that I couldn't possibly be the only one who's too overwhelmed with the Haiti story and it left me feeling hopeless.

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I've been taking an accelerated class this January called Media, Culture and Worship. We have been encouraged to experiment with multimedia and cultural events and to try to marry the two with the readings assigned for the upcoming Sunday. I decided to try to turn the feeling of hopelessness on its ear and focus on tangible things closer to home that we can focus on.

Those of you who can focus on Haiti are probably thinking, "Just make a donation" or something like that. What you may not realize is that when you're experiencing personal despair, the feeling of sending a few bucks out to some unknown place doesn't feel very effective. I simply ask you treat those who don't seem engaged with kindness. You have no idea what may be happening in their lives that are making it impossible for them to see more than a few feet in front of them. The fog that imprisons them could be paralyzing them on their journey. Rather than prodding them, try outstretching your hand and proclaim the good news: love your neighbor.