Jen, thank you.

Velda. So very true. Words are nice, compassion is good, but action is what makes a difference. We get so bogged down in the details and processes that we forget to actually do.

In defense of the people that were making this movie, I am sure it was pieced together the way it was for the best effect. I am sure they were more than eager to help. Going into a situation like that though you have to make sure of the situation as best as possible. There may be danger around, angry parents or relatives, or perhaps someone who killed parents. Also, someone in such a weakened state cannot really rush to full health. Etc, etc. You make a very good point though.

They were there to do good, and they did. I am SURE they were just about to break out the crackers when Jane came along. Then sure, they got a little distracted by the bath, but they did eventually give the kids something to eat. I’m not knocking on them, but I’m pointing it out because I think it says something about human nature.

To a more serious and prolonged extent, most of us react the same way. We see these awful things happening abroad, in our own communities.. even in our own homes sometimes. We know we should do something. We WANT to do something. Sometimes we’re even trying to do something. But we spend so much energy working ourselves up to the point where we’re ready to do the right thing that sometimes it never gets done. Same thing goes for our own problems, too.

“But,” you may say, “where do we start?” I have been thinking about this also. Seeing videos like this make me want to fly to Africa right now and cuddle these poor neglected little souls and shower them with love. However, I do not really have the appropriate resources at the moment. These search and rescue missions take a lot of time, effort, organization, and resources.

So where DO I start?

With my own family. Do my wife and children feel loved and needed as much as I can provide? Next, my neighborhood. Do all of my neighbors have what they need? How about my city? Can I take my family and show them how to serve by finding people that need help and helping? Donating time or food at a food bank. Participating in city sponsored cleanup drives. If there is nothing going on, perhaps I can organize something. Looking for a worthwhile activity for the Sabbath day? Organize some service projects. Visit people. Talk to people. Share your love with people. Take an hour of television/movie/computer/whatever time and go outside your house and look for someone to talk to. Share a smile. Send $5 to a charitable organization? $5 US dollars my only buy a combo meal here in America, but it can buy a whole family a weeks worth of food and supplies in other nations.

I can start, by beginning to think less about myself and my “problems” and more about others and how I can help them and love them.