Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Thinking "Outloud"

For a week or so I've been contemplating this blog post. I wasn't sure how to say what I was thinking/feeling. Then I read a blog post from Meri. She is wonderful and has been such an inspiration to me. Click here to read her post "Strong but Human." It takes words right out of my mouth. Not only that, it did help push me to finish this post that has been sitting, partially written for a week now.

The earthquake in Haiti, as we are all aware, has been devastating. The statistics are heartbreaking. The pictures are depressing. But, the outpouring of love is humbling.

CNN currently estimates... *
200,000 people will be casualties of this disaster
194,000 people are injured
9 million is the population of Haiti
3 million people are affected by this quake
1.5 million people are living on the streets, including those living in these conditions before the quake.
90% of schools in Port-au-Prince have been destroyed

BUT...
134 people have been rescued by international search teams since the quake
497 Haitian orphans have been evacuated
$1.12 billion dollars have been pledged internationally to help this country
$783 million dollars have been received since Tuesday, Jan 26.
8 million Meals the World Food Programme has delivered to nearly 400,000 people
300 Aid distribution sites are up and running
130-150 flights are arriving daily at the single runway airport in Port-au-Prince with aid

People have watched this tragedy and opened their arms to help relieve the suffering. Throughout this tragic situation, it's a humbling sight. But I wonder how often we are willing and ready to treat those around us with such love and compassion. You see, everyone you come in contact with has their own personal battles they are dealing with. They are living in a personal "earthquake" or "earthquak aftermath." Sometimes we can see other's experiences because they are of a physical nature; however, far too often, a person's "earthquake" is one that can't be seen. Nevertheless, they are still there. And these people are still needing help.

All of us need shelter, food, and water in the form of love, support, and encouragement. But how often are we willing to give it? Why does it take catastrophic events for people to open their hearts? This post didn't mean to go all preachy. It's just after watching the wonderful support people have given to Haiti, it makes me wonder if people realize the personal battles people are waging on a daily basis. It's amazing how a smile can lift the shoulders of a person bearing a heavy burden. A little hug can brighten a day. A listening ear...one that's really listening and not waiting for a break in conversation to interject new thoughts...can help carry a cumbersome load.

So next time you are watching the news and hear of a terrible event, try to also remember that people all around us are struggling under the weight of personal tragedies. If everyone makes it a goal to try and help or lift one person everyday, do you realize the ripple effect this simple act of kindness could have on a nation? Or even the world? Remember, small acts can and do bring about monumental results.

And that's all from Doc Shamae today. **

*These statistics were gathered from www.cnn.com
**Shamae is not actually a real doctor.

11 comments:

Meri said...

Amen Shamae! Amen! It is so true. Everyone has a story. There are more suffering right in front of us than we can imagine!

Thank you for writing this. I hope we all take a moment to turn to someone we see everyday and ask them, "How are you doing?" And not to stop there...but really listen to their answer.

Jennifer said...

What a great post! I think you hit the nail on the head.

I didn't find it to be "preachy" at all.

Lora said...

Great post Shamae. I think we are sometimes "blind" to what goes on around us. Even if its happening to the people we love.

Kasi Lee said...

Thanks for this post! It is a great reminder to remember to be charitable and loving all the time! I wish we could see more clearly how we could help others in our day-to-day lives!

Tara said...

Well said!! I love this post and agree 100%! It is so true...and I find sometimes we can get wrapped up in our own "earthquake" and are blind to others that are dealing with more or the same thing. I to have tried to recognize other's "earthquakes" and have tried to at least smile or share a compliment! Because you do never know how it will effect that person's day!! Doesn't hurt to be kind thats for sure...and heaven forbid it should cause a ripple affect...that's what this country needs!!! Thanks again for the great post. Thanks for letting me share my 2 cents!!!

Tara :)

phonelady said...

oh my gosh did you really hit home with me today . Yesterday was my earthquake at the drs myself and he had to leave for an er emergency and me without my prescriptions oh well out of pocket again . Is not the first time probably wont be the last LOL !!!

Rachel said...

Nicely said Shamae. You are so right so why is it that we don't see it very often?

Makes you think.

Jess the photographer behind the lens at JWilsonPix said...

Thank you for this post Shamae.... It really hit the spot for me.... the whole situation is so very sad... for the people of Haiti... and I truelly do feel for their loss... and am thankful to be a part of the aid assistance through our church....

HOWEVER... living in the USA.... where the economy is down.. and the $$ is loosing its value.. people are loseing their homes left and right.. people are without jobs.. and we have such a huge deficit... It makes me stop and wonder... what about here.. what about OUR people here at home.... what are we doing for each other over here...

Thank you for sharing your feelings in this post... You are the bomb doc!! =)

LeAnn said...

Well said. Sometimes we all need that reminder!

Micah and Jen said...

So well said! I was just thinking about the family in my ward that lost thier little boy this week. She still has to go get groceries for her family, she still has to take care of them, she still has to be a mom and wife. How often do we pass by someone at the store and not even begin to realize what is going on in thier lives? We truely have NO idea what life is like for someone else. I have been on the recieving end of such love from others....and just a kind word or smile makes a world of difference. Thanks for posting this! :)

The Lane Family said...

What a great post!!! You know how to hit the nail on the head and say what many of us may think but cannot seem to express, like you can!!