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.