Here are some ways I think we can help...
1. DO NOT PASS OVER THESE STORIES AND IMAGES
Read, educate, share with others. I had a conversation with someone awhile back, who said something like:
- "I don't read or really need to know what is going on, because what can I really do about it anyways?"
- "It's just TOO much for me to look at or read."
- "It makes me feel awful."
- "It can be offensive."
- "They aren't in my neighborhood or even my country."
"It's a very disturbing photo, but I think we should be offended that children are washing up dead on our beaches because of the failure of our politicians to provide safe passage . . . rather than by the photo itself." Peter Bouckaert
2. PRAY
This can feel so easy, and yet so hard. Many times I think, what is prayer going to do? Here I am sitting in my comfy house, with my coffee, just praying . . . it can feel like it's small and sometimes less than. However, I have seen firsthand the power of prayer. And I know my Savior is just that, a Savior of hope and healing. And right now, at this moment, he is asking me to be a voice for the voiceless by crying out in prayer for one daily. So that is what I will do. I will pray for one to be rescued, freed, and found. We have started a Facebook group with others to pray at noon each day. If you would like to join our group you can click here.
I have a friend I used to work with who has partnered with a refugee organization for years. This organization is in Lebanon, and they provide trauma centers, schools, and overall hope for those who have been displaced by war. We hear of lots of different places to give, but I feel confident giving to a place I know has changed hundreds of lives firsthand. CLICK here to check out HEART FOR LEBANON.
"Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them." Let's partner with those who are doing this on the ground. Isaiah 58:7
I talked with some moms today about how we should talk to our kids about this or about crisis anywhere. Our kids here are privileged with a CAPITAL P and many don't even realize it. I don't think we need to show our little ones these pictures or graphic scenes. But I think it is good to let your kids know what is on God's heart and what is on your heart. I don't know the magic formula for talking to kids about this, different ages, different chats. Tonight I told my kids (7 and 3) we were going to pray for the refugee, when they asked who that was, I explained in simple terms: those who have had to flee their homes and country and seek shelter and life other places. A good bible story to weave in, is the Good Samaritan. We prayed for their safety, their hearts or "harts" as sissy says, and for those to open their homes and lives. I told Holden who we would be donating too, and I will show him the website of Heart for Lebanon and the pictures of the kids they help.
5. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Others are signing this petition to let our government and President know we will not stand to sit idly by while this is happening. Not on our watch. Sign petition here.
May we cry out for those who can no longer cry out . . . may we be the voice for the voiceless, may we be change agents to rebuild the broken down walls and repair livable streets. Isaiah 58:12
Also check out Ann Voskamps blog on more ways to help...love her.