"Our compassion for others seems to be directly correlated to whether people are close to us socially, emotionally, culturally, ethnically, economically, and geographically. But why do we distinguish the value of one human life from another? Why is it so easy to shut out the cries of these dying foreign children from our ears?" - Richard Stearns, President, World Vision
Perhaps it is because the poverty and suffering of those in another part of the world has not gotten personal for most people. They hear about it, read about it, see pictures on the television about it. However, I can tell you, from my own experience, that once it becomes personal, you cannot forget it. When I was in Uganda in July 2009 with Hope 4 Kids International, one of the most difficult and heart-wrenching experiences was when we participated in feeding the Karamajong children. Hundreds of children waited as we served them what would be their only meal for the day. After they were done eating, it was quite chaotic as children ran around playing. Many approached us and just wanted to be held or hold our hand. Amidst the chaos, I heard the sound of a baby crying. I looked around to see where the crying was coming from and saw a baby girl sitting on the ground with tears streaming down her face. She had a dirty torn dress on and she was sitting in a puddle of her own urine. I was overwhelmed by the sight and went over to her and picked her up. Within minutes she stopped crying and fell asleep in my arms. When it was time for us to leave, it was difficult to put her down. I think of her often and wonder how she is doing. I cannot "shut out the cries" of this child......
Perhaps it is because the poverty and suffering of those in another part of the world has not gotten personal for most people. They hear about it, read about it, see pictures on the television about it. However, I can tell you, from my own experience, that once it becomes personal, you cannot forget it. When I was in Uganda in July 2009 with Hope 4 Kids International, one of the most difficult and heart-wrenching experiences was when we participated in feeding the Karamajong children. Hundreds of children waited as we served them what would be their only meal for the day. After they were done eating, it was quite chaotic as children ran around playing. Many approached us and just wanted to be held or hold our hand. Amidst the chaos, I heard the sound of a baby crying. I looked around to see where the crying was coming from and saw a baby girl sitting on the ground with tears streaming down her face. She had a dirty torn dress on and she was sitting in a puddle of her own urine. I was overwhelmed by the sight and went over to her and picked her up. Within minutes she stopped crying and fell asleep in my arms. When it was time for us to leave, it was difficult to put her down. I think of her often and wonder how she is doing. I cannot "shut out the cries" of this child......
No comments:
Post a Comment