One year ago Haiti made the headlines, and we were moved by her massive needs, the immense suffering and loss of life.
One year ago donations were made, prayers were offered, tears were cried and we became one with her people.
One year ago Haiti was our focus.
And then we got busy….basketball practice, spring break schedules, birthday parties, house remodels.
The news headlines reminded us of Haiti’s continuing needs, and for a moment, we diverted our attention and thought of Haiti once again.
And then the phone rang. Our favorite TV show came on. A lunch meeting beckoned.
And Haiti retreated from our memory.
One year ago the earth shook, toppling buildings, homes, schools, churches. Today only 2% of the rubble has even been cleared away.
One year ago countless became instantly homeless. Today 1 million remain homeless, living in makeshift “temporary” 3-foot tents in over one thousand officially registered tent cities.
One year ago 230,000 people lost their lives. Today bodies are still being unearthed and found.
One year ago we paused, but for a moment, to lift Haiti in our prayers. Today some will do the same. And yet, between one year ago and today, little has changed. Little has improved. Little has been done. And from us, truly little has been sacrificed. There exists a fundamental and vast chasm between what we do, and what we can do. Between what give out of our excess, and what we could truly sacrifice. Between how we mention Haiti in our prayers, and how we should continually cry out.
Today we remember one year ago. But tomorrow will come, and most will forget.
One year ago we were moved. Today will we be changed?
My weeping prayer for the people of Haiti last night was Psalm 82. Won’t you join me, even if for a moment, to lift up Haiti and her people, made in the very same image of God as you and I? Our massive, exorbitant, luxurious riches we relish in are not some reward for our faith. They are not God’s blessings for our own merit. They are intended, yes even demanded, to be shared with His people.
Psalm 82
A psalm of Asaph.
1 God presides in the great assembly;
he renders judgment among the “gods”:2 “How long will you[a] defend the unjust
and show partiality to the wicked?[b]
3 Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.5 “The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing.
They walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.6 “I said, ‘You are “gods”;
you are all sons of the Most High.’
7 But you will die like mere mortals;
you will fall like every other ruler.”8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth,
for all the nations are your inheritance.
