Let me start by telling you how the Lord has been working in my heart recently...
I have always felt like posts about any global crisis on social media were a nuisance. Any post that asked me to "do something" about the latest trendy problem only motivated me to scroll further down the news feed.
To me, social media was meant for mindless surfing, and posts about the desperate needs of faraway people were not mindless material. Those posts demand to be read with your mind & your heart. I wasn't willing to give them that kind of energy.
My attitude was selfish.
This past week, Humans of New York shared the stories of refugees who fled to Greece. When you take the time to listen with your heart, it is impossible to be unmoved by these stories of trauma & survival. If you haven't read these posts yet, please read them here!
Most refugees have no hope of ever returning to their homes. Many have lost loved ones during the crossing to Europe. They have arrived in a foreign land with no possessions and no resources.
I tried to grasp the refugees' stories while enjoying a cup of french press coffee in my air-conditioned apartment. A queen-sized bed & a fridge full of food were easily accessible to me. Everyone whom I love was only a phone call away.
I have been blessed with tremendous resources.
I can allow comfort to numb me from considering the needs of brokenhearted, or I can use my resources to alleviate their suffering.
I may only be able to make a small contribution towards a massive crisis, but it is a better option than living in comfortable, selfish ignorance. Here is my small contribution:
- This week, I became a Noonday Ambassador! This amazing organization is creating jobs for artisans all over the world by opening up the marketplace in America. Every Noonday purchase helps alleviate poverty in 13 different countries by providing stable income for families just like yours. For the month of October, 10% of all purchases made using this link will help send blankets to refugees in Europe.
- On October 11th, a friend and I will host a blanket-making party. We will make fleece tie blankets to send to Europe for refugees. We are also accepting donations towards the cost of materials & shipping. If you would like to be involved, please let me know in a comment on this post!
I am so thankful for your support as I begin my journey as a Noonday Ambassador and as we try to bring a little hope to the refugee's in Europe!