Friday, January 15, 2010

Courage Without Borders


Photo by www.telegraph.co.uk

When I was a little girl, I was convinced that I was the only real human being on the earth. Everyone else-- my parents, my teachers, the little girls I played dress up with, the boy up the street who'd pull my braids-- were lifelike robots invented by God to test me, to see how I reacted to everyday life. I just couldn't fathom that there were other people like me, with complete sets of feelings and thoughts apart from mine.
(If you're a psychiatrist, kindly keep my diagnosis to yourself, pretty please.)
If my theory wasn't true, if God didn't create the world just to test me, then what was this life all about, anyway? What was it for?

I've thought about this my whole life long. What is this world all about? Why are we here? What are we for?

In the last ten years, I think I've finally figured it out. At least I've got an answer that works for me.
As simple as it sounds, we're here to love each other. To be brave. To sacrifice for each other. To give little pieces of ourselves to each other. And sometimes big pieces.
And while we're at it, we sometimes discover God within our lives, in the happiness and in the sadness, in the love and in the sacrifice, where God's been from the beginning.

Tragedies, like the earthquake in Haiti, remind me of this.

Photo by www.telegraph.co.uk
I'm sure you've seen plenty of info on different ways to donate money towards helping the people of Haiti. If not, I'd suggest the Red Cross, or Doctors Without Borders.
And if you can't give money, you can always pray for the people of Haiti and for the courageous folks working to help them.

I just feel like saying how thankful I am for each of you, for the way you enrich my life.
And right now, I'm thankful for this video, too. It was made to raise awareness of the problem of Aids in Africa, (which, goodness knows, desperately needs our attention too) but I think it's appropriate now, as well.

Have a good weekend, friends!
Love, Becky



PS. My friend Angela is having a fundraiser for Haiti on her blog. If you leave a comment, she'll add a dollar to her donation.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Exactly why we're here. Love.
And good recommendations, Rebecca. People should only donate to the tested and true charities like these ones.
"Love" the video, too!

Tana said...

The picture of the girl crying just kills me. They are all in my prayers.

lotusgirl said...

Oh my gosh. I felt the same thing when I was a kid. We really do have a lot in common. I wonder how common that is. I've come to the same kind of conclusions as you as well. It's all about how we treat each other. Love, kindness, charity, service...

We really do need to get together sometime.

Angela K. Nickerson said...

Thanks for the link love! :)

Unknown said...

Your post is lovely and very deep, Rebecca! Thanks for sharing.
from your robot blogger friend,
~TattingChic ♥

May @ Anne and May said...

My employer is matching contributions so that was a comfort.

But wow. As a San Franciscan, you can't help but feel so connected to the Haiti catastrophe.

My thoughts and prayers are with them.

ToddR said...

If we can know about things that happen on this earth after we die, I'm sure John Lennon is smiling about that video.

Gwen Buchanan said...

such a great post Rebecca, Thanks!!

Jojo said...

As I read your post I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 3:16. Within each of us, we have so much that we can share. Wonderful post.

Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a nice note.

dana said...

I do so pray for the innocent folks of Haiti....and for the brave volunteers and military who have been sent/or who have chosen to go to help in the relief efforts.

Dana

Marilyn Miller said...

Yes, we must love one another. They are also in my prayers.

I am half way through your book and really enjoying it. Thanks!