I am a rescuer, a fixer. It has been both an incredible blessing in my life, but can also be my downfall when I take on too much. My husband and I have used our passion for helping others to teach our kids to serve. No child is too young to learn compassion towards others.
When the Indian Ocean tsunami happened in 2004, my husband and I used that as a great opportunity to teach our very young children, then 6, 5, and 2, what it meant to really serve. We talked about the event, in childish terms, then talked about ways we could help. The boys all donated their savings (a total of $20) to send to the aid of the tsunami victims.
Just like many others in our country, when the September 11th attacks happened, I felt helpless. So desperately I wanted to help, but did not know what to do. We were living in St. George, UT- a long way from New York City. I went to donate blood, but because I was pregnant, I was not allowed. So we made up flyers, put the word out, and gathered as many First Aid items as we could. After a few days of neighbors and friends donating, we took them to the Red Cross to use wherever they were needed. we found a ways to help, even if the items never reached New York. Those of us in the community that felt helpless found a way to reach out and do something.
Right now, in the wake of the Nepal earthquake that hit a few days ago, I am feeling that same, helpless feeling. There have been times in my life I wanted to be a rescue worker so I could go and help in crisis such as these. This is one of those times. We had even talked about being a family that traveled the world in order to help serve those in need. However, God has laid a different path for me and I am where I need to be. Yet, sometimes I feel like it is not enough. What can I do for the people of Nepal? As I have pondered on this, the thought that comes to mind is to pray.
Sometimes, praying seems like not enough. However, I have witnessed first hand how prayers of is enough- especially if that is all you can do.
others lift the ones in need, helping bring them peace, or guiding them to answers. Praying is one of the most powerful forces in this world! Think about it. When we take even a moment to lift someone up in prayer, we are literally talking to God, our creator, and asking Him to bring comfort to one (or more) of His children. Although He can help them anyway, when we ask Him for extra help or comfort on their behalf, He is taking our love, along with His own, and distributing it to those who are hurting. He does this though His angels, be they be heavenly or earthly (you and I). Our love is lifted up to the heavens, magnified to countless degrees, then sent to the soul in need. Perhaps that prayer brings a moment of comfort, or maybe it brings a new idea of how they can help themselves. We may never know. Realize, though, that when you pray, sometimes it is enough!
Today, wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I urge you to stop, and take a moment to say a prayer for the people of Nepal, a loved one hurting, or a stranger you saw on the side of the road. Your prayer is an act of love and it may be that exact moment that you pray that the recipient needed your love the most. That is what we are here for- to love one another through this life. Let us love through acts of service, through moments of prayer.
Mama Dragon
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