We live in a world of instant gratification and a culture that is numb to pain, especially the pain of others. Our vision is limited to an arm’s reach. We see within our limited scope that we are okay and conclude that we’re all okay; and we go on minding our own busy-ness.
Days go by, weeks go by, and we find ourselves stuck in a routine, resistant to change and insistent that “it is what it is.” The only thing that breaks us of our routine is when pain creeps in. And, when it does, because it will, we make every possible effort to avoid, deny and/or eradicate it. At the onset of pain, some eyes are opened. And, the eyes that are opened are left wondering where did everyone go and why isn’t anyone willing to help?
We need to spend more time thinking about those who go to bed hungry. We need to spend more time thinking about those fighting to survive in the bitter cold with no place to call home. We need to spend more time thinking about those who struggle with addictions. We need to spend more time thinking about those who fall victim to violence or struggle with mental illness. We need to spend more time thinking about those who are lonely or depressed. We need to spend more time thinking about those in hospitals or nursing homes. We need to spend more time thinking of young families at their bitter wits end, afraid to death at the thought of bringing new life into this world.
More than just thinking… We need to pray for, meet and introduce ourselves to these folks and/or get acquainted with organizations that reach out to help individuals in need. We should admit to ourselves, that if we do not know others who are struggling, we are either blind, oblivious, or too self-focused to look beyond our own needs. In the end, we can’t plead ignorance and, eventually – hopefully not too late – we will realize that we are our brother’s keeper.
Our goal in life is not to eradicate poverty or solve world hunger. This, often, is what paralyzes us and disallows us from making any forward progress… We see problems not people and try to eliminate problems without helping people. We, myself very much included, need to get over ourselves and start putting a face to these problems. It starts and ends with love and it’s achieved by looking up and out and opening our hearts to the men and women, our brothers and sisters, God has placed in our lives. The time is now and it starts with one person, one organization, and builds from there..
So, Why Donate?
- God said so.
- Our brothers and sisters need our help.
- Why not?
If you feel moved to give to Biking for Babies, and our support pregnancy resource center partners, you can learn more or Give Today.
