Thunderous Giving

“If your life doesn’t resound with the thunder of generosity, you haven’t been struck with the lightening of grace.” Randy Alcorn

Living in American culture almost makes us instant consumers. We are captivated by gossip, drama, and disaster. We call it News which implies that it encompasses new information that we need to know. The news moves from one story to the next, making no conclusion and calling forth little to no response. So, what is the difference between CNN and Jersey Shores? Reality? Entertainment? There is little difference.

I watched horrifying photos of the devastation in Japan after being shaken by a tsunami, earthquake, and the scare of a potential nuclear meltdown. To top it off Japan just came out of two decades of economic instability; Zimbabwe is the only other country with more debt than Japan. Recovery will be another challenge for this fragile nation.  Talk about kicking you while you’re down.

The newscast then moved from Japan to Libya where people are still experiencing violent political unrest.

Then to the US where Wisconsin union workers protest their rights singing with a live band, the Foo Fighters, “solidarity forever.” Farmers dressed as cows and rode their tractors through Madison undoubtedly serious, but with the freedom to have some fun, evidenced in the signpost pictured right. This is a stark contrast to those protesting against the real Mubarak and for rights and injustices in Libya, Yemen, Algeria, and Egypt.  http://opinionrepublic.wordpress.com/2011/01/19/riots-spreading-to-libya-algeria-egypt-yemen/

Instead of answering the question ‘how can we (regular, everyday people) help these countries like Libya, Japan, etc’ our news is answering the question, will the nuclear damage in Japan reach the U.S?”

The answer: “that is highly unlikely because the two countries are so far from each other.”

What in the world? Since we are literally far removed from disaster, are we invincible?  

We, as Americans are obese with awareness on the issues that exist across the globe but yet anemic in action.

I’m filled with fear for our country when I think of the quote by Randy Alcorn, “If your life doesn’t resound with the thunder of generosity, you haven’t been struck with the lightening of grace.” What will it take our nation to give thunderously?

I don’t desire bad things to happen in America, but it’s amazing how calamity, disaster, and being utterly helpless opens the heart to experience the fullness of grace. Japan, Middle Eastern countries in riot, and Haiti still need our prayers, our help, our hands and feet, if possible. Let us resolve to be gracious by definition, not waiting on the opportunity to get something in return. Let us do and give wildly in their time of need, especially since they have nothing or very little to give back to us.

Check out this link for ways you can help today. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/11/how-to-help-japan-earthquake-relief_n_834484.html, 

http://www.epm.org/