A Note From Donna

11 Dec A Note From Donna

As I look around at how many are suffering in this world, I feel a bit of despair and sadness. Our human tendency is to distract ourselves and try to escape the pain around us. I suppose we have to take a break if we can or we will fall into depression. Nevertheless, there are days you cannot escape it. Today, my heart is breaking today for the thousands of people in Honduras who have lost everything. In some cases, family members suffocated in the mudslides, others lost homes and their food sources. The struggling economy of Honduras has now received a blow that seems impossible to overcome.

And yet, Phil and I have the blessed opportunity to be in the middle of the devastation. The new opportunities to serve and help are numerous. We don’t even know where to begin. Our simple effort to provide frozen chickens seems feeble, but to a starving family it will be incredible. Having been stuck here in the U.S. I told Phil that I know now how easy it is to feel distant from the suffering and struggles in Honduras. The devastation of the hurricanes and subsequent human suffering doesn’t even make the news here in the U.S. And yes, I know there’s a lot of suffering going on here as well. Lately, as I enjoy a hot meal, I feel almost nauseated to think of the thousands who would literally die to have what I have. It’s a really difficult and tough place to be, but I think God wants us to sit in that uncomfortable place and contemplate what we might do for those less fortunate.

As we enter a season of festivities and food and gifts, I pray that we will all experience a bit of uneasiness in our abundance, so much so that we respond by giving to others. God calls us to give sacrificially. Any gift that is easy to give is not a sacrifice. Forgive me if I am boldly stepping on your toes, but please hear these words from God: “But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving” (2 Cor. 8:7).