A sharp reality hit me this week. A certain image shifted in my spirit and I
became disturbed as I took the time to read the article on CNN. It is called
“I’m just worried” written by Benazir Wehelie, and photographed by Alex Majoli
during their time in Paris on Friday. [i]
My perplexed spirit wasn’t so much about the horrors of the attacks, but the
superficial and conflicting reactions of our present culture.
Have we
seen so many school shootings, beheadings, terrorist attacks and refugees that
we have become desensitized? Alex, the photographer, states that in the site of
the attacks people were taking selfies. Why?
To post on Instagram or Facebook to say that “I was there?” Perhaps we
have become self absorbed about being part of the biggest adventure, or the
most prestigious event, or seen with the most famous people? Perhaps for some people it is a need for them
to capture the spotlight and give them some historic and notorious recognition.
Social media has lured us into believing that in order to have self worth and
prestige we have to display a brilliant cutting edge life that no one else has.
It hurts my heart to think that we have become so numb to tragedies that we
grab tragic moments to glamorize ourselves.
I remember
the Columbine massacre on April 20, 1999 in Littleton, Colorado. It devastated
our seemingly ideal existence and marked our country’s sadness for years. Our
hearts broke for young people’s lost lives and we were horrified that someone
could execute such loathsome acts. Now
when CNN reports another school shooting we shake our head, sigh and move on
because there will probably be another travesty next week.
But I can’t
point a finger. I am aware that I no longer weep when I see a T.V. ad pleading
for the support of a child that is under nourished, sad and hopeless. There is so much anger, terrorism, violence
and hopelessness these days that it seems easier to focus on our survival and
happiness. After all, I can’t do
anything to change the world so I’ll look out for number one.
That is not
how we were designed to live. When Jesus walked on this earth he: “…saw a large
crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a
shepherd” (Mark 6:34 NIV).
We are not
hopeless. We are not lost. We have a
shepherd whose heart must be breaking for mankind. We have been given the command to “love your
neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:39 NIV).
So we can’t
tune out. We can’t ignore. We are all connected. Even though we have a global
view and at times it all seems too much, we must follow Jesus’ example and
allow our hearts to feel the pain and sorrow of mankind. Then to do what we can to help one another in
our areas of influence. Whether we like
it or not, we are all God’s creations and until Jesus returns we are His hands
and feet to bear one another’s burdens. “Share each other’s burdens, and in
this way obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 NLT).
“Heavenly
Father forgive us for our selfish hearts. Help us to look at the crowds with
hearts of compassion and mercy and to do our part wherever we can. Thank You.
Amen.”
2 comments:
Right on, Heidi! Your observations and insights are correct on this cultural trend, I'm sure. And,your scriptural and Christian values applications speak clearly, especially to those of us who seek to follow Christ. Thank you. ~~+~~
Thank you Peter, it hurts me to watch our response to all our brothers and sisters across the world being hurt and oppressed.
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