Comments on: Helping Haiti

By: BK

BK — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:36:21 +0000

I couldn’t agree with you on the last two sentences that the worst in Mother Nature brings out the best in us, as we could always see people reaching out to victims of natural calamities. I hope the best in us can continue to shine through the dark clouds even in peaceful time. Haiti’s news is not pleasant to read or hear. What I hope for is for the aids to reach the people in the soonest possible time.

By: Fr. Michael

Fr. Michael — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:28:55 +0000

There was a young man on our retreat here this past weekend. I’ve known him for several months. He’s from Haita. He’s just a remarkably mature and genuinely holy kid (17 years old). His father and sister were in Port Au Prince during the quake. His father is still there–alive thankfully; his sister is back in the US.
He asked the very difficult question: Did God do this? My response was an unequivocal “No!” For some strange reason, this was “allowed” to happen. We talked about how things like this bring people together…bring out the best in people. I don’t pretend to understand why this happened; but it’s difficult not to be moved by the deep generosity and love that the world is showing. Tragedies like this transcend politics and religion. We are brought together to bring love and aid to the suffering. Suffering can bring out the best in us.
Thanks Belinda…and I’m happy I was able to get you to donate 5 more bucks! I, too, will continue to give…

By: Belinda Munoz

Belinda Munoz — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:15:47 +0000

@Jeanne, I’m glad you asked that question as I have wondered the very same thing myself. “Does it take a great disaster to get our attention?” My take on it is simple and largely from my own experience. For some, it doesn’t have to take a disaster of epic proportions to care. These are the people who aren’t reactionary about caring for others and instead, have integrated it into their lives. And I am fortunate to have in my midst some truly caring individuals who are generous with their time and resources for those who need help. For many, it seems the earth literally needs to shift to get them to really see our connectedness. For others, and I hope I’m wrong, not even the wrath of nature could squeeze an ounce of sympathy if it doesn’t directly impart them. We’re a mixed bag, I suppose, but nonetheless, ARE a global community. Whether a shift on the tectonic plates is enough for humans to have a paradigm shift is a tougher question. Thank you for chiming in.

@Ayo, your words are uplifitng! Though we hope that one day, it won’t have to take a major disaster to bring out the best in us, it’s comforting to know that Haiti makes us see no color and no religion — just humanity. Thanks for your words.

By: ayo

ayo — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:20:07 +0000

As to the question of humans versus Mother Earth, it seems the worst in Her brings out the best in us. Doesn’t it?

yes it does because we forget our differences, race, colour, religion and just rally round to help. we zone into compassion because we are humans. belinda you’ve taken a good initiative here. We would keep praying for the people in Haiti and rallying round to raise money or make donations towards their aid here in london.
take care.

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 06:01:46 +0000

Belinda, your comment “As to the question of humans versus Mother Earth, it seems the worst in Her brings out the best in us. Doesn’t it?” got me thinking: it almost sounds like “tough love”, doesn’t it? Like, Mother Nature rattles and quakes to get our attention focused on our brothers in need; to get our attention away from our relatively petty concerns; to remind us that we ARE a global community. Does it take a great disaster to get our attention? Like the only way to get a donkey’s attention is with with a 2 x 4? I don’t know, I’m just sayin’ . . .

By: Tweets that mention Helping Haiti — the halfway point -- Topsy.com

Tweets that mention Helping Haiti — the halfway point -- Topsy.com — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:15:39 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Positively Present, Belinda Muñoz. Belinda Muñoz said: New Post: Helping Haiti http://bit.ly/7FboUc [...]

By: Belinda Munoz

Belinda Munoz — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:31:49 +0000

Hi Patty. I know what you mean. It’s generally not happy news. But yesterday, I bravely mined for good news about Haiti and was struck by how much I found. I learned that a lot of celebrities are using their star power to contribute, that thousands of nurses are voluntarily signing up to travel there to help, that folks are all a-twitter about the many different ways to help. And it reminded me of Bangladesh, of Katrina, of the ‘89 quake that I experienced here in SF. And I remember how many people (students, academics, activists, etc.) around me wanted to go to the different sites that were badlly damaged to see if they could be helpful. It seems there is a pattern, and a good one. Many of us have an instinct to help. Some are more unafraid to do so than others, but still.

By: Patty - Why Not Start Now?

Patty - Why Not Start Now? — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:30:33 +0000

Thanks for writing about Haiti, Belinda. I have to admit when I saw “Haiti” in the title of your post, I tensed up a bit. I haven’t been able to bring myself to read about the devastation there yet because I know it will be so sad and overwhelming. But that’s no way to bring out the best is it? So I clicked your link and made a donation. Thank you for reminding us all of what it means to be human.