Thursday, May 17, 2012

Learning the Haitian Perspective

It's that time! Today's word...

PERSPECTIVE

I'm a Dallasite by birth, but too often I wonder if I belong.

We are a materialistic culture. If a pair of shoes that slips between our toes costs $30, that's cheap, and we should count ourselves lucky to have found such a great sale. If a meal that I could make at home for a couple of dollars costs close to 20 in a restaurant, we say, "It's not that bad. You're paying for quality food! Totally worth it."

But, is it really worth it?


Sometimes, I can't help but sit quietly, questioning how I can justify spending that much on something that most of the world doesn't have. 

In just over a weeks time, I leave for the poorest country in the western hemisphere. It is a country that has faced a series of natural disasters, a corrupt political system, and a sense of hopelessness. After researching this country over the course of the last year, my stomach turns when I complain about something I must have. I cringe when I hand a cashier my card for something that costs more than its worth in the long run.

And I wonder what the Lord thinks of our decisions while others struggle to find clean water or food for their families on any given day. Is the "American way" right or wrong? I'll leave that to you and the Lord. As for me, I want to care about what the Lord cares about - the poor, the orphans, the widows, those less fortunate. I want to develop an eternal mindset, rather than one centered on my comfort.

I don't have an easy answer or course of action. I just know that before even stepping foot in Haiti, this country has changed my PERSPECTIVE.

Linking up with the Gypsy Mama.

8 comments:

  1. I know what you mean.  I spent some time in Brazil 2 years ago and while I had the thought if I had the cash I would come here and take care of everyone... I felt God say to me..NO they don't need what you have. Look how that worked for you.  talk about feelign humbled!  Pray your trip to Haiti is blessed

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  2. When I went to Ethiopia a few years ago I was so very humbled by the new recognition of how there is such a difference between material needs and the desperation of empty hearts, in the U.S. Praying for His continue pouring of Himself into you, as you head out, with Him.

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  3. Good Friday morning Kariss! Good to "see" you again. Glad to be able to come by and hear your words. I have many personal ties to Haiti. Many of the lives of those I love are immediately linked to that country, those sweet people. I am thrilled you are heading there, ready to give your time and your heart to those in need. I have two friends living there now, and countless, countless others who cross the boarders back and forth to continue the fight of loving. I will be praying for your trip. Sincerely. How long will you be there? Please let me know if I can put you in touch with anyone who can be of assistance to you whether in preparation or while there. Good truth on perspective!

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  4. Marianne @ AbundantLifeMay 18, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    Very interesting.  Our family business has been quite slow for the past few years and we have begun to realize how much excess we really had.  We are still comfortable even on less than half of our former income because we have reevaluated wants vs needs.  Looking forward to hearing about your trip to Haiti!

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  5. I too have been to Haiti and other places in the developing world. What has always struck me is the gratitude so often displayed by people who had so little. I also observed this coming from homeless people when we served on the soup run in PAris, France. I wonder if abundance dulls our sense of gratitude and appreciation.

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  6. Beautiful perspective! I wonder about these things myself- Have we gotten "life" wrong?

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  7. Hey, we were on the same wave length. I went straight to shoes and then to Africa as well. We must be reading the same verses, talking to the same Jesus and moving! That's the first step, being changed! Wanna read mine? I think you'll like it. 
    http://jessiegunderson.com/?p=3487

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  8. Thank you so much for praying! I will be there a week. We are working with Mission of Hope, so we'll have some good contacts in country. I look forward to writing about it when I get back. So thankful for your friends who have committed to work with these people daily.

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