Things have been a bit nuts here in the last week. I can't believe its been a whole week since I've posted, but other things have been on my mind. Like superstorms and millions of people being displaced from their homes in many states including my own.
While, our little family survived the storm with little more than the occasional flicker of the lights and the epic howling of the wind that sounded like a banshee screaming outside our apartment, others are dealing with loss of life, property and the basics we so easily take for granted.
I think the hardest part is the fact that so many people are hurting, more than can be reached right now by the Red Cross & Government programs - and the rest of the country could easily just go on their way about their own business and forget about the needs of the people here.
If its easy to remain comfortable in my bubble up in Washington Heights, how much easier in a part of the country that didn't face the storm? I fear another Katrina - towns and cities decimated with only a small percentage of the country giving of their time and treasure to help.
New York is resilient but I also disagree with the attitudes of overconfidence and arrogance by many officials shown on the news - New Yorkers need help right now. And the city and state is not able to match the need - which means the help has to come from elsewhere - and I think our city and state would do better tempering the "We can survive anything attitude" to the "We need your help - in some ways desperately" attitude!
From things I have heard just today, several of our shelters are running low on supplies. The demand is too great at this time to effectively care for those who are in need. We're talking babies without basic necessities like diapers and formula.
I too sometimes find myself at a loss for how much I can do to help so many people. I mean, I am a stay-at-home mom with a 2 year old at home to worry about. But I'm driving myself crazy brainstorming things I can do with her to help. Is it making meals? Is it giving money? Whatever it is I have to do something to help! It is not only my responsibility as an American, but my hearts desire as a Christian.
I'll admit I am very independent in my political views, to the dismay of some, however; I want to challenge those who stand on the viewpoint of "Government programs to help others should be cut" to prove that there are others who will rise to this call of providing for their fellow Americans in such a time of great need. Because some of these people have lost everything - every. single. thing. - and will need help to get back on their feet. I hope those who gawk at these programs put their money where their mouths are.
I am burdened in my heart to be a bit of a squawking voice at this moment in time, because I don't want people to just simply forget and go about their lives without knowing the truth - our side of the country needs your help right now - in whatever way you can give - please do so.
I've created a special ad space on BaxtronLife for the rest of this year - and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to local relief efforts in our area that provide supplies to families in need. (Through TGC Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund). For more details please visit my sponsor page here.
Praying for all of the people suffering the results of this storm,
