When news of the Haiti quake broke, I happened to be travelling. Like many, that meant my updates were limited to Twitter feeds and headlines. As I checked for the latest news, I also received updates about the seemingly innocuous things in life. I read about the latest author giveaway, in the midst of having my heart broken over death and despair. I was treated to people’s complaints over lives little injustices, while being inundated with overwhelming destruction.  The contrast was palpable. In the midst of tragedy, the trivialities of individual lives continued to be on display.

At first, I was a bit disgusted – how could someone be worried about the children fighting when there were parents who were wondering if their children were alive? How could we complain about cold coffee when others were wondering where they would find water to drink? How could our seemingly insignificant and easy lives go on when so many lives had suddenly ceased?

And then I realized, there wasn’t much of a choice. Of course, lives had to go on, but the question was, in what manner should they continue? Those of us who were spared from this tragedy had three choices in how to respond – we could either wallow in despair, we could continue unaffected, or we could seek to help where we could and display a renewed commitment to care for others. The first two choices are the way of cowards for they do nothing to respond to the lives torn apart. The last choice is the hard, yet meaningful response.

We may be prompted to respond now, but our lives should not only be changed momentarily. For one day the buildings will be rebuilt, loved ones will be buried, yet remembered, and the sick will heal, but our lives should continue to respond to this destruction. For because of it, we should be more attuned to the hurting of others, more willing to sacrifice for those in need, or more grateful for every day that we spend with those we love.

Our horror at suffering lives should not end when the media ceases to broadcast the disturbing images from Haiti. Our compassion, our generosity, our prayers, and our love should outlast the news reports. When we encounter suffering may we continue to respond as Christ did. When He was tired and needed rest, He still ministered to the woman at the well. The legitimate concern for His personal welfare, never overwhelmed His commitment to care. May we, as His followers, respond the same. 

How have you responded to the tragedy in Haiti?