Human Tragedy and American Compassion

What is it about human tragedy that keeps us glued to the television?  Why are we, as a nation, compelled to help?

On 09/11/2001, I woke up early to prepare for a flight were taking that afternoon to Washington State to visit family.   As I was packing, I received a phone call from my mother-in-law.  She was crying and all she said was "turn on the news".  As I sat on the coffee table, watching in horror as the second plane slid through the air, hitting the WTC in New York, tears filled my eyes. We were glued to the television for three days, watching every news channel, every report.  Waiting and wondering what was going to happen next.  It was truly a very sad day in our American history and although I didn't personally know anyone affected by this tragic crime, I wept for them all.

I can remember thinking about the movie "Red Dawn" in which foreign armies invade the US and all hell breaks loose for a while.  In the end of the movie, there was a small glimmer of human compassion, not greed.  As I sat there in my home, watching the news, I wondered if a siege was looming on the horizon.  I feared for my new baby's safety.  I wondered if my husband, a soldier, would be going off to fight, possibly never to return.  The uncertainty at that time, was unparalleled by any emotion I had ever experienced in my entire life.

So my point is this :  As a nation, a great nation, we as human beings have a responsibility to stick together.  I am proud to say that we are good at rallying the troops and getting support where needed.  Hurricane Katrina (although many would agree that FEMA messed up), Earthquake Haiti, Tsunami Sri Lanka, Miners in Chile, and the list is long.  We struggle, especially in this economic downturn as it is called by our politicians, but we help.  I don't think we watch any of these things unfold and not think of ways to offer some sort of assistance, food, money, clothes, shelter, and yes, even prayer. 

I feel blessed to live in a place where my freedoms are protected by the Constitution.  I feel thankful to all the soldiers (my soldier especially) who fight and sacrifice for those freedoms.  I feel heartbroken for the people around the world that suffer needlessly when all they need is for one person to stand up and take notice of their situation.  No matter how much I do or give, I know I can always do more so I add a prayer to my service or donation.  It may not seem like much, but its all I have.  I challenge you to do the same.  Look around you...stand up, turn off the news and do something about it!!