Before You Nail Me to the Cross…
Holy cow – talk about putting your neck right out there on the chopping block Russy!
Now, before you permanently cross me off your Christmas Card list or block me out of your life completely for being an insensitive creep or twisted monster, let’s stop for a moment and take a look at the BIGGER PICTURE.
Tragedy happens to ALL of us at some point in our lives. And while we are going through those times of crisis, life truly sucks… it REALLY does. But haven’t you all experienced the bigger picture; when a certain amount of time passes, things DO get better than they were before. Often they are MUCH better than you could have ever imagined.
I know this has been my experience in my 56 short years on this planet. I’ve been through bankruptcy and divorce. I’ve had health challenges that recently brought me right up to death’s door. And every time…
Every Time…
EVERY SINGLE TIME, things worked out for the best – always far better than I could have ever dreamed.
Admit it; you have experienced this phenomena, too. Something happens in your life that knocks you flat on your ass. You think it’s the end of the world. However, you still wake up to the same nightmare every day. Sometimes you even pray your life will end.
Then it happens. One door closes. Another one opens. In time, you find yourself healing as your new life shines brighter than ever.
Yup, EVERY SINGLE TIME!
No offence, but you won’t KNOW this on a deep and personal level until life has kicked you directly in the teeth a couple of times. In the meantime, we have OTHER PEOPLE’S PAIN brought to our attention.
No, I’m NOT Crazy
I will be the first to admit that the current situation in Haiti IS horrific… it truly sucks. Correction, it goes far beyond ‘sucks’. But let’s take a look at that bigger picture, shall we?
If the tragic events that are happening in Haiti right now only effected ONE person, do you think we would be talking about it today?
When I was coughing non-stop in the hospital recently, choking and gasping for breath, thinking each desperate attempt to draw air might be my last, how many times did I make CNN?
I rest my case.
The ONLY difference here my friends is that we have jumped from a personal tragedy all the way up to one that effect our GLOBAL AWARENESS. People – the reason why we are reacting to the crisis in Haiti the way we do is because WE ARE ALL ONE in the BIG PICTURE!
The thing is, sometimes we can’t see all the way to the end. Although some of us believe in all our hearts (as I do) that things will work out for the best, in the heat of the crisis, we simply can’t imagine how it will EVER get better!
It Gets Crazier
OK, now you’ll really think I’ve lost it. But follow me here. I was on chemo therapy last summer. The concept with chemo is that they try to kill the bad cells BEFORE all the good ones get wiped out. It’s a gamble at best.
What the hell does this have to do with the situation in Haiti, Russy? Try to stay with me…
If you know anything about the politics of Haiti over the last 100 years, you’re aware that the people of that tiny country have already been suffering immeasurably. Yet, how many times did they make the CNN reports?
I’m going to suggest to you that in the BIGGER PICTURE – some people will call it God’s plan – the current crisis is VERY MUCH like chemo. There were a LOT of ‘bad cells’ in that country. Unfortunately, in order to clean them out, a LOT of good folks had to be taken, too.
INSANE – maybe. Do you have a better explanation for the tragedies of the world?
Think about it. For years, political unrest was the order of the day for the people of Haiti. And did we give them even a thought? Things had to get VERY SICK before we finally gave them the attention – AND HELP – that they so desperately needed.
I hope you see now that we are all part of the bigger picture. Sometimes tragedy happens on a personal level. Other times it’s on a global level. In the end, they are all the same. WE ARE ALL ONE!
Do What You Can Right Now!
So, what CAN you do right now to become part of the solution instead of making the problem worse. You might be thinking about giving something, and you would be absolutely right. Even if you think you have NOTHING to give, try this:
GIVE YOUR ATTENTION TO THE BIG PICTURE!
If you’ve been following and understanding what I’ve been saying all along, you’ll start focusing on the end – the fact that things ALWAYS work out for the best.
Turn OFF CNN and other news outlets. They only feed you with the horror of the events. Of course, you can’t deny the facts. However, these types of images will only keep the fires of tragedy burning. This is a spiritual truth – that to which you give your attention GROWS! “To he who has, MORE shall be given” is ancient wisdom.
And if you have the means to give more, certainly be as generous as you can. There isn’t anywhere you can go these days without having an opportunity to donate to this and other worthwhile causes. Just about every local business here in Toronto has a special collection box for the people of Haiti. I’m sure it’s the same thing all over the world!
Yes, I know some of what I’ve written will shake up your thinking. Read and re-read this article as many times as it takes to realize this message again… things happen on a personal and global basis because WE ARE ALL ONE.
And every thing…
Every Thing…
EVERY SINGLE THING always works out for the best. It’s the bigger picture! Keep your eyes on the prize!
I do not agree that everything works out for the best. Hiwever, I do support the idea that people can make the best of whatever happens and yes, your attitude about what happens is what counts.
This is a very interesting perspective though I don’t think you will win any popularity contests. I believe perseverance is the only way people grow from experiences like this; allow me to say that self belief and positive attitude are key elements of perseverance. Living in a society ruled with fear and violence narrows the chances of the existence of these elements. The playing field is not level in the third world.
Destruction of government infrastructure and the generosity of the world may in fact provide the hope and self belief needed to overcome and rebuild better than before. Time will tell.
Rich, your sister Lisa commented on my post on FaceBook, “MAKE NO MISTAKE, you made my blood boil when i got online and saw the posting.”
Apparently it was the title that caught her attention. As Judy will attest with her writing experience, this is Journalism 101. If the headline doesn’t grab you, chances are slim to none that you won’t read the rest of the article.
Popularity never crossed my mind. Getting people to stop for a moment and THINK, and then contribute something of value to the discussion was my one and only intention for this very hot and extremely sensitive issue. Judy and Rich, you have responded in the exact way I hoped my readers would respond, with intelligent and insightful replies. I thank you both.
If my article title and it’s controversial views got you to read this far, please – PLEASE – add your own views to continue this timely and most important discussion. Agree or disagree, your perspectives are valuable. Remember, we ARE all ONE, but no one part can know everything on its own. As Haiti needs our help, the world needs fresh thoughts and ideas to continue to renew, heal and grow.
I felt compelled to join this dialog
I have always been a believer that everything happens for a reason, and for lessons to be learned but this only works if your heart and mind are open to the lesson; otherwise you continue to make the same mistakes. We all have our trials and periods in our life when we are tested; it is the old theory that it is easy to behave well when things are going well, the true test of character is how you behave when things have gone horrible wrong. I agree with Rich perseverance is key in life but if you have only ever known fear, poverty and violence it must be so hard to see how you can rebuild after such devastation and loss.
In my opinion this is not “God’s plan – the current crisis is VERY MUCH like chemo. There were a LOT of ‘bad cells’ in that country”, it is the same thing that people said after Katrina. I believe it is Gods way of letting us all remember “but for the grace of god go I” and that we have a responsibility to our fellow human beings to help even if it is only in prayer.
So we will help the people Haiti and feel good about ourselves. The people of Haiti as in every third world country and lots of place around the world will have to carry on long after the camera crews are gone, let’s hope the help and prayers stay longer