Friday, January 15, 2010

happy sabbath...

when the earth cries out
it is felt around the world

There's a mystic connection between the people of the Caribbean that I cannot begin to explain in words. It is something that exists deep within our souls. No matter where we are in the world, when we encounter each other, we feel it. And when there's a disturbance in the force, we all feel it.

I have ceased watching any coverage of the earthquake in Haiti on the television. Personally, I find that it is turning into somewhat of a spectacle by some media outlets. The tragic victims here are human beings, deserving of the utmost dignity and respect, especially in this their most tender moment. Each Haitian is a mother, father, brother, sister, child or relative of another person and we must never lose sight of that.

My heart aches. I cannot begin to process the scope of the devastation to this beautiful island and its people. But I share in their pain.

Today, I witnessed a blind, elderly lady being slowly led to the front of a Haitian congregation in my old neighbourhood to pray for her relatives in Haiti. have you ever seen pain on the face of a blind woman?

The band softly began to play. I couldn't help but notice the mid-afternoon sun streaming through the sheer window curtains. This warm light was a comforting reminder that JAH will never forsake his children. And tears rolled down my cheeks as my sister and the praise team led the congregation in song.

*Richard Smallwood: Healing


*Kirk Franklin: My life is in your hands


*As Haitians, home and abroad, await news regarding the well-being of their friends and family members, I ask that you simply join us in prayer.

*If you would like to lend a helping hand to the people of Haiti, I encourage you to visit Wyclef Jean's nonprofit Yele Haiti. Or text the word "YELE" to 501501 to donate $5, or the word "HAITI" to 501501 to donate $10, to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund.

*You can also visit the ONE organisation to sign a petition for the immediate cancellation of Haiti's $1 billion debt and to ensure that any emergency earthquake assistance is provided in the form of grants, not debt-incurring loans.

11 comments:

Kim Mailhot said...

Joining you and so many wonderful hearts in prayer and love, for the people of Haiti and for us all.

Cindy said...

Your words and the music is beautiful Selah. My prayers are also with all of the people of Haiti. I have stopped watching too. I hope the goodness of people continue around them. Thanks for putting up the different causes. Be well.

Marilyn Miller said...

I am joining you in prayer each day.

Toni said...

Thank you, Se'Lah for a beautiful post. Prayers are definitely in need.

Wanda said...

May all who are scared and hurt be comforted. Blessings with you, my sistah friend.

Birdie said...

Se'lah I so agree with you! It's disgusting what media are turning the suffering of the Haitian people into.I can't help but think how much hypocrisy is in that too. That's so sad. The Haitian people are in my prayers everyday. Thanks for the work you do! Hugs.

Tracy said...

Holding your hand from far away, my friend... I feel your sadness so keenly. My heart breaks for what has happened in Haiti. Like you, I cannot watch TV anymore... Right now I trust in the power of prayer and the good of people to help. I may not see it, but I know it is there, that is is happening. Your post in recent days bring such lift and hope, my friend. ((HUGS))

amelia said...

Beautiful- your clear connection to those suffering. I can no longer watch- I rely on specific twitter streams to keep me up to date, and I pray, I pray and pray. It is so hard to be so far away and want to just scoop small children into your arms and promise a better life- I pray that all of us, regardless of race and nationality, do the next right thing!

Elizabeth Halt said...

My hand is in yours, and my heart and prayers join yours.

Sherry said...

I'm still asking "why" -- why things like this happen in places that are already so impoverished. And I hear you that those from the islands, no matter where they are living in the world at this moment..."hear" one another and "feel" one another. (our Governor-General here in Canada is from Haiti so we feel this very much here too). Know too that the rest of the world feels with you.

Operaton You said...

I stopped watching after the second day.. But think of them daily and of course I thank God through affirmative prayer that their souls are healing as I write this...