Is it possible to look at suffering without looking away?

And now there are two. Really? 30 Days of Thankfulness seemed like a long time when we launched our annual All Things Southern gratitude drive.

Perhaps you meant to join us and you just haven’t gotten around to it. I understand. Here’s another opportunity.

Perhaps you thought of joining us but the size and scope of all the needy people in the world paralyzed you. I get that, too.

I know what it’s like to flip the channel because you just can’t look at one more starving child, or your heart simply can’t bear to be reminded that there are children in our world being bought and sold to satisfy the depraved desires of adults. It’s even worse around the holidays.

It’s too much. It’s sensory overload.

And it’s someone’s reality.

I used to be paralyzed at the pain, knowing full well that what little bit I could do would only be a drop in the overall bucket. It felt like sticking a finger in the dam, a futile effort to stem the desperation coming from every corner of the globe, not to mention the corners of my own home town. What in the world could one person do, anyway?

But then I discovered that when I respond somewhere, anywhere, a strange thing happens. I still see the enormity of it all but I can look into the suffering without being overwhelmed by the despair. I want that for me, and for you, and for those who need us to see them.

Two more days and this squeaky wheel will stop vying for your attention. If you haven’t expressed your gratitude this season by responding to the suffering everywhere by giving anywhere, would you join  us right now?

Here’s the donate button? This year the funds go to Make Way Partners, an organization that rescues women and children from the evils of human trafficking — and then provides shelter, medical help, and education to help them move into a new future.

If you aren’t familiar with the drive, you can get up to speed here.

Hugs,
Shellie

If you respond, please come back and leave a comment here. I’d love to hear from you.

Merry Christmas!