Day 20 - Are You Listening

 

"I was hungry...You fed me. Naked...you clothed me. They will know us by our love."  This is the opening to the song "Are You Listening" by Kirk Franklin and a host of other Gospel artists, a song created as a fundraiser for the earthquake in Haiti.  Just over a year later, Haiti is still struggling.  I watched a video today (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/haiti/index.html) and it broke my heart.  There are multiple directions that I could take this blog, but I don't want to be writing it for the rest of the night, so I will try to concisely write about a few of the things that come to mind as it relates to love.

1. Haiti - it is amazing how tragedies can bring us together and remind us that there is still some compassion in the world.  The earthquake in Haiti brought help from around the world, mobilizing doctors, nurses, rescue teams, religious organizations, and people of all kinds to this devastated nation to help its citizens in a tough time.  And while I (and the Haitian people) appreciate the outpouring in their time of need, I have to wonder why Haiti wasn't on the global radar before even though it is notorious for being one of the poorest places in the world. Why is this country so poor?  Partially because of the history of the country and the debts that some of the world's wealthiest countries still tried to extract from them up until 2009.  Haiti, one of the world's poorest nations, paying damages to France and debts to the US because of a US-installed dictator....  Makes sense....  How does this relate to love?  Politics and policies are a reflection of our personal relationships, and based on this, that is a sad commentary of how we treat each other.  Racial and political issues are just as much at fault for Haiti's poverty as corruption are.  http://trueslant.com/allisonkilkenny/2010/01/13/us-debt-policies-left-haiti-vulnerable-to-catastrophe/
2. 3rd world countries - though the song was written for Haiti, there are many people in "developing" nations who are crying under the weight of poverty and suffering because of policies of nations hundreds of miles away.  I refuse to buy or accept diamonds because of the rape of Africa that makes them possible.  And this is just one example.  It's unfortunate that nations abroad are used for the land to grow food for people in America while that the people in that nation starve.  And without a major tragedy or a news story exposing what is happening, much of the United States is unaware and unconcerned.  The Civil Rights Movement and its protests were more effective because tv cameras showed the people being attacked by dogs and hoses, not because of the natural compassion of people or the love that Christians talk so much about for their fellow humans.  It was shame and guilt that changed things, and this will probably be the case for changing the destruction of smaller nations by superpowers.  Yes, the US gives aid to many countries, but some of the reasons that the countries need aid comes from the US "intervention" in the first place.  Once again, politics and policies reflect personal relationships.  And money ALWAYS outweighs people in importance.
3. The less fortunate in your city - "I give to the mission offering at church, and they do things for the homeless."  "I donate to X charity every year."  "Even Jesus said that the poor would always be with us, so why should I do anything about it?"  "Everyone has the same opportunities - they are just lazy or stupid if they are poor/homeless."  Are any of these or other excuses your reasoning for not doing more for the less fortunate around you?  As Cornel West says, "justice is what love looks like in public," and based on the state of too many people in this country, love and justice are nowhere to be found.  There are political and social reasons that people are poor - are we making a concerted effort to take these issues to our government representatives? 
4. Your neighbor - while I assume that much of my audience wasn't in the earthquake in Haiti, I think that the song can speak a more universal truth that is of utmost importance in human relationships.  With masks in place, with the routine set, and with the act perfected, many people we see everyday are probably singing part of this song everyday: "Is there anybody out there listening? And does anybody know my name? And does anybody out there know me? Can you stop the clock, make this go away?"  Daily, we work, go to school, ride the bus, sit in church, get our hair done, and live with people who are crying out for love, acknowledgment, and affirmation.  They feel alone, but they don't know how to express it, afraid to reach out and have their loneliness confirmed by rejection.  How are you living as an agent of change and healing?  No, it is not possible to reach out to every person on earth, but are you making an effort to touch those in your proximity.  Some people really just wanna hear, "No, my friend we were not there, but we're here and we care. And yes, we feel your pain."  To know that they are not alone in their suffering can change their life, but we have to be willing to take time and show love.

So... are you listening?  Are you listening to the less fortunate and doing something to help, be it political steps to fight the larger causes of poverty, giving change to the man at the stoplight, or donating to the local coat drive?  Are you listening to those near you who may be isolated or suffering with some invisible burdens?  Are you listening to yourself to make sure that you love yourself as best as you can?  Are you listening to the Divine who will guide you in your desire to love others?