Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Faint Not

As of recently, my heart has been incredibly burdened.
My mind has been constantly mulling over various statistics...

27 MILLION people are in modern day slavery.
161 COUNTRIES have been identified as affected by human trafficking.
1 in 8 AMERICANS struggles with hunger.
Over 40 MILLION Americans are on food stamps.
1 REPORT of child abuse is made every ten seconds.
5 CHILDREN die every day as a result of child abuse.

How do I even begin to respond to these horrifyingly overwhelming statistics?

Honestly, reading about the atrocities that occur throughout the world, and even in my own "backyard," can be sometimes overwhelming, and can also leave me with feelings of hopelessness. There have been days and nights that I go before God begging Him to right all of these wrongs, and for Him to intercede in a powerful way. Child soldiers, sexual abuse, human trafficking--how am I ever going to have a lasting impact when faced with all of these horrible realities? I certainly know that God has gifted me with a heart of love, compassion, and vision, but sometimes I wonder if that is enough.


In the midst of all the heartbreak, I am clinging to the hope provided by Jesus Christ.

Though I know that God will soon wipe away every tear, this does not negate our command to make the most of every opportunity and administer His grace. Here I am, Lord, use me.


"Where there is hatred, let me sow love
where there is injury, let me pardon
where there is darkness, let the Light come, come

O my soul, faint not, no
faint not | o my soul, keep up, up
in love"