Falling Whistles
I recently went to a benefit concert in Tulsa that financially supported a cause called Falling Whistles. After a few bands had played their set, an energetic twenty-something from Falling Whistles beautifully shared his heart about what the cause was all about. It went something like this:
“The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to the world’s largest and most deadly war. During the past 10 years, roughly 6 million people have died, and nearly 1,500 people continue to lose their lives daily. Sexual violence is more rampant here than anywhere else in the world, and thousands of children are involved in the war. Why?
There are a number of reasons, dating back over a century. However, most of the conflict is tied directly to the country’s vast natural resources. They are both a blessing and a curse, making Congo a country of great potential and a frequent victim of exploitation. The minerals found in Congo are used in consumer electronics, including laptops and cell phones. While many benefit from the mineral trade, it is the Congolese people who bear the consequences of a conflict that sustains profitable mining enterprise.
A combination of unstable governance, a history of bitterness between local groups, and international interest in Congo makes this situation one of the most complicated on the planet. It is this complexity that has left the current systems in place largely ineffective. A new approach is needed.”
This struck me with a deep sense of ache for the people of Congo but also left me feeling strangely debilitated. I talked about this jumbled feeling of both compassion and helplessness with some friends after the show. As wealthy Americans we are confronted with the great contrast of our comfort and the tragedies of situations like the one going on in Congo. We are oftentimes faced with these huge global realities on a consistent basis. It could certainly have a numbing effect on us if we are not careful. The more that we hear about the massive sweeping injustices in our world, the more it could leave us feeling both compassionate and helpless but also possibly apathetic. I have had these dichotomous feelings after hearing many awe-inspiring causes. Maybe you have experienced these same feelings?
The question that I would like to pose to us is…
How do we stop from feeling half-hearted about our substantial comfort and the number of serious world causes that we encounter customarily?
February 9th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
We should keep an ear to the ground, so to speak, for a voice to rise up inside us regarding where we give. It’s important for our heart to break with those who are broken- “mourn with those who mourn”. Our “do something” response must come from the inside, from a holy spirit voice. This is important because in the words of Parker Palmer- “the world needs everything.” I can’t save the world, and I can’t save Congo, but maybe I can help in Tulsa, where people are dying daily, and I’m so glad folks like falling whistles are doing something about it in a place many, unfortunately, will forget.
February 11th, 2010 at 9:12 am
Oh man, do I hear you right now! My heart has awakened to a passion…but where to start?? It leaves a person feeling at a loss that ‘little ol’ me’ can’t do anything to make a difference in this big world of pain. Haiti, orphans, sex traffickers, abortions, adoptions…children. Praying constantly over my part, but that’s just it…God has a part for me, and a part for you, and thank GOD our passions are not all the same because there would be those left out. We are all the Body, different parts to play, different passions and paths to take…but all part of God’s amazing plan! May we all seek God’s heart, His plan, for our lives and not grow apathetic…Dear God, may we not grow apathetic!
February 11th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I have been thinking about this a bit today. Palmer is right…we can’t give the world everything, we cant fix everything, we cant save everything. But, as Kathryn says “may we not grow apathetic!” If all we listen to is ‘the world needs everything and we can’t give it everything” then we miss the important part of doing something…whatever it is that God has for us to do.
February 11th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
What I will ask for everyone to do is start talking with the Congolese to find out how you could help them. They can be easily found. http://www.friendsofthecongo.org
February 15th, 2010 at 8:32 am
I like the story of the two people walking along a beach which is strewn with stranded starfish which have washed up. The starfish will all die there unless they can get back in the water. (I may not be remembering the details exactly right, but hopefully you will get the point!) So the one person is throwing a starfish back in the ocean with every few steps he takes. His companion, observing the thousands of starfish along the shore, says, “Do you really think you’re going to make a difference, throwing back a few of all these thousands?” The other guy picks up another starfish, throws it into the water, & says, “I made a difference for that one.”