And the world is going to be judging?
And the world is going to be not helping.
… and the circle continues.
So what do WE do now that we have this knowledge? Now that we’re (at least somewhat) aware of the consequences of this crisis and how it’s impacting the world. All these people, all these countries suddenly consumed with the question of how to deal with this.
Who’s responsibility is this?
Remember science class? An object stays in motion unless acted on by an outside force?
Call it “desperation,” call it “survival,” call it “the refugee crisis,” call it “surviving ISIS” for all I care. We all know what this motion is; it’s strong, it’s traveling quickly, and it needs an outside force to stop it. Or, at least, slow it down.
Well, what if we WERE that outside force?
What if we made so much noise, that our world leaders would have to listen? So much movement they would have to respond?
Or what if we helped with supplies to give to the refugees, and provided the people to love on ’em?
What if we stopped standing around, waiting for somebody else to respond?
Well, the organization I’ve been working with on this video, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, IS responding. They’re done with standing around! They’re done with watching need, feeling sorrow and pity and guilt, yet not actually doing anything about it. They HAVE people on the ground, helping. Loving. Hugging. Re-humanizing. And they need as much help, and as many volunteers as we are willing to give them.
I’ve seen this organization first hand, I’ve seen them on the ground doing the hard work where it matters, and I’ve seen their HEARTS. And guys, they care about these refugees! Because these are not just “refugees” to them, they’re people. People just going through a tough time right now.
If you have money, awesome! Go to their website.
If you have time, awesome! Go to their website.
If you’re the type that prays, specifically, awesome! Go to their website.
If you’re good at photography, or writing, or hugs, or you just smile a whole helluva lot… awesome! Go. To. Their. Website.
I remember in college I was taught in writing class (I slid by with a “D” by the way) that I am supposed to sum everything up in one, final, epic paragraph. Well I was never good at doing things the way you’re supposed to, so I’ll end with this:
I think it’s easy a lot of the time to only see what’s in front of us, and then to close our eyes when what’s in front of us we don’t want to see.
Please, PLEASE keep aware of your surroundings.
And please, don’t close your eyes.
(This is the final post in a 5-part series on Syrian refugees. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4)
Jon Morton is a professional photographer from Dayton, Ohio.
