Probably like many of you, I've felt helpless over the past 48 hours as I have viewed the horrific images of suffering, shock and death coming out of Haiti.
My kids and I were taking fresh-baked cookies out of the oven Thursday evening when Diane Sawyer's ABC News report filled our TV screen. We turned off the tube, joined hands, and said a prayer for those affected by the history-making earthquake.
Indeed, my natural response has been to pray each time the tragedy crosses my mind; and yet, from the safety of my warm and comfortable home, stocked with food and water, it doesn't seem like quite enough.
After deciding which relief organizations to support financially so that the thousands of suffering Haitians can promptly receive aid, I still want to do more. Especially after learning that the college friend of one of my young adult church members died in the quake, and a young member of my daughter's Girl Scout troop has relatives in Haiti.
However, I know that planes filled with eager supporters have been turned away for lack of runway space. I know that since I'm not a doctor, daily journalist, or trained disaster relief volunteer, my ability to provide tangible support is limited.
Acknowledging those limitations reminded me that what is within my reach to offer the Haitians is exactly what is needed - prayer and more prayer.
God is sending foot soldiers - the doctors, the medics, the military personnel - who have the right experience. They need my prayers - and yours - to give them wisdom, strength and energy to help however needed.
Through our donations, we're providing the food, water and medical support that everyone is praying for. Hopefully those who are acquainted with Haitian Americans or immigrants are also offering emotional support or other requested assistance.
God is even using his Haitian servants who are in the midst of the rubble. Diane Sawyer's Thursday evening report ended with scenes of destitute Haitians standing in the streets, praising God in a traditional Hallelujah hymn, despite the suffering they're enduring.
As hard as it is to "do nothing," I've realized that in uttering prayers, we're doing much more than "nothing." We're casting our bread upon the waters and trusting that God will direct our talents, treasures and other resources to and for the good of those in Haiti and for their distraught relatives here in the U.S.
So keep praying, and remain open to doing more as opportunities arise. There is power in our prayers. God's Word says so!
* Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Philippians 4: 6
* Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving. Colossians 4: 2
* Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. Psalm 4: 1(NKJV)
And it shall be that before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65: 24
Stacy Hawkins Adams is an author, speaker and freelance writer. Her sixth Christian fiction novel, Dreams That Won't Let Go, was recently released. Her first nonfiction book, Who Speaks to Your Heart? will be released in March 2010. She resides in Richmond, Va. with her family. www.StacyHawkinsAdams.com
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