“When I was a boy and
I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the
helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Fred Rogers
My heart
just breaks as I continue to hear and see what is happening in Ferguson,
Missouri which is not far away from where I call home. For the past week and a
half, there have been so many devastating pictures and videos and very
discouraging news reports on what is happening in the Ferguson area. This is
not only on the local news but also the news across the country and all over
social media as well.
I understand
that the news station’s jobs are to give people the most up to date information
in the fastest way possible. However, I do have to admit that hearing sad and
tragic things on the news over and over just makes me want to not stay caught
up on what is going on. The words to the Billy Gilman song “One Voice” come to
my mind, “…and mom won't watch the news at night there's too much stuff
(that's) making her cry.”
One thing
I do wish was more integrated in news updates today whether it is on the
television, on online reports or being shared on social media is the GOOD that
is going on amid the sad. I believe that people should get informed on what is
going on (which could really discourage them) and also hear about the positives
going on (which could leave them encouraged).
Below are
articles that I have found on different websites of people showing kindness to
help out others and their community in Ferguson, Missouri! I was
very happy and thankful to find these articles after searching many different
words and phrases online.
8/12/14- “Ferguson
youth volunteering to help clean-up after looting”:
8/13/14- “Volunteers
came together to clean up the mess left after riots in Ferguson, Missouri
trashed a neighborhood”:
8/16/2014- “Volunteers
help the owners of Sam's Meat Market clean up after their business was looted
during another night of rioting following protests…”
8/17/14- “First
Baptist Church hosts prayer service for Ferguson community…‘In times like
these, we need to pray,’ First Baptist Church Senior Pastor Dray Bland said
during the service”:
8/18/14- “Inspiring
images of volunteers cleaning up after violence in Ferguson”:
8/19/14- “Amid the
chaos, however, there have also been inspiring scenes of kindness and
generosity. Here are some of the ways people are helping each other in
Ferguson:” (listen to the pastor speak at the end of the video…“The community
needs prayer most of all…”) *This article does contain some curse words.
8/19/14- “There is a
growing movement tonight to help the officers pulling long hours in Ferguson”
*The act of
kindness…show kindness by helping a community during/after a devastating
situation. If you live away: pray, intentionally find the helpers and
share the good being done to uplift and encourage other people!!
It is so
great to see people in the Ferguson community and neighboring cities coming
together to meet needs. The greatest need and most important thing right now is
prayer! I am continuing to join in prayer with so many people whose hearts are
breaking over the events in Ferguson. I am confident that God has and will
continue to work through the brokenhearted!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
We all
need to hear more about the good, about the helpers and about the acts of
kindness! How could it not leave us with more hope, a better attitude and
wanting to help as well? These articles might not be easy to find. Writers may
not feel writing on such things are top priority or maybe those who help could
be helping more privately. Whatever the reason is, let’s intentionally try to
find and share news articles about the good or just write one ourselves!
Look for
the helpers! They are always there showing kindness, uplifting others and
encouraging us to do the same!
Please share in the
comments below if you hear of other ways that people are helping in Ferguson or
ways that we here on the Illinois side of the river can specifically help as
well!!
This is a good reminder to look for the good, even when the media is focusing on the bad! Thanks for pointing this out, Hon!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!! It uplifted me so that's my hope for others too!!
ReplyDelete