Friends, Haiti is a mess right now. It is so unstable and so chaotic that everything changes in the blink of an eye. Anxiety and fear can easily find a path into our hearts as we think about those we know there, all the things that are happening, and all the things that could happen. In my case, a huge part of my family is there including my better half and my heart.
Tim travelled to Haiti to do a couple simple projects at the end of February. His 5-day trip has turned into 22 days, as of today. He’s waiting for evacuation because, let’s face it, his job pays for a huge portion of the expenses we have taking care of 20 young women in Haiti, and he needs to get back to work. This is not to say that he is in despair being there. He is able to dedicate attention to our girls, see our son, D-I-L and 3 grand babies, and feel like he is, in the way of a dad, protecting them all. I’m holding down the fort here, planning our US daughter’s wedding and keeping busy with work and ministry.
But for real, both of us are torn. I want to be there to soothe and comfort in the chaos, to direct and mentor the planning and budgeting of supplies and resources. I want to put my arm across shoulders and assure them that everything is going to be ok. But I’m not there, and they are not here. Tim, on the other hand, is in the middle of the storm. He’s a dad trying his best to comfort and doing projects around the house, playing UNO to bring some lighthearted normal moments, to alleviate the stress. But he is not here, and I am not at his side. And if he leaves in the middle of this mess and something goes even more wrong…
But this is the point that we must stop and remember who it is that we serve. As a very wise man said to me today, “none of this takes God by surprise” (thanks Jim). We know this, but now more than ever, it’s time to live this way. Trusting and resting in the knowledge that God is in control. He knows us so well he numbers the hairs on our heads. He loves us so much He sent His Son to die for us, to pay the price for OUR sins. These are the things to focus on, to meditate on. God created the universe without my input. Surely, he can handle this mess.
So, during this time would you help us out? When you hear something about Haiti, will you lift the country and people in prayer? When you look at your kids will you think of the comfort your prayers can send to kids in this chaos? When you look at your spouse, would you say a prayer, thanking God for the gift of the partner he has given you?
So let’s be real, and claim the Real God we serve.