Feeling Insignificant in a World of Significant Problems

The night before we headed out of town, The Husband and I sat down to watch Hotel Rwanda, a film that's been on my long list since it came out in theaters in 2005. This wasn't going to be a joy ride of a film. It would be a depressing, graphically violent reflection of a shameful time in world history. Sure, it's also about one man's contribution to more than 1,000 people's salvations during the violence, but it is, essentially, a depressing film.

It also made my Charitable Deeds project feel INCREDIBLY petty. It's not like I don't KNOW about these things. But like too many in the comfortable parts of this world, I think about it, sometimes even agonize over it, then do nothing about it - what CAN I do? REALLY!? People the world over truly suck. Not all of them, mind you. But too many people just. plain. suck.

The project? Well, it should continue, but doing something nice every day here at home doesn't amount to much. Particularly when people around here really don't need ANYthing in comparison to the people who are suffering from various forms of violence, starvation and deprivation around the world. Yes, the kids in foster homes and shelters would enjoy pajamas, but they have food, shelter, health care.

I'll continue my project, but expect to see the projects grow in scale, or at least importance and scale, as the year progresses. Opening a door here is a drop in the bucket. Providing water, mosquito nets, food, peace - a lifesaver.