Privilege
I sit here writing with a pain point in my heart as I see and hear about the difficult news in the world. Afghanistan has fallen. Haiti is in ruin. And here I am, nestled in my corner of a free country with so much privilege.
I don't want to write the wrong words and fear holds me back, but I can only imagine the fear that others face every single day. In perspective, my fear seems minuscule. I'm starting to learn that it's messy, no matter the decision I make--it's how you navigate your decisions that speaks to your integrity as a person.
If you are in a similar headspace as me, one of hurt and desire to help, whether that's Afghanistan and Haiti now, or whatever pain our world may endure down the line, I always go back to these three things:
Awareness
Acknowledgment
Action
Be aware. Learn the facts. Know what is happening in our world. If you live in the world, you are a global citizen and part of the global community.
Acknowledge your position. Do you have power or platform or privilege? Do you have a voice you can use to make others aware? Do you have time, money, or energy to give?
Take action. Take a step forward to help in some capacity. Find organizations to give to. Find services or items to donate.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
International Refugee Assistance Project
Simply, Sincerely,
Maddie