Those Who Have Ears to Hear...

Hurricane Katrina came. One question that is often asked is: "Why does God allow bad things to happen?" I remember when the popular phrase was "What Would Jesus Do?" Well, my question to you is: "What are you going to do?"

I've thought about many things before posting anything here. I often tell people I represent many minorities in one: I am black, a woman, and I'm short. I've never really thought of myself as being less than anyone else, but by the same token, I was raised where I don't think I'm better than anyone else either. I've experienced much in my day. I've felt hurt, mistreated, discouraged, and forsaken. To those who survived the effects of the hurricane, know that you shall rise again. Your assignment is to wake up every day and trust. Trust that God cares. Trust that there are good people in the world and they care. Trust that not everybody delights in others' heartaches and troubles. Trust that those who have ears to hear also have a heart.

And with these hearts, we feel and we care. When I said the effects of the hurricane, we must realize that one didn't have to be inside the direct hit of the storm to be affected. There are family and friends who are affected right now who were hundreds of miles away from the storm. Yes, pray for those who have been affected, but do a bit more that might take you out of your comfort zone. Pick up the phone and call someone who might be wondering what's going on with those whom they haven't heard from yet and let them know you're thinking of them. If you have something you desire to give, give it. God sees what you give; He keeps good records.

What Jesus did was showed compassion to those who needed it at the time. He didn't judge them or beat up on them. He didn't make others feel He was so superior to them that He couldn't come to where they were. No, I'm not saying for you to go to these places and get in the way. I'm saying, if you were in this situation, what would you want someone to do for you. Here's a reality show for you: Try doing unto others what you would desire someone to do unto you.

Those who have ears to hear, let them hear. Hear with your heart. My heart goes out but I also know that the heart of these strong people will, as Maya Angelou wrote in one of her eloquent poems, have them to stand up and boldly exclaim, "Still. . . I . . . rise!"

When things happen in others' lives maybe, as God is watching us, He sees who we really are and confirms will we, as a people, rise to the occasion. Am I my brother. . . my sister's keeper? Only the one who stares back at you in your mirror can answer that.

Vanessa Davis Griggs
Author of: Promises Beyond Jordan & Wings of Grace
http://www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com