A Journey of the Heart - Devastation or Blessing?

A year and a half after the earthquake that devastated Haiti – just 5 percent of the rubble has been removed or repaired.

Half-demolished, the National Palace still sits. Enormous piles of debris, containing odd pieces of metal and concrete, now comprise much of what used to be small neighborhoods.

Choking clouds of dust and exhaust hover above the roads, which are clogged with idling cars as well as people, dogs, cows, donkeys, and even the odd pig.  Home to thousands of people living in tents with torn, frayed tarpaulins, are vacant soccer fields, basketball courts, unoccupied areas alongside the main road, and even the Champs de Mars Plaza, directly across from the National Palace.  There is no sign of any renovations at all.

It seems the people of Haiti have no sign of hope coming from their government, being after such a long period of time there isn’t much difference in the condition of their lives.

 

As we drove through various areas, saw and interacted with various people throughout this land, I noticed there was either a look of hopelessness and despair in the faces of the people - or I saw an inner strength that came from a faithfulness to carry on, trust in the Lord, and work hard to give their families the best possible life they can.  The circumstances of each of these people were basically the same, yet there was such a contrast that you almost thought you were visiting people in different countries when going through each area.

As I reflected on these differences one night – I realized that it is very similar with most people in our country as well.  The only difference is many in America are convinced they are fulfilled with the abundance of material possessions (even if few) that we have available.  These possessions usually distract one from the void that truly lies within our hearts.  As many gain abundance, even in small amounts, or wealth – they ignore that inner void within.  After awhile, what they have doesn’t seem to be enough and many try for more and more.  The pattern continues, usually throughout their lifetime – leading to more feelings of inadequacy and an emptiness that many times cannot ever be satisfied. 

Yet those with very little have more of an opportunity to look above, calling on the Lord, and realize the truth of what they are blessed with; many times being more fulfilled, having more joy and hope in the promises of their Lord to carry them through day by day.  As I met, interacted, and prayed with the many faith-filled people in Haiti – I realized – They got it!

In Jesus’ famous beatitudes given in his sermon on the mount, Jesus turned the social order upside down by teaching gentleness, humility, mercy, and purity as more valuable than any power or wealth we may strive to attain.

The Beatitudes

He said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
   for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
   for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
   for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
                                              for they will see God.
                                             Blessed are the peacemakers,
                                               for they will be called children of God.
                                             Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
                                               for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:2-10