Don't just pray for Paris...
I'm sure almost everyone knows about what is happening in Paris tonight.
I was at work when I saw notices and stories popping up in my feed on the tragedy going on in France. I scrolled through, and felt disbelief root in me. As an American, I've become almost accustomed to terrible headlines scrolling across the screen, blaring out how the USA has had another act of violence occur. Whether it be a school or a cop, it seems to be the only type of news story I hear about anymore.
However, Friday night reminded me that evil is universal.
I'm certain there are those of you who might be offended by this (who isn't offended by something nowadays?), but when I say and share the words, "Pray for Paris," I really do mean them. I pray every single day, not just when these instances of horror occur. As a Christian, it is a vital form of communication to me. But it is a uniting phrase that becomes popular when tragedy strikes.
Yes, I am praying for Paris. I am praying and crying for the lives that were needlessly lost. Not only that, but I want to do something.
Praying only when it's convenient to you does NOTHING.
I question whether anyone who's sharing that popular slogan above even does that - pray.
Do you? Do you really? If you are, what are you praying to?
Don't just share a photo and think you've done your part. Whether you're a prayerful person or not, I encourage you to find out how you can help the people of France right now.
Here are links to international aid organizations that are offering assistance to those affected by this tragedy. Whether you are in Paris or not, you can do something to help.
If you know of any other organizations that are directed towards helping the people of France, feel free to leave a comment below linking to it.
Don't just pray for Paris.
Pray AND do something.
Because words without actions means nothing.
And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.
Matthew 6: 5
11 comments
Its really sad what happened in Paris. :(
I am not only pray but definitely will do something for them.
http://weirdthoughts13.blogspot.in/
Thank you for posting this. I considered publishing a post about the issue but couldn't properly articulate what I wanted to say. It's definitely important to actually pray when you say you're going to, but also to take real action to help. These attacks are also an opportunity to remember that there are people dying from senseless violence every day-- they just aren't receiving the same media attention. Hopefully this deluge of attention to the issue will help solve the root problem :(
Mili
i 100% agree with what you're saying here! sometimes the kind of concern people have tend to be fleeting and convenient (not sincere). it's one thing to be aware.. it's another thing to actually engage in the kind of help that the victims actually need.
Have a great weekend!
Animated Confessions
sad and very scary thing that happened. and you are right, when you say, who is not offended these days. I think to monitor what someone says just because it might possibly offend someone is really limiting because people can get offended by anything, everything!
xoxo,
Winn | ♥
winscribbles.blogspot.com
You're right Linda. Some people just want to hashtag the situation to get their business or blog out. Which is sad. Lives were affected. Thanks for providing these links.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
hi pretty lady!! (hi from youtube) So happy I found your blog, it is so cute! Also I'm so happy you posted this. It's such a tragedy what happened and Paris and my heart goes out to all of those who were hurt that day and the families. I also completely agree with people using the hashtag or saying the words just to say them.. just to get attention. This was such a great post to ready and I have and will continue to pray for our world we live in.
www.lavishingg.net
A very good post Linda! In times of crisis, the red cross is always a good go-to organisation to support, although they do a lot of work here in Australia that I support they do wonderful things internationally too in the most devastating of circumstances.
There is so much evil in the world, and prayer is a good and powerful tool, but combating evil with acts of kindness and love and support is a very fitting response.
Away From The Blue Blog
It was shocking news, but these terrible things happen almost every week in other countries and it's interesting to see that it doesn't provoke as much pity and grief.
-Kati
Very well said. I hope that everything will be okay soon.
xx,
yanah
lasedano.blogspot.com
I couldn't agree more! Great post!
COOCOO FOR COCO
totally agree. I just posted about the same thing, we have to do something. Hope everything will be OK soon and I'm sure Paris will recover from this tragedy. =(
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