Who we are...

Who we are...
photography by http://www.leannavite.com/
charmed by choice, the blog has been a long thoughtful walk through choices. Ultimately, choices to be resilient.
Our family is one of the thousands of real life examples from this recession ...
we have experienced jobloss, mounting debt, property depreciation....
After spending some time hovering in the freak out mode...we have decided there is a choice to be made.
We can choose to stare at all that's challenging us,
or search and concentrate on all the incredible examples of resiliency.
Come along and be amazed at how many people live resiliently...
recovering finacially, emotionally, physically, spiritually...
We've all been told not to stare... but I invite you to stare at all that's resilient.
Let's be inspired and inspire each other.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Expanding the KONY conversation

First I want to be clear that I am appreciative of those who brought us KONY 2012.  The atrocities against children are beyond comprehension.  If you you haven't watched it, check out the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc

 I'm in complete agreement that we must be informed and support the concept of making KONY famous so that we can call out and identify this enemy of children.  I'm also inspired by the example of what individuals can do and how we can collectively care and call other's to care... especially so many young people!  Caring beyond ourselves is the true purpose behind my blog, this is an awesome example of walking out to serve others.  Proving resiliency is possible.
For that a HUGE thank you to Invisible Children. 

Beyond that though, I had to pause and wonder... if this does call me to action, what will my action be?

Beginning this journey into blogging and moving into my own social entrepreneurship, has taught me to look deeper into "causes", even great causes.  How is the money that's raised, used?  Can my simplistic understanding of a need match a viable solution that leads to sustainable empowerment?

Below is just one example of  that conversation.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/invisible-childrens-stop-kony-campaign/2012/03/07/gIQA7B31wR_blog.html?wprss=blogpost

This is typically a crossroads kind of time, a decision to look a bit deeper. 

My choice?
Seek out organizations I already know about and look for evidence of support for the children in Uganda .

For me to do nothing is unacceptable, I need my action though to match my beliefs.

If moved to action, what will you do?

Me?
I'm looking into what World Vision and Compassion International are doing to help the children in Uganda.
I also am reminded of the work that Bead for Life does, empowering impoverish women to sustainable income and stability for themselves and their children.  A better understanding of what each have to offer the children will ultimately guide my final decision.

I'm a middle aged mom and wife, I'm not an activist by trade, nor do I pretend to understand the complexities of this multidimensional problem.  What I do know, is that if I traded places with any of the mothers there in Uganda what would I pray for? What would I cry for?  Help for the children. 
What might that help look like?... safety, security and God's hand over the political changes.

Is the decision to give to and support KONY 2012 or do nothing?  Is the decision to support other organizations and target your giving to children in Uganda?  Will it be a combination of both?  Our choices are many.... thank you KONY 2012 for raising the awareness and demonstrating that we can choose to make a difference.

It is true... what we do, or don't do matters.

3 comments:

  1. You have articulated a thoughtful response that I would hope the creators of the Kony video would weap with joy to hear! To me, thoughtful versus "blind" giving is a more complete way to give. Your thoughtfulness to the issue, concern about outcomes, and internalization of the problem is exactly what compassion and philanthropy should be about.

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  2. A very thought provoking post. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to more inspiring posts. Keep up the good work !

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