I have been overwhelmed this week - as most of us have - by the tragedy happening in Haiti. There have also been losses closer to home with blog friends and in person friends...from death and destruction to less dramatic, but no less real everyday issues and stresses. There are horrible things happening every single day in the world. Some we know about, some we don't, but everyone has a story and there is no one left unscathed during a lifetime. Some problems are far worse than other, but we all have something.
What always, always amazes me, though, is the absolute resiliance of the human spirit - I know it's been said a million times over, but it's true. People survive unsurvivable things every day. People grow in strength, love and compassion because of things they've lived through. This brings joy to my heart and gives me tremendous hope. We, as human beings, come together when we need to - we come to the aid of those suffering and those less fortunate than we are - we learn to appreciate each other and that giving is better than receiving.
My spirit is constantly renewed in seeing the generous spirits around me - we all have something to give to someone be it a kind word, a meal, money - anything. Most of all we have the ability to give the gift of ourselves - and that's what it is to be human and part of this always changing, amazing world!
Beautifully said. Loving your rainy day photos. I miss rain like that.
Posted by: jeanne | January 18, 2010 at 03:33 PM
Well said! It was a rainy day here as well. We have wonderful friends who have a son who has a rare disease and a father who had major brain surgery. Life can be overwhelming~
Bristol
Posted by: Luci Wallis | January 18, 2010 at 04:18 PM
so absolutely true...jules
Posted by: jules | January 18, 2010 at 06:58 PM
I couldn't agree more about the strength of the human spirit. Something I'm blessed to see 4 times a week as I go to work (I work at the local retirement village). You're right the world is an amazing place!
Posted by: LuAnn @ Back Home Again | January 19, 2010 at 04:54 AM
beautiful post jackie.
losses happen everyday...but these major catasrophic events are the one's that tear at our soul.
We stepped up as a family to help out.
and it felt so good.
xo
Posted by: kasey | January 19, 2010 at 05:44 AM
beautifully said Jackie. it is so true everyone has heartaches of some sort whether it be big or small. it is amazing to see everyone come together. have a beautiful day! xo
Posted by: susan | January 19, 2010 at 06:51 AM
Something brilliant about the human spirit...Amen. giving what we can, when we can...asking for nothing in return then for those who are hurting to hurt less...beautifully written Jackie~
Posted by: Tara | January 19, 2010 at 03:10 PM
I couldn't have said it better my Queen. Sometimes we gripe over the smallest things in life, and we forget that there are so many tragedies going on all around us. So many tears and screams of pain and loss. This really makes me sit back and reflect on just how very lucky I am to have a loving husband and 3 amazing children and a humble loving home. A pillow to rest my head on while so many are at this very moment under a pile of rubble. I just ask, "WHY LORD, WHY"?
Royal wishes,
Daisy
Posted by: Daisy | January 21, 2010 at 08:38 AM
Beautiful post Jackie. It's so true. I have been so blessed by seeing so many coming to the aid of others in their time of need.
Enjoy your weekend.
xo,
Adrienne
Posted by: The Flying Bee | January 22, 2010 at 10:37 AM
So well said Jackie! Really such a beautiful post! It can be overwhelming at times to think of all those hurting or in need in this world...and then the compassion of human nature shows us that there is good in the world and there is hope...
:) T
Posted by: tracey | January 24, 2010 at 05:10 PM
This post resonates so much I feel with the feminine spirit... life really is about love... compassion... faith and hope.
Blessings to all,
Victoria with feminineliving.com
Posted by: Victoria S. | January 27, 2010 at 06:48 AM