Little Flower

Our hearts are reaching out now to the suffering survivors of this natural disaster and human tragedy down South. Time is for all Americans to show solidarity and to set aside all their diverging views on the situation, past mistakes, initial slow response because of the ultra catastrophic and unimaginable consequences of an event hard to predict in all its aspects. We are amazed by the gigantic response of the country, and full of admiration for all the rescue workers and volunteers who give their heart out round the clock to save lives of all races and faiths. National and international solidarity reminds us the trying and painful time of the man-made tragedy of Sept 11 up North. Yes, it is different, as the wrath this time down South is coming from Mother Nature, not from criminal evildoers.

What is important now, is not to ask why this happened or what could have been done to avoid it, but to ask ourselves how to help including at the individual/local community level, even at small scale. With time, talents, money and prayers, there are many ways you can help families who survived the disaster in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama so that people are fed, sheltered, healed and able to work again, and that children can go back to school. Our non-profit, Mary Mother of Peace-Medjugorje Charity will launch a God-parenthood program that will contribute to rebuilding the life of suffering families by sponsoring children. A model contract is available. Volunteers are needed to help identify beneficiaries and family, community and corporate sponsors. With those who want to help, our common goal will be to complement on a case by case basis the major response of the Government and large humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services, The Salvation Army, "George and Bill" Katrina Relief Fund, US Freedom Corps and others.

Whatever the Charity you wish to support to come to the rescue of our fellow citizens, you can also volunteer time to organize a fund raising event to the benefit of the victims, talk to your employers for matching grants, and ask your Church or school to have a special collection made. Southerners need our compassion to get back on their feet, regain dignity, and put hope, faith and love in the first place in their life. The important thing is not how much you accomplish, but how much love you put in your deeds every day. What do you suggest? Thank you for responding. Bernie.