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I admit that the global problem is too big for me to wrap my mind around, I admit that statistics simply overwhelm me. I confess that fighting AIDS seems daunting and difficult - and things that big make me want to look the other way. I admit that at one point it was something I brushed aside - even thinking, 'that is their problem'.
In the last 18 months we've been working more and more with people affected by the disease. We've seen some harsh realities of the disease. It has a human face. That cured me of thinking it is their problem alone.
Now, when I think HIV/AIDS - I see the faces of seven women we have come to love, respect, and understand. Their stories are heartbreaking. They did not ask for the disease and they do NOT control the circumstances that caused them to contract the disease. There are underlying social and structural issues that increase their vulnerability - most of which I cannot possibly understand coming from my American paradigm.
They are people with hopes and dreams and hurts just like you and I. The statistics don't tell the human stories. Every.single.one. of these millions is known by name by the GOD of the Universe ... and if He cares - I darn well better care too.
- 33.4 million people living with HIV worldwide
- 31.3 million adults
- 15.7 million women
- 2.1 million children under 15
tara
5 comments:
You wanna be popular on your blog and facebook? Post something about HIV or AIDS. I did and the number of comments....well.....hmmm ZERO.
I spent 5 years helping men who were dying from HIV including my brother and it can be very discouraging work, a marathon if you will.
So Tara and family picture me at the side of the road and it is mile 21 with a big sign that says"YOU ARE MY HANDS AND FEET". I'll be the one yelling "Don't stop ,keep going, you can do it"
Thanks for all you do. Love to you, Cynde
Hi Cynde -
Thanks for your note.
If each of us had an opportunity (and certainly we all could find an opportunity if we tried) to sit with and listen to and cry with a person infected with AIDS, we would ALL see it as something to care about.
If we remain distant and removed from their pain - we will continue to be unconcerned.
Romans 12:15
Absolutely. It is too bad, this condition of humanity, that we can't REALLY begin to feel and understand or be inspired to take action on somethings unless we see with our own eyes, listen with our own ears, or touch with our own hands...
I can think of so many HOT TICKET subjects that I can't stir up much emotion about. But seeing what afflicts the lives of the people we serve, listening to their stories and to the stories you rely... well, I have a lot of passion about that. ;)
I remember seeing a video about a pastor who cared for people with AIDS in Africa. He said "When Jesus healed the blind man, he did not ask the man how he became blind."
It is so sad to see so many of us Christians turning a blind eye to those afflicted with this disease.
Thanks for another inspiring post sweet friend.
Elicia
Thank you Tara. This is an important post.
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