a little reminder.

I try to remember how much we have- me and my husband... or even us all here in America. We may not all be the "one percent" but we have a lot more than many others do in other countries. It is heartbreaking sometimes when you hear the stories you know? But truly... it is incredibly humbling. All the horrible situations that people deal with and struggle through- children slaves and soldiers, no cleaning drinking water, and sex trafficking.I have so much, but I feel like I have nothing. I have shelter, clothing, food, and a caring family.My husband and I have felt moved to give what we could give to some different organizations that are doing amazing work - fighting for legal freedom (International Justice Mission), supplying clean water (Charity Water), and even giving a simple Christmas gift to children who have never received a gift (Operation Christmas Child). Eventually though it felt a little like we were just writing checks and we weren't thinking about who we were giving to anymore. So we decided to put up a reminder in our home.

My analytical and philosophical hubby picked out the quotes. The first quote was adapted from the the words of Jesus after delivering a difficult parable- which originally says 'he who has ears let him hear' (Matthew 11:15). Meaning we cannot turn a blind eye to the world and our place in it - says my handsome hubby. The second quote (paraphrased) comes from Desmond Tutu who was the head of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee in the wake of genocide in Rwanda. He said that in order to heal Rwanda needed to recognize that the victims and the perpetrators had been dehumanized. My husband highly (highly) recommends his book No Future Without Forgiveness. :)

Jacob and I don't want to take what we have for granted anymore- hopefully these beautiful photos and words will remind every day (or at least more than we used to be reminded).