Newspapers seem to specialise in bad news. Of course, that is what sells – images and stories of earthquakes, war, tsunamis or aeroplanes crashing into the side of buildings. Now, I am by no means criticising this for there is an immense value to how the various news media organisations keep us informed as to the state of the world around us. This helps prevent complacency and apathy. In fact, it is due to the news informing us about the sad and desperate plight of Haitians, that there has been such overwhelming worldwide outpouring of support.
The fact remains, however, that bad news almost always seems to get the headlines while the many, many good news events that occur every day are relegated to side pieces, if they are reported on at all. This leaves scores of us struggling both with despair and cynicism. I went through a period last year where I refused to buy a newspaper because they always left me feeling a little jaded and depressed.
This is why I am finding reading my papers lately such a refreshingly hope-giving exercise. It has been overwhelming to see just how wonderfully the world at large has embraced the need in Haiti. Remarkable generosity and care has been displayed from diverse sources such as Hollywood superstars, politicians, and of course the average person in the street.
I am not for one minute suggesting that this was all part of God’s bigger plan, and that God sent an earthquake to pulverise poor Haiti so that others have a chance to display generosity. I don’t happen to believe that is how God works at all. I do believe, however, that God brings his people signs of hope even amidst the most devastating situations. When our worlds are nothing but broken rubble and debris, somehow God manages to work his loving concern and good news message into lives and hearts.
So when we read stories of individuals and nations contributing both generously and sacrificially to those in need, we should allow these to be signs of hope for us. Sign-post reminders that God is always at work and that there is always reason to hold onto hope and cling onto faith.
You may well recognise the picture attached to this article, because it has being doing the rounds through various e-mail boxes lately. It is of a Haitian church where almost everything was destroyed except for the cross and it is a vivid and powerful reminder that where God is present there is always hope. Personally, my sense of hope has been somewhat renewed by how others have gathered around Haiti in their time of need, but the reality is that following Jesus should be a journey of keeping our eyes and hearts open to the good news possibilities that surround us daily. Jesus has brought tremendous hope to all the world, and we are called to remember that and to carry that truth with us always.
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This article has been written by Gareth Killeen, the editor of CruxMobi.