As I have reflected on the earthquake in Haiti over the weekend, a number of thoughts have crossed my mind.  It has caused me to re-evaluate my perception of adversity.  Adversity for some can create a sense of despair while for others it can be the motivating factor to stand up and “push through“.  How do you relate to adversity?

The people of Haiti are in their darkest hour.  They have a long history of being resilient through dark days.  It is likely that this is the darkest hour they have experienced at any time in the history of their culture.  They will rise again.  Their resiliency will stand firm.

The question comes to mind again.  How do we as a culture respond to adversity?  How do we as individuals respond?  Do we rise up and meet the challenge head-on?  Or, do we allow ourselves to be overcome by grief, depression, & despair?  What makes you empowered?  What drives you?  When you see pictures of Haiti and all the tragedy that accompanies those pictures do you start to feel that your troubles and challenges are a bit trivial compared to what those people are facing now and for years to come?  Do you still allow your problems to overcome you…or does it make you empowered to the point that you will rise up and demand of yourself that you meet those challenges head-on and “push through”?

One method to support this comes about my involving yourself in some sort of charity.  The people of Haiti need all of our help right now.  A simple, safe, and effective way that you can help is by going to former president Bill Clinton’s Foundation.  There you can make a donation of any amount and it will be used directly to supply food, water, and medical supplies.