April 22nd, 2010
Give Me That Smile
I just got back from a heartbreaking trip to Haiti. I have to tell you that, while the problems are enormous, there are no easy solutions. For me, this is extremely frustrating. And yet, in the midst of my frustration, I’m trying to remember a couple of vital truths. First, with God, nothing is impossible, Luke 1:37. Second, His power is at work in us…which makes possible even that which we can’t imagine, Ephesians 3:20. Third, God hasn’t called us to solve all the problems but He has called us to do something, Ephesians 2:10. Finally, we are able to rejoice in the Lord always, Philippians 4:4.
It’s in light of the last one that I share this video. I was amazed at the capacity of so many of the Haitian people, children especially, to have joy in the midst of their suffering. I met the boy in this video while walking through one of the many devastated areas. Yet, he was smiling and playing. In fact, he and I had a blast playing the “hand slap” game. Then, I learned his story. It’s devastating…but he is still filled with innocence, love and joy.
My prayer is that the young man in this video will move you to prayer and action on behalf of those who are hurting in this world…whether in Haiti or living next door to you. I also hope that, whatever your circumstances, he will give you the ability to “give me that smile.”
Categorized: Leadership |
Tweets that mention Give Me That Smile « Brad Powell Online -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Brad Powell, John Parker. John Parker said: God's given us the capacity to smile even in suffering. Don't miss my new blog/video post from haiti. http://bit.ly/dsoaKy (via @bradpowell) [...]
Roxanne Ray
Brad,
I think it is truely amazing that you could put a smile on that young boys face, after so much pain and devistation, but if anybody could do it, it would no doubt be you, as you put a smile on so many peoples faces each and every week at Northridge. We are truely blessed!!!
S. Parker
Brad- I am pleased to hear that you went to Haiti as difficult as it was, I know I was there in December and returned right before the earthquake hit. I considered myslf so blessed to have seen and met the people and children in Haiti. They were truly amazing seeing the children without even the basic needs of life and were just smiling, laughing and enjoying the time spent with us. I hope your trip was as blessed as mine. I actually am having a guest from Haiti fly in and stay with our group that went down beginning Tuesday. I look forward to brining him to Northridge next weekend and seeing your service.
Beverly Lumzy
I was amazed that NorthRidge was represented in Haiti and happy to know we were there in Love and Spirit.
Thanks Pastor Powell, even though the situation was frustrating you got first hand knowledge of what is and what isn’t going good within the devestation of this country.
Vida Ruggero
Brad,
Just wanted to let you know how I decided to respond to the earthquake in Haiti: by helping one child. I sponsor a 5 year old boy in Haiti through World Vision. I am also a teacher and I have been able to share my sponsorship experience with my students who have made cards and drawings to send. The compassion my students have shown has been amazing for a place they have never been, and a little boy they have never met. I will pray for Peterson, as well as all the people in Haiti who endure more than I could ever imagine. Thanks for sharing your experience with us at Northridge.
JEWELS
PRAYING FOR PETERSON AND ALL THE CHILDREN AND PEOPLE OF HAITI…I DO NOT ATTEND YOUR CHURCH BUT, I DO WATCH TO YOUR MESSAGES ON LINE EVERY WEEK…THANK YOU FOR SHARING THEM, AND GOD BLESS YOU…
PS. I AM A FOLLOWER OF OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST…
BLESSINGS, JOYOUS JEWELS