Wake up!

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Wake up!  It’s more than time to give thanks and praise

to our God who helps us in all our ways.

The season of giving and receiving unfolds,

so let us relax, go forth and be bold.

This holiday comes at the end of each year

So let us shout for joy and be clear

Wake up

Remember it’s all about our Lord and those

really in need,

so let’s forget about ourselves, there’s

no time for greed.

We keep giving to people who have more

than enough, come on look around

do you really need all that stuff?

Shopping for presents is a yearly tradition

Wake up

It’s time to change this compulsive condition

Stressing and frustrated from all the rush

Spending money we don’t have

until we’re crushed

Wake up

Living paycheck to paycheck to pay all the bills,

believe me when I tell you this is no thrill.

At the end of the year when you think

you’re ahead, the Santa syndrome

Hits you hard on the head

Christmas music entices you to

shop till you drop

As you shop for the season and you

Just want to stop.

Our lives are not defined by how much

we have, but how much one gives to those

who are sad.

Wake up

It’s time to change our obvious response

to a life filled with desires and wants

time to change our conclusion

Get out of this illusion

Place a limit on your family and friend giving

So you can really start living

Stay alert find the charities who are truly

Reaching out

Make a switch, change your life

Remember what life is really about.

 

Pat Fagan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A crisis at hand

IMG-20170920-WA0018When a crisis strikes in other locations around the world, are you empathetic and compassionate about the victims plight? What if anything are you willing to do to help those in need.

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I had a reality check recently when Hurricane Maria rolled over the Island of Dominica. It caused such devastation that I decided to take an active role in participating in their recovery. Maybe one of the primary reasons, it’s the land of my birth and I have family still living there to date. But don’t get me wrong, I have donated to many other causes who came knocking.

There are several ways to be of service, but I decided to start a go fund me account to aid them with some of their basic needs.

The desperation of these people because of a lack of food, water and housing touched my heart therefore I went to work connecting with as many people as possible to get the word out for immediate donations.  What I learned from this experience shocked me into reality.

People, even the ones who are considered your closest friends, aren’t always willing to give even a small donation. I know we all have certain things we are struggling through in our lives. Believe me, I get it.. Then again in this country, we are blessed with a roof over our heads and food on our table. I  guess I was being really naive in thinking friends, family and even strangers, would be ready willing and able to put their money towards Dominica’s recovery. After all, it’s not their problem…

There are some people who I thank from the bottom of my heart that stepped up to the plate. One woman in particular, my coworker who has been extremely passionate in getting the word out to her friends and family. There are also others who helped as well but they are a small minority.

Why are we so complacent, when it comes to helping others in need? I’m not referring to the same people who give time and time again.  We fail to see the urgency in various crisis because we’re not impacted by some of these disasters. In reality, it is the Caribbean today and it might be us tomorrow waiting and hoping someone else will give us a helping hand.

hands-459442_1280I pray that you open you hearts and wallets to help those who are not only in Dominica, but others all over the world who are impacted through various disasters. If you’re interested in helping Dominica please look for the Dominica recovery fund at go fund me. The people of Dominica will appreciate your help. Every drop of kindness in the bucket means someone else will have food and water for sustenance. God bless You….