Is it the End Times?

With world events spiraling out of control, things are going to be getting really bad, for every one. People are dying by the thousands in Japan, either from the earthquake/tsunami or they will soon be dying from radiation poisoning. People in Africa are being killed by their own governments. And this is not just in Libya, but all over the continent. Disease, famine, wars, gang violence, thousands are dying every DAY. And what are we doing about it?

Nothing.

Everyone has been taught by society that we should all look out for ourselves first and others second. How can we learn and grow as humans if we look out for ourselves first? It is just insane to think that we can succeed by only looking out for ourselves. Do we not learn compassion by seeing, not looking but really seeing, those who are less fortunate? Do we not learn what love is by loving others unconditionally? Do we not learn, well, anything important, by doing for someone else? Is it really surprising that most of us don't even think to donate to charities until there is a disaster of some sort?

Most of us do not see how current events will affect us in the long term. We are not prepared, none of us, for a global tragedy. We, as a society, have exchanged the ability to provide for ourselves for convenience. Take out is cheap so we no longer cook our own meals and in many cases wouldn't even know how. We do not know how to make clothing, grow food, preserve food, build a shelter, find water, protect ourselves and our families. We think Survivor is an entertaining show, but not anything we would ever have to do ourselves.

I am afraid that we will all have to be Survivors in the near future. When there is nothing left in the stores, will you be able to either do without or make it your self? You know where to look to see what is happening in our world and what it means for humanity. Will you be part of the problem, or part of the solution?

What is wrong with some people?

There are times when I wonder just exactly what is wrong with the world and how we could let it get this way. What ever happened to helping your neighbor and giving to those less fortunate just to be giving instead of using it as a tax break?

It seems to me that the only people who care about anything anymore (except making money) are the youth. They haven't yet had the chance to get their ideals smashed against the brick walls of bureaucracy and apathy. There just doesn't seem to be anyone in a position to do anything useful that is also willing to do the right thing.

Granted, there are lots of causes out there to support, but how many people actually do anything besides write a check? I am talking about more than monetary support. I am talking about getting out there and getting your hands dirty to help someone who needs it. How many older people are there out there who need their house painted, or roof patched, or even a ride to the doctor or drug store? How many children are left at home alone because Daddy left a long time ago and Momma works two jobs just to pay the rent? How many people simply don't have enough food to eat?

And I am not even talking about Third World Countries. I mean in the good ole US of A. Yes, these folks can get public assistance. Yes, there are government agencies to coordinate aid for the elderly and unfortunate. And yes, some of the folks who get aid don't actually deserve it, but no system is perfect.

What I guess I am saying is that we all have a responsibility to help others. If you have an elderly person living near you who is unable to do minor home repairs or drive themselves to town, why do you not offer to help? Is it pride? Are you too busy? Or do you just not care?

It doesn't cost anything to be nice. Why not offer to take the widow lady next door to church with you? Or to the grocery store? Or at least ask her if she needs anything. If she doesn't have any family and lives alone, what would happen if she fell? Would you just leave her there?

If everyone took 5 or 10 minutes a day, a couple of times a week, just to be nice to someone, think of how much better a place the world would be. Smile at a stranger. You never know, that could be the first good thing they had happen all day.

I used to make a point at waving at all mail carriers and delivery people whenever I saw them. They have a thankless job and being nice made me feel good too.

Just do something, anything, to help others. Smile at a stranger, fix a window, offer to paint a wall, read a book to a child, just do something. We are not here on the Earth to make money and waste our lives. Find something you believe in and DO SOMETHING!