Sandy was NO Lady!

I've been watching the TV, and I've been deeply affected by the devastataion in the wake of super storm Sandy. I want to help. I think everyone wants to help. Many will and have in many ways. Yet, I just gave out of my extra change. It's easy to click the donate button and give that automatic $10.
Then I see the reality. People without food, and the food they have going to waste without refridgeration. I see water everywhere. I see people cold and tired, huddling together in public places with power and heat, but having to leave and face a cold night when that place closes for the day. I think of children and families that depend on their kids eating at least one and sometimes two meals at school, suddenly having to provide three meals a day on the same budget, if they're lucky enough to have a paycheck coming in when their place of business is closed due to the devastation.
I pray to God, "What is my response? What is Your will for me in helping my neighbors? What is the best use of my resources for Your ministry of healing and hope for the victims of Sandy." I'll certainly encourage my church members and all my readers to give. Money is the best gift the experts tell us. Then disaster response people can buy supplies locally in the affected area and so help the faltering economy in that region. Certanly volunteerism is the next best gift. First responders are still needed, along with anyone with disaster response training. Truck drivers are needed, as well as emergency relief and Red Cross volunteers. I am none of those, and I have already given what I think I can afford.
Still, God keeps giving me that little nudge. What if I sent a gift of money that was equal to one week's power, food, water and other necessities of life? I'm told relief agencies can feed a family of four for a week with $126. I can divide my power bill by 4, and send a quarter of my costs to relief work. I can go to the grocery or discount store and price a week's worth of water at 8 eight ounce servings a day times seven days, then send that money to the Red Cross or UMCOR (my church's relief agency). That would be a slight hardship on me. I'd have to juggle things, cut back on others. Yet, it's nothing like the hardship my friends in the wake of Sandy are facing. It's time for some sacrificial giving on my part.
1 John 3:16-17 (The Message)

"This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear."
Pray for your response, and I'll pray for mine. May we all be faithful in our sacrificial love in the name of Jesus.