I am so in support of these programmes. I think there is something really important about the country coming together to raise money and it is great to make people aware of what is going on around the world. However, I can never watch a whole programme because there always comes a point where a story upsets me too much and I can't relax and enjoy the comic relief in between the life stories.
This evening it was the story of a little boy about Livia's age who came to an A&E department in Africa (I think in Sierra Leone). He had pneumonia and was struggling to breathe because of the fluid on his lungs. The department tried to put him on an oxygen machine but it wasn't working. They had to share another machine with another child who was desperately poorly. The little boy didn't make it. I don't know how anyone can watch a baby struggling to breathe and not feel utterly devastated that he went through that so young and due to a preventable disease. It breaks my heart!
I know I'm not writing anything profound. I won't be the only one to feel like this (that would be horrifying!). But I felt like I had to respond after watching something like that. I want to feel urgency for change and a need to do something. Even just blogging about it (and donating of course).
If you feel inspired to give then you can give to Sport Relief via the following:
https://secure.donate.comicrelief.com
Give your children an extra cuddle and know how blessed you are to live in a place that has immunisations and life-saving medical equipment. I've just had a sneaky late-night cuddle with my girls.
Dear Jesus, I thank you that when you were on earth you spent your time with the poor and needy. I thank you that you have compassion on them. Please help us in the west to remember the poor and be generous with the huge amount we have, even when it doesn't feel like we have much. Help us not to lose perspective and get caught up in our materialistic culture. Please bless that little boy's family and protect the other children in that community.
'The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted...... to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.'
Isaiah 61:1-3
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