Based on questions I received and my own reading, I wanted to share a few additional thoughts in follow up to my post this weekend.

Some resources on giving

More than tears and Facebook posts – a worthwhile read from a ReachGlobal colleague with a helpful challenge to give:

This is the truth of it, friends.  It’s easy to post the Nazarene symbol on Facebook.  It’s easy to share news articles, and it’s even easy to pray because it doesn’t cost us much.

But what I am asking myself today:  Do I care enough that it will affect my checking account?  Am I willing to sacrifice?

Yes, it all makes me really sad and angry.  But do I really, truly care?

The post also provides a link to a list of organizations working on the ground.

Not all the organizations listed are explicitly Christian. And while I respect the impulse to ensure maximum impact of the resources entrusted to us, surely if the organization is trustworthy and doing work on the ground, acting is better than waiting.

If you are looking for specifically Christian organizations, I’d stand behind the Bible Society’s campaign (which includes some specific prayer suggestions) and the Anglican Aid campaign (included in the earlier post). There are also good UK organizations (organisations, really!) listed in this Christianity Today World article.

I recently came across this post that lists answers to 11 objections to giving to the poor by Jonathan Edwards it’s worth reading in full but relevant to giving and the situation in Iraq, it summarizes Edwards as follows:

[Giving] is one of the highest duties of the Christian…and even heaven and hell lie in the balance with how we respond to the poor (Matthew 25: 41-46). Further, Christians are not just to help the poor from a little bit of their surplus, but are to be abundant, liberal, and utterly generous in giving to the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Psalm 37:21, 25-26; 112:5; Proverbs 11:24-25; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:6-11).

A brief defense of the #WeAreN campaign

I completely understand the skepticism of those who say “it’s easy to change your profile pic” because, well, it is! And I agree it is insufficient. But, as an excuse not to act, it’s pretty sad.

Think back over historical social movements and many were propelled by individuals taking simple collective steps to bring awareness. Some of those steps alone seemed insignificant, even foolish, but I’d rather be on the side of the “fools” that did something than those who did nothing.

I’m not saying posting the “N” symbol is a necessary step but this letter from an Iraqi Christian convinces me it is a worthwhile first step. When they can say:

It’s encouraging to see that around the world people are supporting us. We are still proud to be Christians. We will always be Christians.

I can change my profile pic!

Praying and giving are necessary next steps, but surely we can all take those three steps together!