How much is enough?

Last night I went to see ‘The Blind Side’, a movie based on the true story of Michael Oher. In the story a family (The Tuhoys) take in Michael ( a poor African American uneducated  boy) and add him to their existing rich white southern American  family. He eventually becomes one of the most prized NFL recruits, in American Football.

Afterwards, while driving home, my wife asked an extremely provoking question:

“Would we do the same in those circumstances?”

I would like to think we would, I would. I cannot really tell though. It hasn’t happened.

I cannot answer the question yet, outside of still saying I believe I would but am unsure if in truth it would actually happen.

It took that family a lot to take in another child, an outcast, under privileged African-American child, who appeared to have no education. And while they were well off and privileged and could afford it, there requires much more sacrifice, to the ‘norm’ of a family, than just money to do something like that.

We know several people who are regular foster families. They have children themselves and reach out constantly to offer help in circumstances that often end poorly.

They never stop giving.

They give the ultimate gift, the gift of love and care for another human life.

We don’t.

I live a privileged life. I know that and count my blessings every day. I remind myself and my children that we have a fantastic life and many do not have anything close to what we have. I know we contribute back, in time and money through a variety of SAFE modes, involvement in our school and sport clubs, money and services through our business and personal income.

Is that really enough?

Do you do enough? Is there anything more sacred and important than protecting children and other people’s lives?

What would you give up to help another? Is a few dollars to World Vision or Kiva enough? Should we all be cleaning up our neighbourhoods and making sure the humans in our local community aren’t being neglected?

I do not have an answer. Yet.

While pondering this I saw a number of signs for earth hour, something that a lot of people go to a lot of trouble to do. In the back of mind I see a huge privileged population on this planet turning off a few luxury electronic items for an hour, as the modern method of confession. We don’t go to see the father to tell of our sins. Instead we have quick options to absolve ourselves of the harm we ignore or do.

A quick feel good that absolves us of permanent and long term changes. We do ‘our little bit’. We feel purged of our lack of green care 364 other days but make up for it with a quick hour of darkness.

Are our donations to help others like this as well?

Is it enough?

I don’t know. Please don’t stop being involved in Earth Hour, or donating to World Vision or similar charities. But maybe just maybe do something permanent as well. That’s what they really want. Look deep inside yourself and ask would you sacrifice your known life to help another human being.

How far would you go?

How far is enough?

I don’t know, but this feels important to me.

Well that’s what ireckon anyway!

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