Haiti a Story of American Heart from Kearney Nebraska

Disaster happens in Haiti and aid is rushed to the scene from the United States of America, even from Kearney, a town in the middle of Nebraska. Though both conservatives and liberals in America may fight for their respective positions on almost every other issue, when it comes to national, even international disasters, the two sides come together with one purpose--provide relief as much, as often and as quickly as an American government entity can mobilize.

But Americans aren't willing to sit back and think they're doing good because the government of America is on the move with aid. The people of America are one of the most generous on earth. When there is a need, they are not willing to stand by and do nothing. The people of America are pro-active. They have a need to become involved and to make a difference-even in Kearney in the center of Nebraska.

With the news of the earthquake in Haiti and the resulting devastation to life and property, Americans took notice. The people of America were touched by the suffering.

From around the country, the citizens of America have mobilized, gathering food, clothes, medical and other supplies donated from large and small businesses or just donated by individuals, and headed down to the devastated region.

When someone is in need, citizens of America respond in a big way. We see this in Kearney, Nebraska all the time. A family loses their home to fire or other disaster, a medical situation has put a family under tremendous financial strain and family, friends, the community of Kearney, even total strangers respond with assistance.

Even a disaster far from Kearney, Nebraska, like this portion of Haiti devastated by an earthquake, has people from the Kearney area responding with aid, even taking the time to go to Haiti to physically help those in need.

The people of America may have a reputation, sometimes deserved, for being self-centered and concerned only with wealth and status. But that is only a shallow view of the great heart of America and, certainly, a shallow and inaccurate view of Kearney area residents.

Our citizens, our community of Kearney, Nebraska, and our churches seek to reach out to those in need, such as Hope EFC, which offers food at a much reduced rate through Angel Food Ministries. (Angel Food Ministries is also sending food products to Haiti.) Why? Because the real America still has a great heart, the caring and concern from a tradition of faith where love reaches out to those in need regardless of personal discomfort and inconvenience.

Proverbs 22:9 (KJV) says, "He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor."

Maybe this is the America we need to focus on and encourage. This is the true heart of a nation and the heart of Kearney, Nebraska.