Choices that matter...

 

 

 

"In the 1970 Bhola cyclone which struck Bangladesh, 500,000 people died in the incredible storm surge triggered by 115 mph winds..."

Back in 1971, after checking into my duty station in Winter Harbor, Maine, the news media was still talking about the mess in Bangladesh. Even in a region that suffers numerous catastrophic weather events, this storm was one for the ages. While the storm struck in November of 1970, the relief efforts by the world community were inadequate to fully ameliorate the suffering of the people.

Consequently, a year after the storm stuck, not much had been done. The people in the region were still living in the rubble, disease and filth caused by the storm. Concerts were organized, and charities redoubled their efforts. Due to technology in 1971, we could see the suffering in Bangladesh, up close and personal, every evening when we had our beer and popcorn down at the service club.

A few of us from my watch section could handle it no further. We found out there was a charity collecting money for relief efforts located in Bangor, about an hour's drive from the base. The next time we had time off between watches, we drove over to Bangor to learn more. We vetted the charity as well as we could, determined it was legit, and headed back to base with the goal of collecting at least $100 (quite a bit back then) to help.

As we collected from different people in the club after work hours, two things really stuck in my memory. First, we went up to a E-6 with many hash marks on his sleeve. When we told him what we were collecting for, his response was simple - "I pay my taxes, so I have given." The next evening, we approached a newly minted E-5 who had just come into the club. We barely got the story out of our mouth when he pulled out his wallet and all he had was a $20 bill. Without knowing us from Adam, he took out the $20 bill and gave it to us. He said, "Those people need this more than I do."

Who was right on this issue? Well, they both were. Yes, we do pay taxes and the United States often times the first on the scene for major world catastrophes. However, our government can't do everything. The fact that a year after the storm, people were still suffering under a newly formed, dysfunctional government was inexcusable. Charities had people on the ground, ready to get fresh water, food and shelter to people who really needed it. They just needed help with the resources to do so.

Last Sunday in church, our pastor talked about the freedom we experience when we give. Not just to church, but to people everywhere who have needs. Not just overseas, but people who have been impacted by this economy here at home. The message really spoke to my heart. Even though every year I try to be more generous as a giver, I have a long journey ahead.

I know that in my life, I have been blessed beyond belief. Tangible and intangible blessings. Someone once said in life we go through three phases. In Phase One, the first 30 years is spent learning; in Phase Two, the second 30 years is spent earning; in Phase Three, the final 30 years should be spent giving back. Now that I am in "Phase 3", every year I try harder to follow this recipe.