More Than Prayer

When will we understand that in some situations action is needed more than prayer? This past week some cities in America experienced below freezing temperatures. In Chicago specifically, “temperatures had reached 23 below zero, some of the coldest readings ever recorded for the city”*,with this many people were asking that we pray for the homeless but in reality, they needed much more than prayer because unfortunately prayer will not give them the tools to stay warm, safe and alive during the polar vortex.

Luckily for some of the homeless in Chicago a woman took it upon herself to do more than pray. Candice Payne impulsively took initiative and rented 20 hotel rooms for the homeless with her own American express card once she realized how dangerous the subzero temperatures would be. Paynes act of kindness multiplied and multiplied once wind of her good deed spread to others who began to donate money, food and clothing which resulted in 60 hotel rooms being rented and about 80 homeless out of the freezing temps.

Before I came across Paynes story I was scrolling Instagram and watching Instagram stories when I had seen a post from Bella Hadid. Hadid posted “ I really love the snow but there’s no way for me to drive around and not be emotionally thinking about the people without home or warmth. I wish I could help right now.” Then another post she says “ Kors office make it look a lot less freezing outside.” I was absolutely disgusted. Here we have this individual who has money and power and instead of taking advantage of that would rather wish she could help instead of actually helping. Wealthy people just seem to have this complete disconnect when it comes to helping individuals. If Payne was able to rent 20 hotel rooms with her American Express card knowing that she didn’t have the money to do that but she knew that she had to do something, why can a wealthy individual such as Hadid not be able to think of a logical way to help the homeless instead of wishing. Her wishing just as our prayers are not enough to save lives. It's not going to make the impact needed to start something such as Payne had.

So remember it is important that we do much more than pray. We take action. We take initiative. We do what must be done to make a difference. Even if you do not fully have the resources to do what you feel is needed even a little can go a long way. Do not be disconnected. There is always a way you can help.

*usa today