How's the World? Messy...

Whenever I happen to watch the news, I hear horrible stories of people suffering all over the world.  I don't really allow them to sink in because I feel like there is a new story every single day.  I think a lot of people think like this.  Unfortunately sometimes I think that since it doesn't effect me it isn't my job to fix the problem.  This really isn't how I should be thinking.  I should be thinking what can I do to help? Sometimes I just cannot relate to the stories and I don't know how to help those in need.  I don't think anything I can do will help the victims.  For example, the article about the girl who was raped and murdered is hard for me to relate to.  I don't know if anything I can do will help her.  

Whenever my friends tell me a story about a problem they are facing, I tend to be able to relate much more.  I have been close to many of my friends for a long time and most of the time I face similar problems.  It is so much easier for me to reach out and help a friend because I am already so close to them.  Sometimes it might be awkward to discuss such personal events with someone you don't know.  This perspective related to the Gospel message as well.  The Gospel tells us to help anyone in need (not just family and friends).  The article stressed how we should imagine that our own family is suffering and do what we would do for our own family for those in need.

During the Christmas season my family and I participate in an organization where we adopt a family in need for the holiday season.  We buy presents for the children and even some for the parents.  A lot of the time we buy coats, clothes, socks, and underwear, but recently we have contributed toys, books, and even a little something special for the family to eat on Christmas day.  I have participated in this "adoption" for the past 6 years.  Every year I realize how grateful I really am.  I need to start helping other people all year long, not just during the holiday season.  I should put myself in the family's shoes and think of ways I, myself, can help improve their lives.