Religion

Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief is on alert for the developing Southern Baptist relief effort aimed at helping Haitians affected by the deadly earthquake that hit the island on Jan. 12.

According to Kentucky Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Associate Coy Webb, the KBC will “more than likely send an assessment team within the next week, but everything right now depends upon transportation.”

I believe it was Father Brian Hehir who some years ago observed that in the Catholic community “and” is a big word.   

As I reflect on “and,” it seems to me that it is a mighty big word in all of life.

Be strong and courageous. Deuteronomy 32:6

When you try something for the first time or something you’ve already failed at, you need courage.

Remember learning to walk? First you tried standing on shaky limbs, smiled in short-lived triumph, fell down, cried in frustration and kept getting back up until you mastered the art of standing. Something inside you told you that you were meant for more than just lying in a crib.

Late 2009 provided another vivid experience of a close call with vulnerability. A young, well educated and well off young man from another country attached explosives to his inner clothing with the alleged intent of igniting it and bringing down an airplane with many people aboard.

Since then there has been major the back-and-forth about whether “the system” worked or not. The good news: the bomb did not go off and all landed safely.