Yesterday marked the one year point since the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Over the past year we have heard so many amazing stories of people leaving behind their comforts to serve a country in need. Even right now we are walking with a family through the process of adopting two boys from Haiti. The tragedy has been horrendous, we can all agree. But in the midst of the tragedy God has been writing so many beautiful stories. These stories are written out of the muck and mire. They are written out of the uncomfortable, terrifying, and insecure places we find ourselves when we respond to a need. In the moment it may seem like a nightmare but in the end it's a story that we wouldn't change for anything. Those are the stories that are worth being told. They are the stories that we want our children and grandchildren to hear. Your response to a need in always greater than your reaction. Our reactions prick our emotions and rarely end up with thoughtful and sustaining production. However, a response invokes a giving of oneself. In order to respond we have to be "all in". Our time, energy, and resources are available when we respond to something. So, as you are walking along analyzing the needs around you (i.e.- Haiti, Human Trafficking, Orphans, AIDS, Homeless, Education, etc) make sure that you don't leave each issue with a mere reaction. It's worth your response.