The Pain and the Promise

There are two histories, above all others, that I find to be most fascinating to study.  I love the ancient Egyptian culture and I love World War II.  Which, I realize, makes me sound like a terrible person.

What I mean is that WWII is just plain interesting.  It's gut-wrenching, disgusting and unspeakably sad.  But, through all of the agony, there are stories of greatness, hope and strength.  And, let's be honest, it's a fascinating look at humanity at its extremes of good and evil.  Of course, I wish that Hitler, Himmler, Goebels and all those other terrifyingly awful people had had some other idea to put into action...one that was productive and life-affirming...but, given that this is our reality, I find it incredibly important that we remember the plight of so many people and do everything in our power to ensure that it doesn't happen again.

But...wait...it does happen.  It is happening.  People all over the place are suffering at the hands of leaders who have achieved the power that they sought in order to control the groups of people that they hate.  How many books need to be written, documentaries need to be filmed and presentations need to be given before we can figure out that there are people who need a lot of help?!

I have read lots of WWII books--about both victims and survivors, from both Nazi and Ally perspectives, etc.  (I know less about the Japanese theater, though I think it's also an interesting lesson in tragedy and prejudice, to say the least).  In completing another one yesterday, which recounted eight stories of nine Holocaust survivors, the oldest of whom was 17 at the time, I couldn't help but think: would I have been so resilient in their shoes?  If I were who I am today (a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Christian), how would I have responded to the plight of the persecuted?  Would I have been ambivalent (at best)?  Would I have welcomed them in to my home with no concern for my own well-being?  Would I have succumbed to the propaganda that is at the heart of Nazism?

I'd like to think that I would be one of the good guys.  I'd like to know that, without a doubt, I would've been a dissenter--that I would've not let Hitler and his Third Reich groupies sway me.  I hope that's true.  But, I also have to be honest in saying that I don't always work hard enough to be steadfast in all of my beliefs.  I'm a bit too wishy washy.  I often feel that it's necessary to please people.  And, of course, here I am today, with the knowledge that there are people who are dealing with circumstances not unlike those of the 6 million+ Jews who lost their lives simply for their faith, but I do nothing.  It doesn't seem like prayer is always enough, either.  These people need our help, but because I'm over here, away from the issues, I haven't done a thing.

Dang it.

I also try to remember that I can't possibly do everything, or be everything, for everyone.  I often get overwhelmed by the problems of the world.  And I guess it's something that I at least have an awareness of global challenges...but now I bear the burden of knowledge.  If I didn't know and weren't doing anything, then I couldn't be held responsible.  But I do know, and the responsibility is all mine.

I have to be honest though: I haven't the slightest idea of where to begin.

Blerg.