Violence levied against innocents worldwide has raised achingly difficult questions on how to respond. The sense of hopelessness and despair is dark and deep for many. The specter of change for the better is distant and uncertain. “How can I help?” remains a difficult, often unanswered question. For those residing in a relatively ordered society, the chaos can feel remote and distant, leaving a sense of guilt in its wake.

Conversations with good people have been helpful the past month or so. A common denominator of those dialogs was an overwhelming sense of needing to contribute in a positive way to the betterment of individuals, known and unknown, something beyond prayer and meditation. Greater awareness of the needs and circumstances of people was another path often raised. There were numerous expressions of a strong desire to engage in something, anything, that represents the ideal of loving God and loving neighbor. It sounds like that Jesus guy was truly on to something.

If you desire to support humanitarian aid, get to know the relief organizations you are dealing with. Most legitimate organizations will share the percentage of overhead incurred so that donors know more clearly how their dollars are being spent. Major protestant and Catholic agencies have well established procedures in place and the personnel to administer relief resources. Some specialize in particular forms of material aid like food, water, medicine, and clothing. Others have expertise in long term rebuilding projects, child care, and mental health services. The urgency of meeting immediate needs attached to human and natural disasters might last a few short weeks, while others can be measured over months or even years.

On a personal scale, it can be helpful to immerse oneself in volunteering in various ways in support of localized projects on the theory that goodness and grace are not restrained in this world. The smallest of responses often have an impact far beyond the boundaries we imagine. It has been said that the definition of privilege is when we are in charge of our own miseries. We decide how best to help and allow our actions to set the stage for others. We may never comprehend the effect our way of living might have on that of others, but what we do know might contribute to less cultural strife for future generations.

An example is that of Sew Blessed, a small but committed group of volunteers intent on making a difference in the world by recycling cloth and worn clothing into usable items including dresses, shorts, baby caps, comfort quilts of various kinds, neck pillows, pillow cases, and dignity bibs for assisted living residents. Approximately 3,000 dresses have been sewn and distributed in places as far flung as Philippines, Uganda and Kenya in less than two short years. They do not directly impact the middle east and Russian conflicts, but they do provide a snapshot of another way of living that matters deeply, a model of caring for one another that is long remembered by those touched by kindness instead of warfare.

Do not falter in doing good no matter the circumstances. Be on constant lookout for grace awaiting a home. Act like the children of God so many claim to be. From an eighteenth-century tune as the backdrop for a child blessing; “Child of joy and dearest treasure, learn to know whose child you are … Refresh our spirits, [word and deed, and] into joy and laughter lead.” (C.F. Witt, Psalmodia Sacra, 1715, adapted). During these days of strife, be extravagant in blessing others.