A faith-filled community is a hope-filled community.

The Bible tells us over and over that people of faith are blessed by the promise that God brings blessings out of tragedy. Indeed, we are asked to allow our hearts to be broken so we can render help to those in need.

In the world today that would certainly mean rendering help however we can to the people of Haiti after the devastating tragedy in their capital city, where so many died. The loss for families and communities is astounding.

However, blessings will not only come to the Haitian nation, but to Americans and people around the world if we will allow ourselves to take full comprehension of this mind-numbing tragedy as it continues to unfold.

We, who allow our hearts to be broken over and over as we view the images and hear the stories, can experience a healing in our own hearts simply by watching the Haitian people themselves! So many who have lost homes and family members and suffered terribly can be seen singing and dancing for joy for what they do have – their love for each other and their faith. Such displays of joy, faith and hope of restoration by a people under such conditions… did we expect to see that?

People are still being pulled out of rubble two weeks after the earthquake. What has sustained them? Surely much of it can be attributed to strength of spirit and faith.

My good friend Therese Casler, of Hendersonville, has a great deal of experience working with, and loving, the Haitian people, and describes them this way. “Haiti is a land of contradictions. Haitians are beautiful people in ugly living conditions; poor in possessions but rich in spirit; suffering, but singing; struggling for survival, yet ever hopeful. The Haitian people are kind and gracious and grateful. Man, woman or child will carry your bags and hold your hand when you walk with them. They are spiritual and will walk for miles and dress in their best for church on Sunday to give thanks to God. They loudly sing every verse to every song. They are proud people.”

Casler continues, “If you were to tell a young man, his rotten tooth had to be extracted, he would insist you fill the hole instead (he wants to smile for the young ladies). When working in a medical mission clinic in Haiti, you know you cannot possibly heal all that is physically wrong with the patients, but you can help heal their souls. By offering compassion and mercy, you give them hope. When a boy pats his tummy and says “grangou” (hungry), it’s difficult to turn away. If you gave him a nickel, he would smile, thank you and think he won the lottery.”

Yes, we Americans are a strong people, but we have a lot to learn from the people of Haiti. People of faith know they are blessed by God’s promise that blessings and restoration will come out of tragedy.

We praise God not because life is easy, but because He is faithful.

Restoration comes in many forms. What a blessing for the world to view such displays of an amazing spirit and the hope of a long suffering people.

Please remember to open your hearts and give, so you may receive.