Blog Action Day 2008 - POVERTY (Do you have the COURAGE to look at this photograph?)

Every time I see that photograph my heart hurts.  I cannot imagine walking away.  I cannot imagine looking away.  I cannot imagine not doing whatever I can to help.  Thank you Elizabeth.

Too bad that photographer just made life more miserable for himself when he committed suicide.

Elizabeth, I have seen that picture many times and it never ceases to break my heart. It's just an incredible picture of the reality of poverty and starvation. We MUST help in any way we can.

Elizabeth~Prior to reading this post I was in tears over what seemed like a really big problem I was facing.  I came to your blog to be uplifted and read every word on every post that I could to help me remember that this thing that seemed so enormous in my life really wasn't.  I know that God has given you such an incredible gift to remind and bless each of us to listen to your voice that so angelically speaks to us through His heart.  This story is so sad that the knot that fills my throat can't seem to go away.  I look at this precious child and can only think that IF only I could pick him/her up and hold him I would right now, but for now I will listen to your words and find another way to help.  Thank you so much my friend. I love you and am so honored to have walked side by side with you in this life.

Thanks Elizabeth, I have never seen that photo or heard about Activist Rain.  You are the new Mother Theresa, GBU

Horrible,  I checked out the original story because I have never heard of this.  I would have never have thought that someone taking a picture would not have supplies, crew, some kind of assistant to help in a situation like this. 

But I read further and because of disease it is common for a photographer to leave a scene such as this.  I do give $150.00 a month to an African church fund but feel it is not enough after reading this.  Thank you for the awareness wake up call.

Elizabeth, the photo should make all the whiney people stop dead in their tracks.

Wow Beth that photo makes a very powerful statement.  I am glad your posts are really getting notice for your group.  Let me know if I can help.  GBU!

This literally made me feel sick. So powerful.

Elizabeth- I missed this yesterday...there is a group blog action day 2008 where we put our Posts.  Anyway, I saw this photo on someone else's blog...it is indeed powerful, and heartbreaking at the same time.  I know how a Photographer would want to get the perfect photo, but then to not do anything to help just tears me up.  We all can do something to help.

I remember the photo, but not the part about the photographer killing himself. I can't imagine the torment he felt at not having helped that poor child. We've always believed that those who have the power to help have a responsibility to help. GBU for posting this...

I just read where there was another photographer with him and his story of the photo paints an entirely different picture of the scene... i.e. parents were close by taking food from UN workers, thus his decision not to help. Haunting photo, still.

What you have decribed is the truest definition of torment.  It's horrible.  Thankfully, there's God's forgiveness.

I read the day you posted it and many times since. I didn't comment because I was speachless. I still am. Thank you for the wake up call.

Great post and Mother Teresa was indeed not only a very selfless person but a very wise one.  No matter how bad anyone with a computer and internet service might think they have it, we can all afford to help at least 1 other person.

Tha picture is unbelievable and my heart goes out . . . I cannot imagine seeing it. My first thought would be to rescue the child. It is sad, and should not be happening.

Elizabeth, I sent the Snopes.com version of this to about 7 close frineds and family and not one of them wrote me back.  In fact one of my friends asked me to never send her anything like this again because it upset her too much.  I couldn't believe it!  I was startled and I told her I was just trying to make people aware of world hunger.  She still said never to send her anything like this again.  (sorry but wtf)?

Oh my word...:-( How can anyone ever forget that image after having seen it? The double tragedy of it all...

"IF you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just ONE."

~~~Mother Teresa~~~

That was one of my Mom's favorite sayings and she taught us from a young age to help feed others - till this day I have a bag of canned and other staples in our trunk and if I see a homeless person we stop and give it to them.

I remember this photo form the post you did last year Elizabeth and world hunger should bea topic  on the news each nite! GBU

Sincerely,

Grace 

Elizabeth,

It is each of our responsibilities to help others in need!

Elizabeth, I am totally speechless.  I've seen hunger first hand but never anything as gut wrenching as this photo.  HOW could any human being walk away from that child?  You and your readers may be interested in www.thehungersite.com.  A daily click provides food to someone in need.  If we all  "click" imagine the difference we can make.  You can sign up for emails that remind you its time to click to help the hungry.