Been an interesting 48 hours or so in the big State of Ohio. In case you somehow missed it, a man in Zanesville released his exotic pets from their cages and committed suicide. Such a tragic story on so many levels. Local authorities approached the situation on Monday night with a “shoot to kill” mentality. Not equipped for big game hunting, they did what they had to do to protect human life. The debates on facebook and all over the web are pretty heated. Discussions I read argued for the animals, argued for using tranquilizer rifles and others argued for protection of human life. As I read them, this quote came to mind…

“I have three things I’d like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don’t give a shit. What’s worse is that you’re more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night.” -Tony Campolo

I guess I bring that up because I am intrigued by what we become passionate about. I am saddened by the situation in Zanesville, but the reality is there is nothing I can or could have done about it. However there are people right here in Columbus that will go without food or shelter tonight and there IS something I can do about that. Places like the Mid-Ohio Foodbank can feed and house the homeless for what you or I will spend on a cup of coffee today. Globally, there are so many organizations that are doing so much good in this world. I wonder what would happen if we re-direct our passion to these causes. Imagine the impact.

I made the statement yesterday that “facebook has become the new soapbox”. It’s so easy to throw a comment on the wall and rally others for or against your point. Debate is healthy, but imagine if we rallied for things that matter. Imagine if we gave so that 30,000 children won’t die of starvation or treatable diseases. You’d be amazed how little this actually costs.

I’m not just talking or hiding behind a keyboard. I recently began putting together a “Black Friday” page which I will post here on this blog in the coming weeks you can now find HERE. Rather than going out and fighting the crowds for the holiday rush, why not do all of your shopping with organizations that donate the majority of their profits to causes around the world? Organizations like Hello Somebody, Toms Shoes and Soles 4 Souls. This could be the start of something that will change your life and the lives of all that you touched. Then you can answer Tony Campolo by saying that you do give a sh–.

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