August 20, 2021: How we're feeling after a week of big news around the world
The news this week was heartbreaking.
It's rare to get a positive news cycle these days, but this week was especially heartbreaking. If you're left reeling, you're not alone. But here's how we're processing the news.
Sadness is the right reaction
News of the situations in Haiti and Afghanistan left us nearly in tears. We couldn't even bring ourselves to watch some of the footage from the Kabul airport as people went to extreme measures in an attempt to flee the country.
Back home, surging COVID cases and reports of full hospitals made the week even more challenging. And women's gift for empathy can make taking in news of the suffering in the world even harder.
But that's why we need women in leadership more than ever. JPII wrote about women's unique ability to see "the other" beyond any ideological or political systems, and Edith Stein explained that this capacity is rooted in empathy. Seeing such pain in the world can even make us question our faith or feel angry with God to see the world suffering like this. However you feel about the situation, it's okay to offer that up in a quick prayer.
Pray Together
Pope Francis prayed on Sunday from the Vatican and took to Twitter this week to invite us to pray together for the people of Haiti and Afghanistan.
"#LetUsPray for Afghanistan, so that the clamour of weapons might cease and solutions can be found at the table of dialogue. Only thus can the battered population of that country return to their own homes and live in peace."
"#LetUsPray also for Haiti. I want to express my closeness to the dear people hard hit by the earthquake. May the solidarity of all alleviate the consequences of the tragedy!"
Support
We might feel helpless to solve the worlds' problems, but there are people who are on the ground making a difference. Catholic Relief Services is providing relief to the people most in need in Haiti, and need your support. Never believe the lie that your efforts — whether prayer, action, or advocacy — don't make a difference. Women are in a unique position to bring healing to the world.
Here are a few other top picks for the week...
READ: How Advocating for Women Promotes Peace in the World
Women are needed at all levels of conflict management, because our gifts uniquely equip us to find solutions to establish peace. But if women are such effective peacemakers, why are they not placed in positions of greater influence?
WATCH: Moving Through the Dark Emotions: Anger, Fear, and Hopelessness
This talk by Jeannie Ewing from the Rest & Resilience Summit explores the painful feelings we tend to numb, deny, or repress — and how each of these emotions can mentor us through hardships and loss.
FOLLOW: Follow: Brya Hanan, LMFT
Brya Hanan is a Catholic Therapist whose Instagram content is full of great tips for integrating faith & mental health, encouraging vulnerability, and offering hope and compassion. She offers great support during hard weeks like this.