chosen blindness

Isn't it funny how we only remember certain things when it is convenient for us? I mean even when something is all around us, it is only when we decided to look that it hits us square in the face. Years ago, I remember there being a mention of a war in Africa. I was young and thought because it was not within my circle of knowledge that I was safe from it and I need not take any notice of it. Now, many years later, the body count of Darfur is catastrophic. Starvation is inevitable. Thousands of children are orphaned. Women are being raped. Innocent children are being murdered. And we just sit. We sit and talk. We talk about how much of a difference we can make and state things like "its so simple if everyone just took action" but we all know it is far from simple. The human nature is to ignore the dark cloud above us. It is only when lightening strikes that action is made. I am of no help. I chose to ignore this problem for years and it is only now when I watch something on youtube that I decided I want to research this problem. I want to know how I can make a difference. How do I learn to make proactive decisions? There is a world out there that I want no part of, but I am drawn to it. I want to help.
I can't help but feel ashamed. I am sitting here in a home with a family, food, education, employment, and a future. Halfway across the world, a girl just like me has been robbed of all of these things and she is wondering if she will make it through the next day, week or month on her own.
I cannot even fathom the intensity of her situation.
God help her.

I can't help it
I can hardly breathe
and I love it.