http://crs-blog.org/iraqi-refugees-in-lebanon/ Introduce yourself to the world Tue, 15 May 2012 14:08:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://crs-blog.org/iraqi-refugees-in-lebanon/comment-page-1/#comment-5527 erika Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:29:53 +0000 http://crs-blog.org/emergency-response/iraqi-refugees-in-lebanon/#comment-5527 I hope that my message of support can reach some of the Iraqi families in hiding in Lebanon, in particular to the families helping to hide them. I have been living in a very similar situation for more than a year now. I go online every night searching for stories of others who have put everything on the line to protect those in danger. It is what helps keep me going and strengthens my determination to not give in to the stress and the unrelenting exhaustion. I have found reading the stories of The Righteous Among the Nations on the Yad Vashem web-site (yadvashem.org) has been incredibly helpful and inspiring. Also I would recommend reading "The Drum Major Instinct" by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was a sermon that he gave in Atlanta two months before he was killed. If you'd like to hear a portion of it in his own words, it is the opening introduction to the King Center web-site (thekingcenter.org) Something that I found very helpful tonight was listening to an interview with Joseph Campbell about his book The Power of Myth regarding the hero's journey (http://mythsdremssymbols.com/herojourney.html) Even if you do not consider yourself to be a hero - just doing what any compassionate person would do, it's worth listening to if you can. My heart goes out to you all and will be hoping the best for you. I have learned so much about survival this past year. I wish I could share what I have learned with you, but it would fill a book. What I have found to be the most critical survival skills are: limiting negative thoughts, having perspective, and gratitude for even the smallest things - none of which can be easily accomplished when severely sleep deprived. A mantra of "this too shall pass" is also extremely helpful. If you haven't already, I do not doubt that you will in time learn what "living in the moment" is really all about. You will very likely have moments of peace from time to time - learn to recognize them and savor them no matter how fleeting they may be. The book "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker about learning to trust your gut instincts is also very helpful. Actually, paying attention to your intuition is very critical. I use to be an open book and trusted most people. But in this situation where I am extremely vulnerable to the opinions and fear of others (neighbors, family, friends), I have learned to be very careful. Just because some people might claim they can be of assistance, be careful and follow your gut instinct. It is easy for feelings of desperation to cloud your judgement. It has been hard, but I have found it necessary to be able to project calm, balanced energy (as if all is well) to most everyone (despite feeling like I am slowly dying of weariness and fatigue). . People say they admire self-sacrifice for a worthy cause. But I have come to believe IF it is their close friend or family member, it will be criticized, stemming possibly from their own fear for you or for possibly feeling obliged to help. But please don't despair. I understand your plight and appreciate what you are doing to serve the loving energy of the universe. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Things can change for the better. Don't give up. NEVER GIVE UP!!! I hope that my message of support can reach some of the Iraqi families in hiding in Lebanon, in particular to the families helping to hide them.
I have been living in a very similar situation for more than a year now. I go online every night searching for stories of others who have put everything on the line to protect those in danger. It is what helps keep me going and strengthens my determination to not give in to the stress and the unrelenting exhaustion.
I have found reading the stories of The Righteous Among the Nations on the Yad Vashem web-site (yadvashem.org) has been incredibly helpful and inspiring. Also I would recommend reading “The Drum Major Instinct” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was a sermon that he gave in Atlanta two months before he was killed. If you’d like to hear a portion of it in his own words, it is the opening introduction to the King Center web-site (thekingcenter.org)
Something that I found very helpful tonight was listening to an interview with Joseph Campbell about his book The Power of Myth regarding the hero’s journey (http://mythsdremssymbols.com/herojourney.html) Even if you do not consider yourself to be a hero – just doing what any compassionate person would do, it’s worth listening to if you can.
My heart goes out to you all and will be hoping the best for you. I have learned so much about survival this past year. I wish I could share what I have learned with you, but it would fill a book. What I have found to be the most critical survival skills are: limiting negative thoughts, having perspective, and gratitude for even the smallest things – none of which can be easily accomplished when severely sleep deprived.
A mantra of “this too shall pass” is also extremely helpful. If you haven’t already, I do not doubt that you will in time learn what “living in the moment” is really all about. You will very likely have moments of peace from time to time – learn to recognize them and savor them no matter how fleeting they may be.
The book “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de Becker about learning to trust your gut instincts is also very helpful. Actually, paying attention to your intuition is very critical. I use to be an open book and trusted most people. But in this situation where I am extremely vulnerable to the opinions and fear of others (neighbors, family, friends), I have learned to be very careful. Just because some people might claim they can be of assistance, be careful and follow your gut instinct. It is easy for feelings of desperation to cloud your judgement.
It has been hard, but I have found it necessary to be able to project calm, balanced energy (as if all is well) to most everyone (despite feeling like I am slowly dying of weariness and fatigue). . People say they admire self-sacrifice for a worthy cause. But I have come to believe IF it is their close friend or family member, it will be criticized, stemming possibly from their own fear for you or for possibly feeling obliged to help.
But please don’t despair. I understand your plight and appreciate what you are doing to serve the loving energy of the universe. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Things can change for the better. Don’t give up. NEVER GIVE UP!!!

]]> http://crs-blog.org/iraqi-refugees-in-lebanon/comment-page-1/#comment-1553 johanna rivera Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:50:29 +0000 http://crs-blog.org/emergency-response/iraqi-refugees-in-lebanon/#comment-1553 My prayers and my heart are with all the refugees in Lebanon and in other parts of the middle east. God protect you and your family. This situation is so painful and make me reflect on how much suffering of innocent people is going on. We need to get together on massive prayer for all these people in need. I would like to offer any help or voluteering that is needed. I am not afraid, I just want to help my brothers and sisters in need. My prayers and my heart are with all the refugees in Lebanon and in other parts of the middle east. God protect you and your family. This situation is so painful and make me reflect on how much suffering of innocent people is going on. We need to get together on massive prayer for all these people in need. I would like to offer any help or voluteering that is needed. I am not afraid, I just want to help my brothers and sisters in need.

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