It is always easy to begin something that is important. There is a sense of optimism, of excitement, of hope. But as time passes, that initial feeling can become eclipsed by personal emotions and feelings.
I’ve fasted before. For health reasons, for spiritual reasons. But never in solidarity with a group. This is happening this time. I’ve signed by with FastDarfur.org My goal is to fast for 21 days on water only, flavored with some maple syrup and fresh lemons. I stay motivated by remembering the bigger cause, the bigger picture, the greater need.
When in Rwanda I will go for long days without food, and very little water if we’re working out in the countryside. It’s impossible to work and think within just a few hours of no food and drink. I do not know how people survive, and from the pictures, you begin to see we cannot tolerate this level of cruelty in the world.
I can sustain this fast through this small amount of nutrition – certainly less than the people of Darfur experience – and yet it’s only a few hundred calories (if that). But it’s more than they have. And the water I drink will be clean. And it’s as close as the sink. Not hours away by foot.
Fasting at this level is simple – comparatively speaking. And I can be further inspired and touched by the messages and information available to me. And so I fast to show I care. Here’s some wording from the website Fast Darfur:
(click on picture to watch video)
Darfur Fast for Life
We fast in solidarity with the people of Darfur because they do not have a choice. We fast as a personal expression of outrage at a world that has allowed the suffering of millions of innocent people.
We fast because as we simply watched, Darfur’s defenseless people were forced into wretched camps where today they are facing starvation and disease. We fast because those in positions of authority who know what is right and just, could and should do more to alleviate their suffering and bring peace, protection, and justice to the people of Sudan.
We fast for Darfur’s courageous people —because we yearn for a world where human rights are respected and a life of dignity is the legacy for every man, woman and child.
I will continue to educate myself and others about the issues. If we believe we can make a difference, if we do more than talk and become outraged, then we are beginning.
Countless others have gone before us. Millions have died. And I choose not to honor those who have died not only by my grief, but by my action.
Your thoughts and comments are always appreciated. Sign up for just a day or two at Fast Darfur. And thank you.