I Am Humanitarian
By: Hasanthi Jayamaha
I am Humanitarian…
My job is not restricted to time.
Anytime my service is required, I’m ready and I’m there.
I am prepared and prepositioned.
Money cannot mobilise me. Poverty and disaster can.
I am able to put other’s needs before my own.
I calm fears and give hope even when it’s tough.
I let my heart break with the things that break God’s heart.
And I respond with action.
I see need; I don’t see nationality, race, religion or ethnicity.
I walk with the poor and those affected by disasters.
When they are too tired I carry them.
I take time to laugh with children and learn their names.
I let my feet take me places that others would call dangerous.
I hang my hat in places people would not call home.
I don’t need to win an election to serve a community.
My hopes have no boundaries.
I want to see children safe and out of harm.
I want to see communities rebuild their lives and dream bigger.
I strive till dignity returns to the marginalized; power to the vulnerable and safety to those in danger.
I cry with them in their sadness and dance with them in their victory .
I raise my voice on behalf of those who can’t and teach them to raise theirs in time to come.
I make a noise for the rights of people I have never seen and never met.
I improve my knowledge and skills not to go higher in life but to lift people up out of their situations.
The powerful cannot silence me.
Weather can’t beat me down; nor can sickness stop me.
I can’t feel tired enough to make me quit; or discouraged enough to not start all over again.
I will run the extra mile and another and another.
My rest is not in a holiday home but where I see change taking place.
My experience helps those around me to respond to needs in another part of the world.
My wealth is in the lives I touch.
And my reward is their smile.
I am humanitarian.