(I don't normally cross-post entries, especially since I'm primarily using Blogger, but I felt this was important enough to me to spread the word wherever I can!)

I think I have found my pet (excuse the pun, you'll see why in a moment) cause.

It comes as no surprise to most of you that I love animals. More so than people, I daresay ;-P While I rail against human suffering, animal suffering is especially heartbreaking. And so it again comes as no surprise that when I want to find a cause to donate to or volunteer my time with, it will be animal-related. Problem is, which one? There are so many! I can't stretch myself too thin, but how do I pick which one(s) I want to get involved in? I've looked. But the majority of the organizations out there seem to be devoted to a particular subset of animals. House pets. Farm animals. Endangered wildlife. They're all important to me.

A second issue that stymied me was that of humanitarianism. In the Christian sphere especially, there is great emphasis on compassion, love and ministering to the needs of your fellow man. And while I do believe in that, I was left wondering: where do animals fit in? If I spent a lot of time and resources toward animal welfare projects, would I feel guilty about not spending that time and energy towards human welfare? Just as there was a wide range of animal causes to choose from, there is an even wider range of humanitarian causes, all equally worthy, in my eyes.

Then I came across this website, thanks to a colleague having become a fan of it on Facebook: Not One Sparrow

As I read more about the motivation behind it, the causes behind which its founder rallies, and most importantly, a spiritual perspective on concern for animals, I was deeply moved. Not One Sparrow answered every question I had and spoke to my main concerns (as explained above). Most importantly, it really resonated with me. Never have I felt so uplifted by a cause. Never have I felt more than piqued curiosity or sympathetic interest in a cause, no matter how noble. At the same time, I didn't feel the sense of inadequacy that must daunt us all when undertaking an active role in a cause we believe in: "Can I really make a difference?"

I firmly believe that the earth and its wonderful array of creatures are God's gift to us (just think of your favorite animal, marvel at its unique characteristics and beauty, and tell me it's not an amazing, well-thought-out creation), and that it is our responsibility to take care of them and use them wisely and respectfully. Sadly, the rampant abuse of both our natural resources and animals makes it clear that man has been more than negligent in this responsibility. And this is something I sincerely wish to rectify.

Of course, I have only just stumbled upon this site. What I hope to be able to contribute concretely remains to be seen. I look forward to it, whatever it may be.

Allan summed it up nicely when he referred to me as so: "Helly's not a tree-hugger. She's a turtle-hugger!" Indeed. God loves even the tiniest of sparrows. Why shouldn't we, also?