Pat Robertson has created quite a stir this week following his comments regarding Haitian history within hours of the horribly devastating earthquake this poor country has experienced.  I read his comments.  I read what people had to say about his comments.  And then I visited his website to read the reaction to the media stir he has created.  I am not a Haitian history scholar, and it appears that Pat Robertson is not either.  It is a good rule of thumb not to speak publicly about matters that you are really not qualified to discuss.  Robertson knows just enough Haitian history to be dangerous.  But there is a more important principle here that I think we can all benefit from in the wake of Robertson’s poorly timed and ill-informed commentary.

When our neighbors are in trouble, it is a good idea to practice the most basic principles of crisis intervention.
These ideals are true if our next door neighbor is in trouble, and they are helpful during a national crisis.
I call them The Four H’s.  They are as follows:

Hurry:  Rescue workers from all over the world are facing logistical nightmares in Haiti.  Getting aid into the country has proven to be a daunting task.   But…..they are trying their best.  I am so thankful for our American military personnel, police and fire rescue crews, The Red Cross, and humanitarian workers from all over the world.  They are hurrying.  They are deploying as fast as they know how.  In times of crisis, it is time to hurry.  Don’t delay.  Don’t stand around talking.  Hurry.

Hug:  The emotional devastation is hard to report on cable news. We cannot possibly grasp what our neighbors in Haiti are facing emotionally.  I am grateful for those who will continue to provide needed emotional support for a long time to come.

Hush:  Theological commentary is not helpful in the wake of a crisis.  It is distracting, inappropriate, and frequently not rooted in truth.  Why is it that people feel compelled to speak for God in times of crisis?  I find it troubling and hurtful to those in pain.  God calls us to serve those in trouble.  That is clear.  Why don’t we hush and serve? 

Pat Robertson spoke out of turn.  He is not a qualified historian.  And quite frankly, I wonder about his abilities as a theologian as well.  I am so glad I never put my foot in my mouth or speak about matters that I know little, if anything, about… Well…that is not true.   I continue to desire to be quick to listen and slow to speak. 

Let’s think about the Three H’s this week in regard to Haiti.    But wait a minute…there are: Four H’s.  Hurry, hug, hush, and Haiti…let us love those people who are suffering tremendously.