The plight of most of the world is almost impossible for Americans (or others in the "west") to grasp. I have been in conversation lately with a pastor from Vietnam's underground church. He seems to have a firm understanding of what is important and worth worrying about (he would put it: worth praying about) and what isn't. It's refreshing to talk with him and his understanding is like a cold shower on a hot lazy day -- it wakes me up to my surroundings.

On a similar note, C.S. Lewis wrote, "The more often he feels without acting, the less he will be able ever to act, and, in the long run, the less he will be able to feel." It seems crucial for us to maintain real relationships with the downtrodden if we are to retain our ability to feel... and act.