Don't forget to trust - we are better for it

I heard a story yesterday that really bothered me and really need to share with you in hopes that we will all remember to keep trust in our lives.I'm sure that in some way or another the Bastrop fire disaster has touched your life.  You've likely been asked to donate money or have heard of a drive to collect clothes and needed items. I believe this is the amazing power of community and outreach.  I believe people are reaching out and digging in to help the thousands who have lost absolutely everything.I was touched by a similar request from a neighbor whose daughter works with a woman from Bastrop. My neighbor is collecting what she can and will pass off to her daughter and the coworker. And this is a beautiful act of compassion and service. And I'm personally grateful - for the opportunity to help so personally, for the ease of doing so and for her time and efforts.But what struck me as sad was the story underlying the request. The woman from Bastrop had shared with our neighbor that the number of people who need help is far greater and, that while there is government help available, it is not being offered without proof of the damage. And that the need is so great that the number of 'verified' homes is not complete and so the numbers we hear of homes lost is under-reported. People can not receive help until it is verified that their home was lost or burned. From a logical, logistical standpoint this makes sense. But the human, hurting side of me balks as this. I want people to get help now and then sort it out as things settle down.(Pleases know that the Bastrop community has developed their own means of making sure that their own are cared for through informal channels  and churches. Neighbors are looking out for neighbors. And I'm heartened by humanity.)Another part of this story involved the reluctance by some to give because they are not sure that it is getting to people who need or deserve it.  For some reason there's a belief that people who were not affected by the fire will take the donations intended for the fire victims. And this breaks my heart.Really?  We can't extend a hand, a gift, a donation for fear that it will be taken by others who pretend to be fire victims?People, that's called mistrust. And is that really the highest expression of yourself that you can offer?I know the media fills the news with stories of abuse and greed and dishonesty. And that does exist in the world. And very likely is present in Bastrop. But the number of people who are honorable, who do act with integrity, who do need help is far greater.And if you do give a sack of clothes, or toiletries or any other household items, and someone stands in line and pretends to be a victim of the fire - you know what? they very likely need what they are asking for.What I'm asking is for everyone to notice how readily we allow mistrust to creep in - in all aspects of our lives. And for some reason, mistrust comes along just right at the time when your best and highest self is considering helping others.  I'm asking that we not allow mistrust to over-ride our belief in goodness and the daily examples of selfless service we see in the world.So make a donation to help your neighbor. And trust in the goodness of people. We'll all be better off for it.