Do people really care?

Question

I have been told to give up on trying to help people and using my time to volunteer. I was told that nobody cares anymore. Does anyone really care about this world anymore? Does anyone have compassion anymore? Does anyone want to make a difference? Is it a weakness to feel this way?

Answer 1

Let me share a sermon illustration with you that can be applied to any volunteer work and not just evangelism.

There was a man who went down to the beach after there had been a tidal wave and he saw another man already on the beach walking and picking something up and throwing it in the water. When he got closer he saw that there were tens of thousands of small silver fish that had been washed up on the beach and who were slowly dying.

He came up to the man just as he threw another fish back in the ocean and asked him why he was doing what he was doing since there were so many fish on the sand it was obvious he couldn't get to even one one hundredth of them before they died. He said to him "You're wasting your time. What difference is it going to make if you throw a few of these fish back in the water?"

The man answered him as he threw another one back in and said "to that fish there, it makes all of the difference in the world".

So it is with volunteer work. You can only help a few people but the help you give can make all of the difference in the world to those few people.

Answer 2

Yes, some people care, believe me. And no, you are not weak for feeling that way At this point ( retired due to health) I volunteer my time at one of our libraries and at a food bank. In my opinion too many people -including ministers and those involved in professional counseling, are seeking ego fulfillment, money, prestige, social status, or all of the above. I believe that "love isn't love 'till its given away". There is always room in the world for another caring idealist. Sure, people will take advantage of any situation-look at what happened with some after Katrina. But that does not deflect from the good one is doing in helping others, because there are many in need out there.

Answer 3

It's not weakness, it's by far great strength to want to help people. I don't know who told you to quite volunteering, but they are wrong!! Anything that you can do is wonderful. I think that people should spend more time trying to help other.

If you look at it in some respects, Answers is really just one big volunteering family, everyone is helping eachother and being helped. We all have things that we know, and we all have things that we need/want to know. This is a great place for millions of people to volunteer passing their knowledge and gain knowledge. And I'll bet anyone on here (minus the idiots) would tell you that your time is much appreciated and that you shouldn't give up.

Answer 4

People still care and they are not all in one religion or political party.
You have to decide on who you want to be. Do you want to be a person who cares or some mercenary materialistic pig.
If nobody else in the world cares, you can still care.
You know what is right.
The world has been changed by people who were told it can't be done.
You can make the world a better place by caring to do it.
Peace be with you.

Answer 5

Of course people still care! Dont give credence to negative people--mostly they have just given up in despair at the humongous amount of work it takes to change the world. But you dont need to change the whole world. Any positive change no matter how small is worth the effort. Keep the faith. Caring and helping is probably the most significant thing anyone can do in their lifetime.

Answer 6

I've become very cynical about all this. I used to fundraise for charity, and the sad fact is that most people just ignore the problems of the world. It's not that they don't care, they just build a little bubble around themselves and avoid anything they find uncomfortable. People want an easy life.

There are people who actively care and actively want to do something to change things. You'll find them.

Answer 7

You should be proud to be willing to volunteer and help people. These days, people are either too selfish, or too busy to even acknowledge the issues around them. It's good to know that there are still some out there who are trying to make a difference.

Answer 8

If it werent for ppl like you, a lot of ppl in need would nt have the resources they do due to unselfish giving individuals. Ppl like you give those feeling in despair hope and something they can look forward to. sometimes its difficult to give to those in need. Not knowing who is really in "need" makes it difficult. You see so many exploiting those with a caring heart.How many ppl actually are homeless and can come up with a sharpie to make a cardboard sign reading, homeless, hungry need help, or will work for food. Very sad that people can have no shame in taking advantage of compassionate individuals.

Answer 9

Who cares what other people say ( Pun Intended ) All that matters is that you feel good about what you do.
I think its great that you help others in your spare time. Time in this day and age is a rare commodity. And for you to go out and help people that are down on their luck is just fantastic.
Don't sweat the nay sayers and follow your heart.

Answer 10

I have done a lot of volunteer work in my life and I feel that if you feel good about helping someone then thats what really matters. Your reward will be in heaven. So sometimes you might not think that its worth it but it will be worth it in the long run.