Today was a rather large day. Not only did I have my first exam of my last semseter at university - the beginning of the end so to speak - but tickets for Live 8 Live went on sale today by text or post.

I'm not normally one for massive hype without substance. So, at first i was dubious. I wear the wristband, and I support the ethos behind the movement to Make Poverty History, but sometimes it has seemed like putting a Band-Aid on an open wound. Cancelling the massive debt of many third-world countries (which has often been pretty horribly inflicted on them by western colonialism, consumerism, and capitalism) has deeper and more massive ramifications than are apparent at first glance. Economically, the impact isn't really clear, but it could cause a world-wide downtrun or something like that (dont ask me I'm not an economist). Once that debt is cancelled, what is there to stop the corruption evident in many of those countries from re-digging the freshly filled hole?

But, beyond the cynicism, there is a great level of truth in this whole movement. What is it that we as Christians are supposed to exhibit? That's it - the love of a God who pours out grace and forgiveness regardless of whether we deserve it (or not) and whether we will turn our backs on his kindness (all over again). So, how can we sit by, worried about a downturn in the world economy that will affect our lives in a small manner (well small in the scope of things), while millions die all over the world. How can we sit by while we can do something?

What can one small person do? Surely this is the role of politicians and governments to decide. Sure it is, but it's our obligation to make our voices heard. If we as part of these great rich countries don't make our democratic voices heard now, then how can we hold our governments to account for their actions? If we don't do it now, then maybe we'll be held to account one day. Know what I'm saying?