The Better Chancery Practice Blog

Joe Kieronski and Leonard Cobb, both of whom are Meridian lawyers, are in Haiti this week with a work group from First Baptist Church. Their job is to do what they can while they are there to make life even a wee bit better for the people of that island who have been shattered by earthquake, hurricanes, cholera, corrupt government, and crushing poverty.

I’m proud that members of the bar are in the number of those who would make this sacrifice. They are taking time away from busy and lucrative law practices to subject themselves to primitive living conditions (they are living in tents), as well as the risk of malaria and cholera, amidst unreliable police protection and almost non-existent government. That they would do so is in the most noble spirit of our profession.

The cynics among us might snicker at this paltry effort, and it can not be argued seriously that the work of this little band is more than a mere pittance that will do precious little to overcome the monumental problems of this dysfunctional island. But these volunteers are doing something, and for that they deserve our praise. As Edward Everett Hale said …

I am only one; but still I am one.

I cannot do everything; but still I can do something;

and because I cannot do everything,

I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

“Well done, good and faithful servants.” Matthew 25:23