Thanks, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. There is something with the world today, and you can visit the problem areas using the beautiful photos featured on boston.com‘s The Big Picture blog. From the landslides in Pakistan and China, to the forest fires in Russia, to the Gulf oil spill (or the one in Dalian, China), The Big Picture allows the pain and suffering of these people to hit home here in our safe America.

If you lead a congregation that is too inwardly focused, show these photos and preach on the parable of the Good Samaritan. Or if you don’t feel like losing your job, you could at least show the pictures and lead the congregation in a time of prayer.

Zhouqu, in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, China

Hunza River Valley, Pakistan

Oil Spill in Dalian, China

Wildfires in Russia

“Now, The Burner,” you might say, “This is depressing! I don’t want to see or read about this. And I surely can’t show these pictures in church. The children’s choir is singing. And I have a new ox to try out. And I need to go home to bury my father before I let any of this affect me or my congregation…”

HT: Thanks, Jason Clark!