I think of my 3 kids. How cute all the rolls are on them. This baby has no fat, how I wish he did. See I had a hard time reading Jenny's post. Part of me wanted to cry out for these kids who are living day to day asking where their food will come from. I'll be honest, the other part of me wanted to look away and not read any farther. To say that's so sad and move on. I didn't want my true emotions to be involved, wanted to be distant. That isn't here, it's not my problem.
Really? It's not my problem? How can I think that! I hate even being honest with you, people I don't know, sharing about some of my dark thoughts. Fear of how you will judge me! Wow, how low am I! Why do I CARE about being judged when there are people NOT EATING! This is serious! What kind of bubble am I living in?
I know world hunger exists with my head, I hear about it all the time. But time and time again, I have not allowed the power of it to affect me. I think it has to do with me being ashamed that I'm not doing anything about it. Or feeling inadequate that I CAN'T do anything about it. So I continue to sit in self pity of how horrible of a person I am for not doing anything and thinking the way I think. Never truly letting it hit my heart.
But I CAN do something about it! First off I just need to acknowledge that I messed up and ask God for forgiveness. Now I can invest in hurting people and help them. Whether that is send money or resources, or even lending a hand. I can do it even here in Alaska.
First off, I just want to say that I'm not on here to argue anything about God, religion, whatever. I'm here to talk about hurting people, period. I don't want to argue what religion or non religion you are, there are people, there are KIDS that need our help. Everyone can agree on that statement right?
So what are we going to do about it? What are you going to do about it? What am I going to do about it? Here are just a couple of places you can help out with. Jenny, from where my post came from, has another post about her visit to Korah. She visits a couple who have opened up Embracing Hope Ethiopia. You can help their ministry helping the poor. World Vision is really credible, I used to sponsor 2 kids when I was in college.
I also have a friend, Lianne, who is a missionary in Nicaragua at Children of Destiny. Visit their page and you can see how you can sponsor a child or just help them run their facility.
We have hungry kids right here in Alaska. Just ask teachers who see this everyday at school, sitting next to your well fed child. I only thought it existed over seas, sadly it's here as well. The Children's Lunchbox helps feed local kids. Grandpa from Kids' Kitchen has been feeding kids since 1996. Dare to Care is another non profit that helps give school children food.
As a mother, I want to teach my kids to care about others. The only way they can learn is seeing it with their own eyes, right? What can we do to give back? To give to those less fortunate. I know at times I struggle looking around my house at some of the crap that I WANTED, not NEEDED. How it's not being used, the money that was wasted. I'm such a consumer. Not all of it is bad. When I buy, especially local, I'm helping pay someone. But what am I doing other then buying for me and my family?
I want to give back, no I NEED to give back. Not only would I be blessing others but what blessings that would be for my heart. That is what fulfills me, love.
If you only get one thing out of this post, I hope it's this; we live in a fallen, hurting world and you can help. Start local, in your backyard and make a difference. Do it with your friends and family and it will catch! I always think of the Starfish story when I don't think I can make a difference in this HUGE world. I'll leave you with it.
"One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?" The youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back, they'll die." "Son," the man said, "don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't make a difference!" After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then smiling at the man, he said "I made a difference for that one."
How are you going to make a difference?
Great post Jamie! You should read "The Hole in the Gospel", it's a great book on the subject.
ReplyDeleteLianne