Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat Mother Teresa
After I wrote my Thankful Tuesday post yesterday, it dawned on me how much it was focused on me, just how easy I have it and at times just how selfish I can be. While I have certainly had some significant challenges this year, it is easy to keep going when you know the reality is you will find a job, you have a parent and friends who would always take you in and you have the skills to get support if you ever needed it. I happened across this ad last night that I would ask everyone who reads this to watch. Solving complex multifaceted problems is not easy, there are no magic wand, no pixie dust, no secret words you can say to make the problem go away, what we all can do though is begin to care. I’ve found the more educated I have become about the reality vulnerable people face, the more I care, the more I want to find small daily ways to help, the more I want to spend less so I can give more. Right now there are thousands of children living on the streets, thousands of children in horrific situations that are unimaginable to most of us and I would urge everyone reading this to think about ways you can help and start, however small it may feel, just start. Okay, I’m off to phone a few places and volunteer some time! I mean if the future King can spend a night sleeping out as a homeless person in minus 4 weather, there’s something I can do to! While we are all busy in the lead up to Christmas, it can be as simple as a phone call to a charity to make a donation, giving money and/or food to someone who is homeless or committing to volunteering some time. Small steps do really add up!
“I hate to see complacency prevail in our lives when it’s so directly contrary to the teaching of Christ” Jimmy Carter
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one” Mother Teresa
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9
haha i was going to write a post similar to this and posting the salvation army campaign video!! great minds
thankyou for the challenge…i am convicted of my need to do more. i hope 2010 will be the year of putting my money where my mouth is and giving up time and energy to help, rather than just thinking “i should do more…”
i love that carter quote…
FT, It is so easy to get wrapped up in ourselves and our families & friends this time of year. While it is important to recognize how blessed we are to be alive, healthy, with loved ones, have jobs, food in our bellies etc – it’s so important to think of those less fortunate.
Thank you for the reminded.
what a lovely reminder. you definitely have a way with words! i look forward to continue reading your journey.
What a great reminder! Thanks for the link about Prince William, I wish more people in public/power positions would take time to raise awareness.
Thank you once again for writing an inspiring post. I have been very selfish this semester, very absorbed with my own little problems. You are always so grateful and much more optimistic than I am! Your posts remind me that so many people have it a lot worse and that I have to work on being less self-centered. Something to focus on in 2010, perhaps…
Anyway… I hope you and your mother enjoy a lovely Christmas together!
I just wanted to say thank you for your blog. I have really enjoyed reading it.
Hope you have a lovely Christmas.
I too would like to do more, but not sure how.
Perhaps those of us who read your blog and think the same way could join together and do something to help in 2010?
Best wishes and thanks once again
greenmoss
Please do not rely on the words of Mother teresa who has been discredited. Ask google for “Mother Teresa’s millions’” This is why her beatification has not gone any further of course.
It is easy to help; there are food banks and soup kitchens and church support groups all over the US and in the UK also. As long as you are williing to lend a hand as and how you are needed. They desperately need help of all kinds and they are well organised. Sometimes it takes humility to take orders… But it is more effective to help an existingand experienced group than to try to set up on your own. They know where and how the real need is, and how to make a little money go a long way. Listen to them. Blessings from Ireland