Blog Action Day: POVERTY.
I was finishing up the last day of the ACL 2008 Chronicles but discovered it was Blog Action Day which is definitely more important than my Austin shenanigans (although it will come later!) This year’s topic is POVERTY which is something I have a soft spot for but often feel like I am not doing enough.
Whenever I think of the poor, I think of Matthew 26:11 which says, “For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.” This always reminds me that I can give and give and give, but money is not the point. The world will never experience equal socio-economic status. There will always be an empty stomach, a family with a single income, and orphaned children.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t try. In the name of Jesus, we have to. How can I truly say I love and follow Jesus Christ, if my actions don’t show it? Matt Chandler brought up two good questions we, as believers, should ask daily - Where is my money going? And do I treat people as if they have souls?
BURN.
Want to know who you worship? Check your bank account. I’ll be the first to admit, I serve my stomach first. And that’s a sad thing. Now, I don’t need to starve myself necessarily but I can definitely make better choices that will not only leave me well-fed but can feed others as well.
Do I really need Blockbuster Online?
Do I really need Starbucks?
Do I really need to add a large fry and Coke?
Do I really need name brands?
Do I really need a newer cell phone?
Do I really need to watch the newest movie with popcorn and candy?
Do I really need a pedicure?
Do I really need the newest iPod?
Do I really need the new and improved Macbook Pro?
The key words there are “really need” and the answer, of course, is no. Not really. I’d love to say I’ve nixed all of those luxury items but I haven’t. But I’ve started. My heart is changing. And my money is not my own.
Flowerdust.net quoted Francis Chan who said
lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling guilty. they want to do the bare minimum to be “good enough” without it requiring much of them…they ask, “how much do i have to give?” instead of “how much can i give?”
I’m tired of being lukewarm. I want to love Jesus passionately and love others passionately. How about you?
Here’s a few of my favorite organizations I support (or would love to support soon):
- Compassion - What is $32 to you? For a child, it means an education, meals, and a program with people that love her. I sponsor one child and I know a family that sponsors five. You do what you can.
- TOMS Shoes - Need shoes? Buy a pair and a pair is sent to a child in need of a pair. Win-win!
- Feed a Child with Just One Click Facebook group - You know you have free time spent browsing the web so why not put it to good use? This group has many sites you can check out and feed others by simply visiting their sites. My favorite one is FreeRice since it also tests my vocabulary skills!
By Angela, October 16, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
Thanks for the comment Nina! I’m not sure exactly where we’ll be in Austin; my friend’s parents live in Cedar Park (?)
I’ll mention Magnolia’s Cafe and see if she’s interested. I hope you’re doing well, my friend!
By chuck, October 19, 2008 @ 1:48 pm
thats a tough list.
starbucks: yes, we really need it!
no on everything else…at least until next year when snow leopard is out and the mac books have had time to get in a few updates….