The Face of Poverty

I had a friend who posted a blog recently entitled: Serving the Poor is Not Our Mission. I respect this friend and believe that he has a lot of godly wisdom but, on this account, I had to strongly disagree. I began thinking of ways to respond but quickly realized, because this is an issue so close to my heart, that it deserved a blog. So, here is my response to that post. I hope that it shows my heart and is not just stirring up division. This is just a little of my experience.







I think our lack of action on behalf of the poor is a perfect example of the old addage: "Out of sight, out of mind." It is not that we are uncaring or mean; I think the major issue is that we don't see it. Americans are so independent; we are trained from an early age to get a good job, work hard, make good money, and take care of our families. We are active in the PTA, we volunteer countless hours at our local church, we probably even lead our children's Girl/Boy Scout troops. We are so caught up in our own realities that we forget to look around at everyone else's. I am not at all demeaning this life or saying that involvement in any of the above is wrong. But, knowing what I know makes me responsible to share it and remind myself of it's importance as often as I can.








Thanks to several experiences serving around our country and overseas my eyes have been opened to the reality of those who have not been as fortunate as I. The faces of those in poverty belong to men, women, young, and old. They are African, Asian, Latino, & American. Some of them, had they been born in another country or space in time, would not have to deal with the issues of poverty that they struggle with today. But, so many of them do everything they can to make each day better for those they love. I am challenged by them in how they share with one another and how they sacrifice for each other. I have seen Jesus alive among them more often than not. I have felt His touch, seen His smile, and felt His warmth and affection from those in need.





For me, poverty has a name and a specific experience. I know what makes these faces smile, I have seen where they live. I have seen how they perservere in the midst of extreme challenge so they can provide for their families. I have held them, comforted them, and helped to feed them. I have helped to train them in ways to feed themselves and steps to take to keep their children from getting sick. I say all of this to make this point: Now that I have seen their faces and I know their names I can't ever forget. I can never again choose to not see or get caught up in my own life. God has written their experience on my heart and it is now part of my calling, my DNA as His daughter to serve them any way I can.










It is my honor and my priveledge to serve, Lord show me opportunities every day. Give me your eyes to see those hurting around me, inside Your body and out. Help me to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ to see and serve these needs too while staying humble and open to discussion. You are so good to Your children, thank you for letting me be one who shares Your goodness with others.

Matthew 25:35-40

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."