Staff meeting was moving along at record pace. We were on track to finish in good time. I had poured myself a hot cup of coffee and was enjoying my chocolate chip cookie when it happened. Our custodian caught my eye through the glass doors.
I was needed.
Without hesitating I excused myself and made my way into the church foyer where I was greeted by a couple of distressed women. They had a need: a friend who had run out of money.
I've never been comfortable with people asking for cash.
I listened a lot and promised very little. And at the end of our chat I was left wondering why I often feel helpless when it comes to helping the poor. Is it because I don't like giving? Is it because I've seen the impoverished take advantage of monetary handouts? Maybe.
Or maybe it's because I feel so helpless. I'm so accustomed to knowing what to do and how to do it.
When it comes to poverty, I have a lot to learn. I wish there was a simple formula or a fail safe system developed to help the poor. I haven't found it yet. Maybe it doesn't exist.
One day, I pray, I'll be able to offer more than I did today.
1 comment:
YA that's definitely something I struggle with as well.
Should one just give money? Or is that solving anything? Should you find out what the problem is and attempt to help with the root cause?
I don't know.
I do know there's no easy answers with this stuff. I think if more church people worked as a group to help with some of the stuff locally it would probably make a difference.
Post a Comment