Poverty - Can We Make A Difference?

Poverty, especially extreme poverty, is something that most of us don't deal with on a regular basis. We live our lives mostly oblivious to the immense suffering which goes on all over the world. Occasionally, when we do see starving children, refugees and other victims or war and disease on TV, we think: 'That's Terrible!', but then we just go right on about our business. I know, I do it myself.

Since coming to India 4 years ago however, Dana and I have been forced to deal with it again and again. Most often for me it's been the beggars. People who are dirty, smelly, and ragged; often times with open wounds or stumps for arms or legs. To many, far to many, are children.

It's difficult to deal with. Sometimes (if I'm honest) they can be really annoying: they won't take no for an answer.

There are two choices:
(a) Harden your heart and turn your back - (Any money you give won't help - they'll be here again tomorow)
The sterio types are there - drunk, lazy, whatever - telling you it's their fault and that you couldn't help them if you tried.
You hear stories about how women buy babies, or parents maim their children so they earn more money on the street. You also hear stories about how some beggars live in mansions or how some are misers, hiding huge amounts of money in their matresses or anywhere they can.)

(b) The other choice is to give a little - usually just two or three coins (the equivelant of 4-6 cents is the recomended amount) or maybe some fruit or something. This is enough to send them away and continue on about your life.

The problem is that both these choices suck!!!!

I've always felt bad in turning my back, even knowing that to give a few coins (which is what the're after) wouldn't help. These people are Human Beings and they deserve to be treated as such. Would Jesus turn his back? No. But neither would He give a few coins simply to get them to leave as quickly as possible.

Lately, I've learned that the answer is not in trying to help everyone. That is impossible. But in respecting everyone, as Human Beings who are loved by God.

Sure, giving some money won't help them escape their life of poverty, but it certainly can't hurt to give something in Love (this is how they earn their bread), look them in the eyes, and say a prayer for them.

The most important thing may be to have Love in our hearts. Love can open us to see Jesus in them.


p.s. "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' " - Gospel of Matthew 25:40