Tuesday, November 27, 2007

This Time of Year

This time of year is not the easiest for many people. There are many that are alone, depressed, angry. I can go on. But would it really do any good, too? No; not at all.

I've been extremely busy lately, trying to get my life in order, and accomplish some of my dreams and goals. There have been some major setbacks; but none that are too difficult for God to handle. I've been reaching for my goals, and I'm finally starting to see some progress. At the same time, there are other aspects of my life that are not easy to look at; but are necessary. It is part of what makes me, me.

Last week, I had the fortunate opportunity of volunteering for a wonderful community organization that was giving away Thanksgiving baskets. It warmed my heart and saddened it all at the same time. It warmed my heart to see the outpouring of support from the community; but it saddened me to see how many persons--with children especially--were in such need. It started me thinking about what those families do all the other days of the year, and what can I do to make a difference?

Although many of the families were grateful; I could still see some sadness in many of their faces. I could see the joy of receiving the basket; but at the same time, the wonder of what they were going to do for next week. I saw anger on some faces. I saw despair. I saw depression. I even saw greed. Yes--even greed. To the point that there were some people who actually tried to pull a scam. Which was totally unfair to a family who may have gone without, if there were not enough baskets to go around.

My heart sincerely ached for these families. I wish you could have seen the children...how precious and innocent. Then I wondered: how many of them will repeat this vicious cycle? How many of them [children], will be where their parents are when they grow up? It struck a chord in my soul. One that I cannot get away from.

What can we do to stop the cycle of poverty? What can one person do to make a difference in at least one child's life? There is much that we can do. And, all it takes is committing one's self to making a difference one family, one child, one person at a time. To begin to give back to those around you--to the community that you live in. Perhaps by volunteering your time, expertise, talent, finance, home...whatever you can give, that will teach families how to make it. To teach children and parents, how to live and not just survive. We can't help everyone--not alone. But collectively, we can make a huge difference.

To many, this season has always been about receiving. How about we make it about giving, and teaching? It's time for people to stop complaining, stop whining, stop passing the responsibility, and take accountability for the community they live in. Become a mentor. Become a big brother/big sister. Become a foster family. Become involved. Don't just be a spectator. Commit to make a change; one person, one child, one family, a community at a time.

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