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I can remember being in grade school and hearing about the famine in Ethiopia. Does anyone else remember the time of the “We are the World” song to raise money and awareness for Africa? I’m dating myself here! Even at my young age I had a little grasp that not everyone has all that I have. I credit this time as when the little seed in me started growing in my heart that I wanted to help others in need.
When economic times are hard, as they are now for many Americans, I think we are a bit more tight in the wallet. This is a good thing, as I believe we are a very materialistic society and that fact that we are refocusing on what is a need and what is a want is very therapeutic for all of us.
I also think that when everyone is talking about how tight things are, we may use it as an excuse not to give as much to others. I’m not talking about not making a house payment and giving your money to charity instead. I’m talking about realizing that when things are hard for us living in a developed country, we must realize that developing countries are having an even harder time. When we cannot afford to go on vacation or buy a new car,others may not have enough food for one meal a day.
Billy Graham has said,
“You are rich if you have had a meal today.”
I try to remember this quote when I feel like I “need” something. I really want a new purse. Why? I just do. I was going to buy one with a big price tag the other day. A big price tag for me is around $30-40.
I then got an email from my agency about the amount of infants they are receiving. They have had so many infants come in that they had to rent another house. They’ve had to hire over 22 people to keep up with the diaper washings, feedings and cuddling times. My agency has always handled infant adoptions, but specializes in older children. Why are they getting so many more infants?
Tight times for us is equaling desperate times for parents in Ethiopia. I’m trying to decide whether or not to take my kids to swimming lessons this summer and parents in Ethiopia are relinquishing their children in hopes they don’t starve. Ethiopia’s food inflation is now over 100%
It is hard to wrap our heads around such desperation. I know I want to help my children’s homeland. I cannot donate hundreds or thousands of dollars. I can, however, give up my Latte’s for hot tea, wait to find a purse that is more reasonable, skip buying pizza for an easy meal and make one instead. I can buy formula and diapers for the babies at my agency, I can pray for Ethiopia’s troubles and I can tell others of the needs of the poor.
I can simplify my life and save some pennies. Pennies add up, just ask Leah.
Photo by Sufi Nawaz
