November 07, 2008

A Rant and Plea wrapped up in one post.

I've had Children on my mind a lot these days. Orphan children to be exact. Naked, starving, un- sheltered, abused and sick children.

It makes me cry. I just look at how clothed and healthy and loved my kids are and I just cry. I am tortured by the fact that Ukrainian Orphan girls are sold into the sex trade industry. I'm disgusted that Governments and PEOPLE allow KIDS....BABIES to suffer.

We live on a mediocre single income. We have 3 kids, loans, and a mortgage. Some months after paying our bills, feeding ourselves and putting gas in the car we barely have enough left over to buy new winter clothes for our kids...or birthday cakes..or take them to the fair.

BUT...Every month we pull through. Every month some unexpected check comes in, or Paid Duty, selling of my eggs, or overtime allows us the luxury of the tiny extras. The hair dye or lip balm or Starbucks coffee. Every month we keep our home...we feed ourselves...we are clothed...we are O.K and we feel as though we have everything we need.

I do believe that we are on the right path, moving in the right direction, and praying for the Lord's guidance in our lives. That is why...even though our bills exceed our Income, somehow they get paid with a little extra left over.

I am reminded of the story of the Loaves and Fishes. How one little boy's faith fed 5000 people with left overs.

What is my point??

My point is this. Even though Adam and I are not rich...not even upper or middle class...I consider ourselves RICH in soooo many other ways. Also...according to the WHO (World Health Organization), WE ARE....RICH!!!

Did you know that 40% of the world's population lives on 2$ a day or less??

Do you consider yourself Rich?
Do you complain about money?
Do you wish you had more?

Now put yourself in the shoes of 40% of the world....if they even have such a luxury. I think they would consider themselves Rich if they had food to eat...clothing on their backs...and shelter over their heads.

Thinking about that just makes me cry.

What is worse is the feeling of helplessness I get when I think of what I can't do for them. I can't solve the political problems. I can't pick them up and hold them, and feed them, or cloth them. I can't even afford to fly to an orphanage on Air Miles points to volunteer. I can't tell you how badly Adam and I want to fly out to the Ukraine and rescue a couple of orphaned children. I can't tell you how much it is straining on our hearts to give more. To sacrifice more.....

And most of all...I can't tell you how angry it makes me to hear people say they can't help, or don't want to help because these people put themselves into the situation...or that they deserve it...or that it is pointless because if that child does not die then another one will just take its place.
I can't tell you how ANGRY it makes me to hear people complain about money when they have two months salary (or more) sitting in the bank.
(so I'm saying something. Besides...anger is sinful so I'll say how I feel and then I will just keep praying that they open their eyes and hearts and see the big picture...and that I calm down ;)

So... what CAN I do? NOW?????

I can click around the Internet and find ways I can help. I can stop thinking that there is nothing I can do. I can take some money that we have....some extras and give a little more. I can always give a little more....we all can no matter how 'poor' you think you are. In fact, if you are reading this, you most likely own a computer. You most likely have clothing (even if they are hand me downs), and you most likely have food in your stomach (most likely too much at that).

So....Do something. Save a child from dying. Save them from suffering. Give a little more this year. Do the right thing.

We just sponsored a child this season, and I'll tell you. I can't wait to see their picture. I can't wait to know that our money is physically going to feed and clothe and educate a child.

And don't think that 50$ a month is not a huge sacrifice for us...because it is. BUT I know the Lord blesses those that are giving. I'm not saying the Lord is going to allow us to keep our cable....what I AM saying is that he will bless our hearts with the knowledge that we are making a difference in a child's life. I am also expecting that when finances are strapped for us I will know that no matter what, we are just fine...we are fed/clothed/sheltered. We don't neeeeeeed Starbucks......( I'll admit that that was hard to type)

So do me a favor and click on the button below....It just may change a few lives...Yours included.

Sponsor a child online through Compassion's Christian child sponsorship ministry. Search for a child by age, gender, country, birthday, special needs and more.

Don't want to click? No problem. Google Ukrainian orphanages and tell me if your heart is not completely broken.

1 comment:

Sara said...

Thanks for the rant & the reminder. My concern with charity/aid organizations is always that the money isn't going to the place I intend it to. Our family likes giving each other livestock (i.e. Merry Christmas Mom, I got you a pig) through World Vision.