We are stirred up, and have been for a long time. Mark and I are constantly searching to do more for people in poverty. To love more. It seems though, that we are often doing just that. Searching.
I have finally finished Hope Lives by Amber Van Schooneveld. It is a "how to" book for learning to help fight poverty. Mark will start this book soon. Personal change took place from every page from the very start. I can't stop thinking and talking about it, so I shall share it with you!
Week One: Poverty of the Heart/Reasons why we do little for others:
- We are rich. We can't relate.
- "We've reclassified our luxuries to necessities."
- "Material comfort has made us immune."
- We have no time to stop and help: "Busy is our banner. And I think we are proud of it."
- The statistics of the number of hungry & orphaned people are staggering: "A blur of numbers. I am numb. I've hit capacity for caring."
- "My charity is less true charity than occasional pity." I often only give to relieve my guilt and/or to feel good about myself.
The good news is that we can move beyond all this. God intends to change OUR lives through our service. If we are open to it, we'll be given all that we need to serve and love, and we'll be changed in the process. How cool. Sign us up.
"One of the most outstanding things about the affluent minority is that we honestly think we have barely enough to survive in modest comfort." ~Ronald J. Sider
5 comments:
Ummm.. WOW.
So convicting and sadly such a true picture. Thank you for sharing this. I can't wait to show Greg and re-eval what we are doing in light of the wealth we live in in America and in our own home.
We have not really sacrificed. We need to. I want to.
Thank you for the bold truth.
I have never even heard of this book! Thank you SO much!
i was just looking at this book today on amazon...but think i'll buy it at my church's bookstore.
i can't wait to read it and let God use His big ol' pruning shears on my heart!
so funny that your pastor mentioned francis chan! i guess a lot of pastors around teh nation have heard how his church gives 50% of their "income" away...it is inspiring! his book website is www.crazylovebook.com. he does a short video about each chapter.
Rebecca,
I have been thinking on the same terms as you lately... I have not heard of this book but will definitely read it. Currently I am reading a book by Wes Campbell called Be a Hero ~ The battle for mercy and social justice. I'll loan it to you after I'm done. I think as christians, it is a mandate to seek out the orphans, widows and those who are truly oppressed and poor. Thank you for sharing ~
Pam
I stumbled on your blog today (linked over from from "blogovers with love"). I just got the order form for this book in my latest Compassion mailing and was wondering if it would make a good small group study. It's good to hear from your perspective what a great book it was. I think I'll recommend it to my group.
Post a Comment