TRULY POOR

 As I have worked with those who "Have Less", I have also formed relationships with these women.  They are teaching me so much more than I could ever impart to them.  Poverty is a mean place to reside.  The struggle is relentless and cruel.  Daily choices have to be made about food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and other vital necessities of the day to day.  It is so easy to think "they" are being taken care of.  That is just NOT the case.  I did not really understand until I began forming relationships with those --"In need".  NOTICE I did not say those "In Want".  That would be the rest of us.  There is a HUGE difference between need and want.



Let me assure you I have rolled around all those platitudes in my head used frequently about those in need.  I KNOW Jesus pointed out we would always have the poor among us.  I am NOT going to get into a long philosophical discussion about how we end up poor.  In fact, I am headed in another direction entirely.  I am thinking about the greatest poverty--the poverty which destroys hope.  The poverty of spirit---God's spirit---which, in my mind, is the greatest of all poverties.  We can be poor in many things---intelligence, finances, compassion, love, wisdom, and on and on.  Anything which we have in a limited supply--we are in poverty of.  What could be worse than to live in a poverty of the knowledge and understanding of God?  Is there any greater need?  How would you live---how would you make any sense of this world, without the presence and presence in abundance of God?  

We are all guaranteed this wealth of God--no matter what our circumstance.  It merely requires admitting our need and asking God for help.  HE will provide---not only the bare necessities, but riches in the understanding of His presence---infinite and omnipotent presence--in our lives.  We can be rich beyond our wildest dreams--when we seek Him with all our might.  What a comfort.

"I am with you always, 

to the end of the age."

Matthew 28:20

2 comments

  1. Amen, Lulu! True poverty is not having the Lord in our lives. I'm reminded of a quote from C. S. Lewis (paraphrased): "A man who has everything and has God is no richer than the man who has God alone."
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love this quote. Such a wise man!
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!