I tend to be very apolitical where my blogging is concerned. I have my opinions and world view just like everyone else, but figure it's best to keep that to myself normally. However, I have decided to endorse the One campaign to end poverty and world hunger.
Normally, I'm skeptical of anything that promotes the notion that "if we all just get along" the world will be a better place. That's true perhaps, I just don't think it's possible. Much of the time we operate out of a "what's in it for me" paradigm.
The One campaign has really caught my attention, however, and may help serve to obviate my skepticism (cynicism). Looking over the list of signatories I see people from all over the spectrum of cultural and political allegiances. Of course there are the usual suspects: rock stars, actors, and well-known political figures. But, there are also people that I never would have imagined seeing on such a list: Pat Robertson for one, Michael W. Smith for another.
Then, when I saw the list of sponsoring organizations - including both "liberal" and "conservative" organizations as well as many religious denominations - I figured there has to be something to this. So, I'm buying in. I've signed the declaration and have encouraged others to do the same. I'm also adding a One banner to the sidebar. Whoo-hoo! That's easy enough, but I'm also putting my money where my mouth is and supporting the campaign financially.
A few years ago I went on a mission trip to Haiti and spent a week living among the people there. I never understood what real poverty was until I saw it first-hand. Many of those people were literally starving. To look into the eyes of a child with a swollen belly bereft of the very basic necessities of life forever changed my view of the world, and made me have second (and third) thoughts about ordering that stuffed-crust pizza. It also led me to contribute monthly to the mission group that sponsored the trip, New Missions in Haiti, in supporting a particular child in Haiti, a young man named Wensor. I've done that for nearly 10 years now.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
thanks Paul, very important thoughts expressed well
2 - Victor Plenty
Being generous when we enjoy life's blessings is at the heart of every religious tradition.
Thank you for this eloquent word-painting of the beauty evoked when people express their faith through effective direct action to enrich the lives of others.
May your life continue to be blessed, both materially and spiritually.