Finding Simplicity » Social Justice

Ignorance is Bliss?

Laura — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:40:59 +0000

Is ignorance bliss or denial?

I rarely watch Oprah, but today her show was actually quite eye opening. It focused on the oppression of women and girls around the world, specifically in Cambodia and Africa. Being an emotional person, I found my face covered by a waterfall of tears as I learned about individual struggles and losses. Starvation, prostitution, and lack of medical supplies/services blanket so many countries. So often, upon hearing this news, I turn the other cheek pretty quickly. Overwhelming grief, sadness, and despair flood my being. What can I do? Little me, in a great big broken world?

Well, something clicked today in me. I can write. I can talk. I can shine a light in the darkness. And, so can you.

Heading into a meaningful season, full of wonder, grace, peace, and love — I feel convicted to fall on my knees in thanksgiving. We have so much here in the United States. Our country is overflowing with abundance and opportunity. Yes, there is hardship. Yes, there is pain, poverty, and injustice. Here, there, and everywhere, people are hurting. Voices are silenced, as shame, control, and oppression contend to take their place. It’s just simply not okay!

Feed ONE.

So really, what can we do? We can start small. I find that an overwhelming anxiety soon follows an emotional outpouring, which often leads to inaction. Yet, by starting small, we can and will make a difference. Like the butterfly effect, where everything is interconnected, change happens from little acts. Simple acts. We have no idea how these actions from the heart change the world. We can leave those details up to God.

For Christmas, I am once again challenging our consumer culture. Gifts are not wrong or bad, but refusing to open ourselves up to the larger picture is. Allowing ourselves to become distracted by the hustle and bustle of the season decreases our heart’s capacity. How might your gift giving change by focusing on the realities of this world? Feeding one child, supporting a small business, or sponsoring a child are some ways to start small. Maybe helping out locally, giving your time to those without a warm place to rest their head is a place to start. Time is a valuable way to give, and often creates lasting change for all involved. How might you start a new family tradition this Christmas by cultivating awareness? Living simply makes room to see the truth. And from truth, comes real living and awareness.

The Girl Effect is a movement started to create awareness. Young girls and women around the world are not treated equally and fall victim to horrendous acts. We, you and me, those living in a safe space, can be their voice. After all, knowledge is power and starting small, is where is begins.

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”

~Mother Teresa

We can make a difference. Will you?

{My Neighbor’s Keeper}

Laura — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:40:22 +0000

Frugality + Community. These words have been on my mind lately. What do they mean? How have they evolved over the years? What will they look like in the future?

Out with the old, in with the "New"

On Friday, I had the opportunity to participate in a clothes exchange party. It was out with the old and in the with “new” — a perfect, free way to spice up any mundane wardrobe. I walked away feeling as if I just won the lottery! And, my guess is that all ladies involved found “new” gems of their own. Plus, an evening spent in the company of amazing women. It was the perfect combination!

Community exchange. Something so simple, yet not practiced enough. Our consumptive, throw away culture seems immune to this type of sharing. We protect, horde, and hide our things from each other. And, when they no longer serve us, we often toss them at Goodwill or in the trash. I do have to recognize that many donations go to very reputable causes, enhancing the lives of those that most need it. But certainly, this type of conscious giving is usually the last place “stuff” ends up.

So, what if it went beyond clothing? Household, electronics, kitchenware, gardening & lawn equipment, transportation, childcare, food. The list is endless! What would a community look like that learned and practiced the art of exchange. How would this change you? Your neighbor? City? State? The world?

Over the last few years, Jeremy and I have learned that being frugal is not only savvy, but healthy (and good for our home, the planet). It challenges us to think beyond our comfort zone and the boundaries set by the modern day. Trading services has also been a valuable gift as it allows us to offer our talents, in exchange for something we’d normally pay money for. Yet sharing of talent takes time, which is something many sadly can’t afford.

So, we start small. How aware are you of those around you? Do you know about the lives of your neighbor? How might you stir up a conversation of community sharing or exchange? Plant a tiny seed and see where it grows!

I’ve heard about a time where people relied on one another, outside the family unit. A place where exchange was a natural, normal way of life. Everyone seemed richer, fuller, and more connected for it. Surely, several church families have tried to bridge this widening gap, yet continue to fall short as energy runs low and visions lose steam. Estranged communities and privatized homes are not the solution in a hurting world.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

~Margaret Mead

How might you bring frugal (thoughtful) living into your community? What gifts can you offer?

{Notice Me}

Laura — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:29:34 +0000

Over the past several weeks, my heart has been growing for a particular sector of the population. They are people just like me and you. The only difference is that many of them live on the same streets we often take our leisurely strolls down, while window shopping and star gazing over all the things we would love to possess.

When was the last time you noticed a homeless person? How did you feel? What did you do? For a moment, did you feel disgusted? Intimidated? Guilty? Empathetic?

All too often (I’m guilty of this), I notice how easily we walk by these people, while avoiding eye contact. Even as they beg and plea for money, we push them aside, carrying hurriedly along to our destination. I mean, why don’t they get a job like every other normal person? If I give them anything, isn’t that just enabling their current existence? Through these thoughts and many more, we are subconsciously equating these individuals to be of a lower value. They are forgotten and trampled over by the affluent. Many of us are too busy to notice and too busy to care. After all, isn’t it their choice to be in that position in the first place?

As I seek to live more simply, I am reminded that I am voluntarily choosing to live with less. And as I release my attachment to things, I am beginning to notice new and amazing things swirling all around me. God is alive in so many ways, and I am absolutely certain He is standing next to the same people we pass on the street. He hasn’t forgotten them or given up on their potential to touch and influence the world. If we would just look close enough, these very same people have the ability to snap us out of autopilot and our worldly obsessions. After all, while they are poor in money, many of them are eternally rich in spirit. Whose shoes would you rather fill?

Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.

~Mother Teresa

A few weeks ago, when Jeremy and I were in Vancouver, B.C., we were approached by a homeless man. It was the first time that either of us stopped to listen. Through missing and broken teeth, he explained that he was native to Australia and that most of his family was still there. He also assured us that he was not a bum (by pointing out his soiled sports jersey) and that he was trying to make his way back home. After listening to his story, we did not offer him money or anything of “value”. Instead, we asked if we could pray for his situation. For a moment, he rolled his eyes and grimaced, but then showed a tiny sparkle of a tear. It may have been over frustration, but I’d like to believe that for one moment, he felt cared for and noticed. Shortly after our offer, he walked away and began approaching other people on the street. As Jeremy and I walked back to our lavishly decorated, high rise hotel, we couldn’t help but feel for this man. He touched our hearts and made a lasting impression on us. I can only hope that we did the same.

The other day, Jeremy and I discovered a powerful minimum wage documentary by Morgan Spurlock. If you have some time, this is definitely worth watching. It just may challenge and change some of your thinking and ideas about many individuals and families just trying to survive this life.

My hope is that this resonates with some of you. Next time you pass someone living on the street, take time to notice. If you can’t bring yourself to make eye contact, just walk by, consciously knowing they are present. After all, God has not forgotten them, and neither should we. Our lives are no more than a vapor, and our suffering short thanks to God’s mighty ability and grace to save.

“I see God in every human being. When I wash the leper’s wounds, I feel I am nursing the Lord himself. Is it not a beautiful experience?”

~Mother Teresa

How are you a light to the world? In what ways have you shown compassion for those less fortunate?