Today is Blog Action Day and the theme is Poverty. That hits just a little too close to home for me. Having been recently laid off the threat of poverty looms over my head every day. The idea of not being able to pay my rent terrifies me.
Growing up, we weren’t rich by any means. We always had a roof over our heads and food on the table. Yes, I complained at every meal about the food, but I never went to bed hungry, unless I chose not to eat. There were things we wanted that we couldn’t have, Mom didn’t buy us everything all willy-nilly. I think it’s good to teach kids to earn what they get rather than just giving them everything they ask for, it helps teach them to respect their belongings and it also teaches them a sense of accomplishment.
So, today as you walk to and from work, and complain because you can’t afford that fancy LCD HDTV with Blue-ray built in. Think of what you do have in your life. Think of those who have nothing. We see them every day on the streets with their hand written signs begging for food or money because they’re hungry and homeless. Think of the families who’ve lost their home because of this crap economy and the crap home loans. Remember the stories your parents or grandparents told of life during the depression. Then do something about it. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, donate those clothes you haven’t worn in the past year to a shelter. Take up a collection at your office and find a charity to donate to (blog action has resources). There’s a lot you can do…so do it.
