Poverty is a really difficult thing to grasp. What causes it? What impact does it have? How can we address it?
It seems everyone has an answer to poverty: Government creates welfare, churches set up programs, celebrities set up publicity campaigns.
But maybe in all our efforts to address poverty we overlook what poverty really is. Some might say it's the lack of adequate resources. I'd say that's partially true.
I like what Bob Lupton says about poverty:
"The greatest form of poverty is having nothing of value to give."
When we look at poverty through the eyes of charity, we only see ways for us to maintain our role as the "giver". But when we expand our view, we seek out ways to initiate an equal exchange, allowing everyone to experience the joy that comes with giving.
Poverty isn't just about resources - it's about equality and God's humanity. No one, whether they live in the heart of Africa or in the heart of Memphis, should be stripped of the dignity that comes with giving. God has placed in each of us something of value to give. The role of "giver" was never meant to be assigned to a select few in society.
So how can we address the overwhelming drain of poverty? It seems to me that we have the responsibility to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to give of the gifts that God has generously given to each of us.
Wonderful thoughts, Ryan. Central Dallas Ministries is good at helping the poor discover what they have to give. I hope you'll keep teaching us about poverty and the poor.