Good God, when does it end?
We are the richest, most narcissistic generation in the history of America (can't speak for other countries). We complain about having to go to work, and our jobs for the most part are far easier than what people in other countries do. I've been reading this book called "Where am I wearing?" and it's about the people who make our clothes here in America.
Most make around $7.50 a week. Not an hour. A week.
They are not supporting only themselves, but oftentimes their parents, grandparents, and siblings. And yet, they are grateful for the small things in life. Whilst we sit here in our huge houses, with our 1 or 2 child families for the sake of "giving them a better life." Not that there's anything wrong with smaller families, but don't have one for the sake of giving them whatever the heck they want.
I live in a pretty nice house. Yes, most of the things are from Goodwill, dumpster diving, the Really Really Free Market, overstock places, and people I know. But you can fix things, you can repaint them, you can sharpen knives instead of buying a new set, you can remake clothes, etc.
My point is, most people don't want to do that. There is a stigma placed on used items, like 'sloppy seconds.' Honestly, most of the time people throw things out because they get something brand new. And there it goes. We would rather get a brand new car, and force ourselves to work extra hours, than buy a used one that may be just fine.
I have nothing against buying brand new, but many times, we could just make do with what we already have. We are SOOO disconnected from the poor, the beggar, the broken.
And yes, I have things I want to buy, I have tattoos I'd like to get. Will I get them eventually? I don't know, because it seems like I either have to use the money for something else, or I don't have it. Maybe my heart needs to change. Sadly most of the time I think of myself rather than someone else.
Last night I went to Rossman house of prayer, and one of my friends was saying how most of the time, the homeless, or even just the average joes were far more open to prayer, or even just to talk than the businessman, or the soccermom in her SUV when going downtown. He said most of the time, the businessman would say something like "Oh, he needs it more than I do." and yeah, I'm not going to disagree that someone with 'nothing' (no house, food, they may need medical care, etc.) probably needs it for their basic needs, but most of the time, the business man may be sooo far away from God, he doesn't see his need. He thinks because he is comfortable, and has many things, that he is safe somehow.
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also-Matthew 6:21
this is so true. so true that it makes my heart ache for my country. I may not be perfect, and dont pretend to be. but i would rather shop at garage sales, its not a priority in my life to buy expensive brand new things. i think there is a lot of wasteful, petty behavior going on in this country. America may be the richest country, but not when it comes to attitudes. i wish each person would care a little more, love a little more. there are ppl in 3rd world countries that are just thankful to be alive let alone having to worry about the"finer things in life".
ReplyDeletepeople need to dig a little deeper.
Fantastic. This really is true and is around me all the time. It is a dicotomy that I find frustrating. Why are we not more thankful. Why do we have to have the latest/greatest? Often I try to live by taking good care of my belongings, fixing them if they break or remaking them into something else usable, if they are unable to be fixed. Meanwhile, my heart is for the people that are in need. A discussion I had this past week in my Bible study talked about associating with people in need is risky to our reputation. By associating with people in need, we in turn, may lose our good reputation with others that are in better financial positions. But isn't that what Jesus did and calls us to? He was often found at the tables of tax collectors and sinners. Live for what God has called you to. And sure, have a small family- but do it for the glory of God, not the glory of man or "a better life". This life is fading and momentary.
ReplyDeleteGreat writing Rachel. Keep it up. Thanks for letting God use you today. It really blessed me!
Were it but for the greed in ourselves could we see the need of others. Such a true statement. If everyone lived trying to fix that statement...nothing would go wrong. Still, you're far too hard on yourself. You are a human, after all.
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