By any estimation, I've had every advantage in life. Hard working, professional parents who were able to provide. In every way. To the point that I never realized that it could all disappear in a moment. Even as I write this - and my purpose comes into focus for you the reader - the idea of going without is still an intellectual concept to me, nothing more. I'd heard the phrase many times in a variety of contexts. I don't know why, one day, it made sense to me. I don't know why it took 25 or so years to make sense but it did, when I was in cellblock talking to a court-assigned homeless defendant charged with theft. The phrase just popped into my head.
"There but for the grace of God go I."
I'm still hardly a charitable person. Even with a family to feed I can't conceive of not being able to provide. But there but for the grace of God go I. Even that motivation is selfish. One should act out of pure charity, not out of the recognition that it could be you and your family going hungry or without shelter.
But every little bit counts, and I'm sure the people who really need it will take it any way it comes. Give to your food bank or click to www.feedingamerica.org, or www.aprilfoodday.blogspot.com.
Thank you, Lord, for the bounty of my life. Help me to remember and care for those who are less fortunate.
1 comment:
What a lovely post. Thank you so much for posting.
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