How long are your bootstraps?

What is the difference between the kids in these photos?














The three on the swing are my kids. They live with my wife and I and have all the food, clothing, shelter, running water, educational opportunities, family and friend support they need to live comfortable and healthy lives.

The four children have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS and live with their grand mother in a shanty town outside of Johannesburg. The don't have running water and lack many of the basic support systems we take for granted.

One of the most common values of the culture is the rugged individualism that honors the person who picked themselves up by their own bootstraps. We value the person who works with what they've been given and carves out a life of success and doesn't need others to prop them up.

We may feel like not getting involved in the needs of the poor because we worked hard with what we were given and they should do the same.

However, what if you weren't given much to work hard with? What if you were born into the situation of these children - in poverty - without parents - without the same opportunities we have been given? Did these kids ask for this? There is inequality and injustice.

My kids have a gigantic advantage over these kids.

We are not self made people - yes, we work hard with what we are given, but what we've been given is enormous!

So when we don't feel like getting involved because the poor and oppressed should just work harder and pick themselves up by their own bootstraps maybe we should look down first to make sure they are even wearing boots.

I need help with this.

Excuse me little guy what size do you wear?
sd

Psalms 113:5-7
"Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high?
He stoops to look down on heaven and on earth.
He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump."

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hey Steve

It was honor to serve alongside of you last week. Our family really appreciated your prayers and encouragemnt. Thanks, for all you do and who you are, see you soon.

Takas
Joey V. said…
Right on Steve... God Bless ya and you are loved, too :).
Dave Deur said…
sobering...still seeking to process what I saw and what next baby steps look like.

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