Stephanie reminds me that we can do better. I'm fortunate to have been born in a country where I can earn an education, get a good job, and be able to buy what I need and often what I want. The rest of the world isn't so fortunate -- and in Missouri, with cuts to Medicaid and Social Services, that even affects my community and my neighbors.
So what to do?
I can sign the Live8 Petition. I can sign the The One Campaign.
Stephanie's organized knitters to support Doctors Without Borders. The Episcopal Church sponsors groups and organizations to address issues of justice, peace, oppression, discrimination, hunger, AIDS and more.
My parish frequently has ingatherings where parishoners bring canned food for the various local food pantries, and for other community needs. My parish also sponsors at least one apartment for Hillcrest Ministries, but how can a homeless family get a job and get decent housing and transportation within 3 months? It's hard, but it better than nothing. We also are helping to constuct one Habitat home a year.
These are only a few of the needs and the attempts to fill them. It's overwhelming. And yet, we need to try. I have dear Ethiopian friends who left everything and everyone they know to come to the States and make a better life for their children. Their children are still in Ethiopia, and they're trying to bring them over (legally). Go to the store with these friends and it's an eye-opening and humbling experience.
And then there's what we're doing to the planet. Maybe I'll be like this grandma one day. Reuse, reduce, recycle.
We can do better, day by day. We have a responsibility to each other and to this planet, our island home.
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