Over the past few weeks we have had an opportunity to consider how we can bridge some of the great divides that we face in our daily lives. I want to touch on one other divide that we can easily overlook; the socio-economic divide.
The gap between the have and have-not varies greatly across our state, across our country and certainly across the globe. Over half the world, more than 3 billion people, live on less than $2.50/day. Here in Michigan, the average household income is about $44,000/year. Still, over 10,000 persons in Isabella county are living below poverty level; about $15/day.
This gap can be seen in many obvious physical ways; houses we live in, cars we drive, clothing we wear, restaurants we frequent. Other signs of the divide are often hidden; tense relationships due to financial stress, overdue notices, houses without heat, empty bellies, poor hygiene, loss of self respect, loss of faith in one’s self… loss of faith in God.
Those who struggle with the weight of these realities do not often see anyone reaching out to them to provide a helping hand. Instead, they often feel judged, ridiculed, marginalized and without hope. How do we step in to help bridge the divide? As Pastor Brian pointed out so well during his sermon on the great divide, Jesus was a bridge builder. He took time to talk, meet and pray with those who were facing difficult trials; even self-inflicted trials. Jesus extended His hand in grace and shared truth and love with those He met. He was present with them.
Psalm 23 reminds us that even now we are not alone in our struggles. God is present with us.
Psalm 23 (New International Version)
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
To begin to build a bridge, we can learn more about poverty-inflicted division, its ramifications and what we can do to help close the gap (www.endhungerinamerica.org, or www.churchworldservice.org, www.ccnhome.org). We can donate time and funds to global organizations taking steps to reach out to those on the far side of the socio-economic divide.
Locally, we can put together a care kit, visit with guests at a mobile pantry, serve at the soup kitchen, send a card, and pray for a pantry guest’s prayer request. You can even gather your family, friends or care groups and join Community Compassion Network in what will hopefully be a yearly bridge building event; The “Eggstreme” Community Days coming up the day before Easter. We will have a chance to fellowship with our guest families in a range of activities, including Easter egg decorating, an egg hunt, cookie decorating and more.
Allow God to show His love and grace to His struggling flock through you; be a bridge builder.
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