The Journey
7
Helping the Lost and the Least
Many people find themselves in the habit of making donations to various charitable organizations at the end of each year. Some do it for the tax break, some do it out of compulsion, tradition, and for many other reasons. If you are not among those who regularly share your wealth with others, let me invite you to consider whom you could offer a hand up to this Christmas holiday season.
I have a deep seated need to nurture and care for others, especially children, and even more so, those children who find themselves in extreme situations. There are many organizations that tend to the healthcare and feeding of children and families in extreme poverty, doing good work all over the world including right here at home in the USA. There is a growing movement to abolish slavery in the world - because it is even more prevalent today than it was at the birth of our nation, and it continues to be a despicable practice that holds men, women and children around the world captive. It is where these two kinds of work intersect that I am drawn to become involved:
The rescue and rehabilitation of trafficked children.
I think of my own children and horror strikes me to consider that children as young as my own - and younger - are bought and sold for unthinkable purposes by the minute.
The positive thing is that there are people out there recovering those children and working toward the prosecution of the perpetrators. When I make my contribution to their cause, it helps make one more rescue, one more rehabilitation placement, one more prosecution of a bad guy possible.
As a middle-class American citizen, we are privileged to be among the wealthiest people in the world. Even though we're not millionaires by any stretch of the imagination. Consider that for a moment. then decide how your wealth will be spent. If you find yourself wanting to do more for those who need it most, here are a few steps to follow:
Consider what cause or causes are close to your heart; there are foundations and groups campaigning to end nearly every major (and minor) problem in the world today.
Research your cause and decide on an organization. Organization's credentials, background and history can all be found online, and you should verify them before you give them your money.
Pray about the organization and their platform, and let God help you decide how to give. May God bless you richly and abundantly this Christmas holiday season and always.
RH