http://www.metroi4news.com/2010/01/one-with-our-aid/ Highlighting the News from Florida's Central Corridor Sat, 16 Oct 2010 16:47:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 http://www.metroi4news.com/2010/01/one-with-our-aid/comment-page-1/#comment-1381 Cliff Wheeler Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:20:58 +0000 http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3922#comment-1381 Craig, I would never presume that I have an answer to the results of destitution on our society. It is all around us and will be with us. The good that is done by our charitable organizations can not be denied, yet I agree with you that it more often than not is a transient kindness that is a balm for the hurt. This I do believe--the circumstances of each person in need are so variable that there never is going to be a quick fix. There is the financial poverty issue whether it be total lack of funds or loss of the means by which those funds can be obtained. Since in our society, the dollar is our most adored idol, our focus in restitution is going to be material. The worst poverty is the emotional poverty--no foundation--no faith--no hope. Fortunately this is the position in which God can do His finest work. When you hit the absolute bottom, there is no where to look, but up. This then becomes the work of God in lives. We can only be the instruments by which the door is opened and it starts with our personal revelation that "only by the grace of God, there go I" as you so well stated in your message above. Then as you also stated, we can only be effectual in showing the person(s) with whom we come in contact, the living out of faith in our lives. We must treat others with the dignity and respect they each deserve as creations of God. Our greatest gift of interaction may be only the willingness to hold a hand, offer a moment of compassionate prayer. Allow for some time to listen, and direction toward resources available. We cannot fix each circumstance or mend each heart, but doors can be opened. The stories of personal restitution are real. The services in our community are effective. The numbers of failures perhaps do outweigh the numbers of successes, but we should not expect the institutions of charity in our society to be able to wipe out the evil in this world. We who may care can only help restore one soul at a time by being Christ's tool. That should be our goal in all of our interactions with people whether it be the affluent or the destitute. Until we fill the emptiness in our own hearts, we can't effectively fill the "heart needs" of the needy surrounding us. Craig, I would never presume that I have an answer to the results of destitution on our society. It is all around us and will be with us. The good that is done by our charitable organizations can not be denied, yet I agree with you that it more often than not is a transient kindness that is a balm for the hurt. This I do believe–the circumstances of each person in need are so variable that there never is going to be a quick fix. There is the financial poverty issue whether it be total lack of funds or loss of the means by which those funds can be obtained. Since in our society, the dollar is our most adored idol, our focus in restitution is going to be material. The worst poverty is the emotional poverty–no foundation–no faith–no hope. Fortunately this is the position in which God can do His finest work. When you hit the absolute bottom, there is no where to look, but up. This then becomes the work of God in lives. We can only be the instruments by which the door is opened and it starts with our personal revelation that “only by the grace of God, there go I” as you so well stated in your message above. Then as you also stated, we can only be effectual in showing the person(s) with whom we come in contact, the living out of faith in our lives. We must treat others with the dignity and respect they each deserve as creations of God. Our greatest gift of interaction may be only the willingness to hold a hand, offer a moment of compassionate prayer. Allow for some time to listen, and direction toward resources available. We cannot fix each circumstance or mend each heart, but doors can be opened. The stories of personal restitution are real. The services in our community are effective. The numbers of failures perhaps do outweigh the numbers of successes, but we should not expect the institutions of charity in our society to be able to wipe out the evil in this world. We who may care can only help restore one soul at a time by being Christ’s tool. That should be our goal in all of our interactions with people whether it be the affluent or the destitute. Until we fill the emptiness in our own hearts, we can’t effectively fill the “heart needs” of the needy surrounding us.

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