Friday; December 13


          Today is a pretty neat day for our community – we are having a ribbon-cutting for a local Food Bank.  While it won’t be fully operational for several weeks, we are making strides toward ending food insecurity for the working poor in our community.  Now, for some of you, this news might not be a big deal – either because you aren’t in Southern Maryland or maybe because you are in a bigger city that already has a Food Bank, but for us it is a step in the right direction. 
          The reason I bring up this event is to ask a very simple question, what are you doing to help people who need help in your community?  There are all kinds of responses to assisting people who need help, but there is only one central issue – are we doing something to help those who can’t help themselves?  I don’t think that it matters whether our support is individual or part of a larger, cooperative effort, but those of us who have been given an excess have a responsibility to help those who are lacking in basic food or shelter.  Sure, we can rationalize all sorts of reasons for not taking part in helping our neighbors, but when it comes down to it, are we willing to stand before the God who has given us all we have and explain why we weren’t a part of easing the burden of those who are struggling to make ends meet?  Again, I don’t think there is a single focus in helping others, there are plenty of opportunities to go around.  Maybe you feel more comfortable helping children ... or the working poor ... or the homeless ... or the victims of abuse ... or those with mental or emotional deficiencies ... or whatever happens to touch your heartstrings; but we all have a chance and a responsibility to help our neighbors.
          What are we doing to make a difference in our community?  Not only is it an economically responsible thing to do, it is also the “decent” thing to do!
          Think About It!

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