Today, I was given a half cup of cold rice in a Styrofoam bowl. It was an illustration; on average, a half cup of rice is all most people in our world eat on a daily basis. A half of a cup! If you're near a measuring cup, take a look at how small a half cup is. We are living in abundance in America. This illustration hit me hard this morning. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, how will I be effected. To be incredibly honest, before this illustration I would have stuffed myself to the brim just like every other year(and most day's for that matter), and I wouldn't have thought twice about starving people.
We've hidden the hungry and the needy in our society. We have disassociated them from us, as if they have some kind of contagious disease. Because of this disassociation, our society had become blind, and if the need can not be seen, then nothing will happen to meet it.
I'm beginning to see the importance of living a selfless life. If I only focus on "Numero Uno", then I will live a sad, unfulfilling life. My entire life would be a pursuit for myself, and when I die, so will everything I lived for. But if I choose to life for others, my purpose will continue even after I'm gone.
A selfless life will live forever, but a selfish one will be forgotten quickly.
So what can we do? Am I suggesting to give all your food away except for a half cup of rice? No. Be thankful! If you have the means to keep you and your family from starvation, than be thankful! And secondly, live generous. If you have an overabundance, share it with someone who could really use it. There are tons of ministries that have connections with people in need both here and internationally. And if you can't share your food or money, share this information. It is so vital that this blinder be removed from societies eyes so that they can see the issues around them.
One idea: Go to a Chinese restaurant (or any restaurant that sells white rice). Ask for a half cup of white rice only. If they question it, tell them the news. Tell them that on average, that is what most people are eating in our world.
Isn't it about time we did something about this? If we are living in overabundance, we are the ones who can help. What changes can you make in your own life to help those in need?
Will you choose the journey of a selfless life? Take your life deeper, unlock the journey!
I am thankful for my Blessings. I am thankful for my wonderful son and for his insight to life and the world. What a Blessing he is!! :)
ReplyDeleteMost people will look at that and think "someone else will take care of it/them." We can all learn a little from Mother Teresa in this respect when she said: "If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." We all need to start somewhere...
ReplyDeleteNathan, great post. Sunday was powerful, wasn't it?! I can really see God moving and working in you. I can't wait to see what He does in your life next! Thanks for keeping it real!
ReplyDeleteThat was awesome, Nate. Thanks for the reality check. Your insightfulness has made me take a moment to see the world in another light, to reflect on my life and its purpose, and to reassess my journey.
ReplyDeleteI was a member of a social justice and peace group once. We took part in a similar exercise - a large group of us were given a small serving of rice, the next group (which was smaller) had rice and beans. The third group was given a huge dinner with a limitless supply of soda. We represented the first, second and third world countries.
ReplyDeleteIt was humbling to sit and share a meal in this way. You are right, many people who are hungry are made invisible and suffer right in front of us.
It is a conversation more people should have and more often. Thanks Nate.