Re-distributing the Wealth

I had the pleasure of watching the premiere of a brand new show on TV last night called Secret Millionaires. In case you missed it, each week one "multi-millionaire" strips himself of all possessions, wealth and status. That person then embeds themselves into a poverty stricken neighborhood to live among the poor. The goal is for the wealthy person to find needy people that they can help by blessing them with money. I loved. every. minute of the show. Not only did the extremely wealthy gazillionaire find three different people to bless financially, he was blessed in return by realizing how fortunate he actually is. This is God's version of "re-distributing the wealth."

That term was used so much during the election past, that it almost got lost in translation. Our current president elect has almost the right idea. Filthy rich people do not need all they have while there are people starving, unable to pay their medical bills, heat bills or can't afford to buy a new pair of underpants.

Remember, I said he has almost the right idea.

Helping people in need is not a great job for the government. It is a great job for people. There is nothing better in life than to give. Whether it is money, time, or a helping hand; we are all called to give. That way, not only is the person in need blessed, the giver is blessed in return. We are all surrounded by people around us that are in need. It is our job to open up our eyes so that we can clearly see the need and then fill it.

Let me give you an example of a situation that arose a couple of years ago that still upsets me to this day. I was in line at Walmart buying all of the "stuff" that one needs. I happened to get in line behind a lady and her small children that clearly lived a different life than I ever had. As the checkout gal told her the total, the lady started counting all of her cash and with a look of frustration and embarrassment, she starting taking things out of the bags. I remember secretly rolling my eyes, thinking to myself..."Man lady, get it together...don't you know that we are all in a hurry here. I need to get home and I don't have time for you to play ring up roulette here." I watched as she took out items like toilet paper, dish soap and toothpaste because she didn't have the money to pay for them. She left the store with only the items that she had the cash for and probably boarded a city bus with her small children in tow and headed for home. All this happened while I stood there with a debit card in my purse that could have bought her entire cart plus some with out our family having to sacrifice ONE thing.

The tears started flowing from my eyes the minute I sat my selfish butt in the front seat of my brand new minivan.

I can imagine how I must have grieved God that day. He placed a situation in front of me that was clear as day. It couldn't have been any more crystal clear. And I ignored it completely. I selfishly turned my back and sat on my high horse and disappointed God.

I remember calling Jonathan with tear stained cheeks and told him what a fool I was. He understood how I felt and reminded me that he would never, ever be upset if I gave to someone in need...even if it made our family feel the pinch.

Let me be forth coming and tell you that I still can be blind to the needs around me, but God is teaching me and I am slowly learning to respond.

I also believe that God has placed specific situations in front of every one who reads this blog. Are your eyes open to see the need? Are you willing to respond?

I promise you that if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and give to someone in need, you will be blessed beyond measure. You will most likely be faced with the tears of a stranger. Someone who can't believe that you would care about them. Someone that may walk away a different person after encountering your generosity. Someone that may get a good nights rest for the first time in years. Someone who may see the world in a different light.

Back to re-distributing the wealth. It is a great, fabulous, wonderful concept contrary to what most republicans will tell you. But it is one that works best when it is person to person.

You may give to charities, missions, your church or organizations. And that it all awesome. They need your contributions to fulfill their missions and do good as well. But, there are people out there that need your help just as much if not more. The world will only change one by one. Period.

So, this is my Christmas Challenge to you all. See a need and meet it. And enjoy doing it!

And to the four precious kids that call me mom, I hope that when you read this in say 10 or 15 years...you would know that I'm talking to you too! Give, give, give...you can never out give God!