Struggles

Lord, I struggle. Oh how I struggle with so much.  Right now I am struggling with the fact that in this world there is so much that needs to be done, yet most of this society is focused on presents, shopping and things.  There are wars, illnesses, hunger, so many without, without the simple things as a roof over their head, a bed, clean water, a family.  And here I sit, in a place where there is plenty. I have a roof over my head, a bed, clean water, indoor plumbing, electricity, heat, food on my table, access to quality medical care, I have a family.

Ever notice with social media it's all about "look what I have!"?  I am guilty of it. Yep, I've posted my fair share of photos showing what I received for a birthday, Christmas and all those other First World holidays.  A few years back I vowed to not take a photo of our Christmas tree with the presents under it. It isn't about the gifts, the packages or things. I love my tree, I love the lights, the shine, the glitter. I love taking a photo of the kids by it each year. I don't care about the things under it, but the people surrounding it.

I hear people constantly complain about how Christmas has become so commercialized. That people are resenting the holiday because of the cost and chaos. Who says we need to follow suit?  Why conform? Why continue to teach generations that its about things? We are all guilty. I am not without fault. How about truly doing for others?  I honestly cannot recall that ONE item, each year of my childhood that I asked for and either did or did not get, (most likely did not get, I was one of five).  Does it matter? No, we get all year round! Most of us are fortunate enough to be able to go out and get groceries, to have clothes, to have a cell phone, movies, tv, video games. Do we really NEED these things? What is missing???

I'll tell you. People, relationships, community, LOVE. Yes, that is all missing. I cannot sit back any longer and watch this world in the state it is and do nothing. I cannot be comfortable with the status quo.  It starts with me. Little ol' me. This small town girl who dreams big things, has idea's beyond the head they conjure up from. This heart has grown and continues to do so, and wants to share and wants the best for everyone.

I'm reading a book, Kisses from Katie. I love everything I have read so far and I can finally say that someone has put into book form what is running through my heart daily.  What caught me off guard was the correlation to a term that I have also struggled with, the term of being a Christian. What does that mean? I have considered myself one, but really, honestly what does it mean?  That term is tossed out there so often I think we have forgotten what it really is and have been using it with abandonment.  If you are a Christian, (I get we are all human and not without fault), do you partake in the chaos? Do you get caught up in the status frenzy? Do you care what others are doing, saying or telling you that you need in return? Is it really about things?

Here are a few sobering statistics:  there are 2.1 billion people on this planet that proclaim to be Christians. That's a lot. Approximately 143 million orphaned children, 11 million children will starve to death or die of preventable illnesses, 8.5 million work as child slaves, prostitutes or under other terrible conditions.  There are 2.3 million who live with HIV....if ONLY 8% of us so called Christians would care for ONE, just one more child, those stats of children would be gone. GONE! Now, I don't think this means that we need to all run out and physically adopt a child into our homes. But can we take just a small portion of our Christmas budget and help another child. YES. If you answer no to this, then maybe I ask, is it you that could need some help in your own home. I know I don't need one single item for Christmas. I don't. I really NEED, and I don't mean it's a want, to help others. I feel the need to be one of the 8% that actually do act upon these Christian values that I proclaim to have. I need to, I am choosing to.  I can choose to sponsor a child to go to school, I can donate to build a well, to send food, to help build a hospital, a home, a church. I can purchase socks and underwear for a person in need, I can stuff that cash into the kettle bell if I want my money to stay in the community. One does not have to look to a Third World country to see the need, although, I can assure you, their need is a different kind and unless you have been there and seen for yourself, you cannot begin to understand. I sure didn't.

I want hearts to be full this Christmas. I want to ignite a fire for doing for others. I want to put service above self. I want to see others eyes light up, I want to know that I made a difference in just ONE person. I am reminded of one of my favorite stories:

Be that person, who breaks the status quo and does for that just one other.  Reach out to family, even those you may not be on the best of terms with.  Talk to your neighbors, give a little extra of yourself.  Just say no to that extra store bought gift, look at what you CAN do, take time to be present, be that gift of light in a broken world.  Be that person, your gift to yourself, try it this Christmas season. Do not get caught up in the chaos.

Lord, oh how I struggle!