Give Back

Devan's Take

I heard today that the LDS church has changed his mission slightly. Along with proclaiming the gospel, redeeming the dead and perfecting the saints, the church will add a fourth mission. Care for the poor and needy. As much as people can bag on members of the LDS church or find fault in some of the members actions, nobody can accuse the church or many of its members of not helping the poor. A lot of people have become very wealthy and blessed by the hand of the Lord. I have met some very rich members of my church, and also the poorest. I remember visiting members of the church in bamboo huts and sharing with them a message. They were not extremely educated, and not having much wealth at all. Most of them had some pictures of their families and had a nice stereo so they could all sing Karaoke with their friends. Some people think you should not help the poor because you will enable them to rely on you and that people who are poor should not be helped, because they can care for themselves. I would counter and say, We should not decide who lives or dies because of where they were born. I think the Lord expects those who have been blessed to give back and care for others. If not selfishness is likely to overcome the soul of the person who fails to help or life another. Just a few thoughts...

Emily's Take

I was the recipient of much charity and goodness growing up. My mother moved us four children around often, chasing work - and moving is not cheap. We never had a lot, and it showed in our appearance. Tattered clothing, shoes with holes in them, etc. made us stand out as obviously needy. I am grateful for those who helped care for us during those years. I have since become much more cynical regarding recipients of welfare and charitable giving. Unfortunately, I have come to realize that, although many of my family members go without a lot of things, the reasons are typically because of lack of motivation to do something about it. I have watched my mother turn down two or three job offers one month before getting evicted. She lives off the charity of others because it's easier than working for it - hey, she's getting it for free! It breaks my heart to think that some members of my family (my mom not being the only one) live this way.
I have also learned another thing: it doesn't really matter the stories behind those who receive charity. The bottom line - they do need it. Though my mother's circumstances are of her own making, that doesn't erase her need for charity. Indeed, Christ's love is called Charity. We all need our Savior. So, though I realize that there are many who "take advantage" of charity, I also understand that there are so many who will receive with gratitude and praise our Lord with thanksgiving. In those recipients, I have hope.