Generosity Opportunity

There is a very serious crisis happening in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen. There is a famine and safe water is hard to find, and the region has been plagued by violence and conflict.

I encourage you to pause and read this story from the United Nations News Center. 

This NPR piece provides helpful context and background.

Millions and millions of people don't have access to clean water. Many are also experiencing profound food insecurity. 

I encourage you to give and give generously to organizations supporting meaningful work in these areas. Here are a few ways to give...

• If you give through Lutheran Disaster Response, 100% of your gift goes to directly help the people of South Sudan. Here's the link. 
• UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund): Give here. 

A quick shoutout Nonviolent Peaceforce. I've heard the founder, Mel, speak twice. They're doing important work throughout the world including in South Sudan. 

I am disheartened that the president is seeking to cut foreign aid at such a critical time for millions of people. But rather than obsess over the president's tweets or value system or nepotistic tendencies, let's do what we can to provide food, water, and sanitary infrastructure to people in the world who don't have access to these basic facets of life we so easily take for granted. 

Our president would have us believe in a scarcity model...the idea that there isn't enough (jobs, wealth, golf courses)...and that the only way we'll have enough as Americans is if we wall off and focus inward. Whether he recognizes it or not, I think Trump's presidential priorities have less to do with what's in the best interest of the people of this country and more to do with his family system.   

If his goal is limitless growth for the United States...regardless of all human and environmental costs to the rest of the world, then he's right - there isn't enough! Infinite growth of the GDP is bonkers. It won't work...which is why many people advocate for a degrowth model - but that's a post for another day. 

In the meantime, if we're talking about access to basic food, water, and shelter - then there IS enough for everyone. There are enough resources...in fact, there are more than enough resources. The problem is the distribution of wealth and resources. Ego and greed. Patriarchy and power. Poverty and inequality. 

The global economic system is broken, and we have to be the ones to fix it. A step at a time. And sometimes it's going to require large, bold steps. 

So start where you are and I'll start from where I am. Thank you for your beautiful heart. 

Inhale peace, exhale peace. Be generous. Be kind to yourself and others. Make thoughtful choices with your money and time. Listen more. Find solutions. Rest well. Love big. 

from yesterday's Post-Bulletin