World Poverty Day

Today is World Poverty Day, also known as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. It is a day devoted to presenting and promoting concrete activities with regard to the eradication of poverty and destitution.

I had today's blog post all written up in my head. I fully intended to transfer thought to keyboard last night and publish it this morning but alas... as they say, "The best laid plans often go awry."

But, here I am... typing away. Better late than never, I suppose.

So, what is extreme poverty? It is "defined by the World Bank as life on less than $1.25 per day. As of 2005, World Bank estimates there were 1.4 billion people in that condition." This number "is expected to fall to around 900 million by 2015, even as the population living in developing countries rises to 5.8 billion. Still, an additional 1.1 billion people will live on less than $2 a day."

Sobering statistics, right?

Mind-boggling!

But, what about this? 

"Providing clean water to every person on earth is estimated at twenty billion dollars. That's a big number, but let's put it in perspective: according to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent $41,200,000,000 (over forty-one billion dollars) during the 2009 Black Friday weekend (the weekend after Thanksgiving). In a single weekend, Americans spent twice what it would cost to provide clean water to every person on earth. Which would save the lives of five thousand children every day. This is sad good news. Sad for obvious reasons, but also good because it reveals an incredible opportunity." 

~ Scott C. Todd, Fast Living, Chapter 9, page 62. 

We have the resources to eradicate poverty!

What if we all lived more simply and give more generously? 

What if we all lived with just enough so that others can have enough?

What if we all become less selfish and more compassionate?

What if we all act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God?

We can be a part in the eradication of poverty in our lifetime. Imagine that!

God's will done through us here on earth... His Kingdom coming!

Shaun Groves' song, Kingdom Coming, from his newest album Third World Symphony illustrates my rambling thoughts quite succinctly.

Oh God, what do we see and hear?|Your kingdom coming|Oh God, what do we see and fear?|Your kingdom coming|Let it come to us|Let it come through us.

CHORUS:
‘Til the sword is spared|And the bread is shared|‘Til the dying’s done|Let your kingdom come|‘Til the rich ones give|And the poor ones live|‘Til the weak are strong|Let your kingdom come.

Oh, God, what do we pray down here?|Your kingdom coming|Let it come to us|Let it come through us.

Mercy come, justice come|Healing come, peace, Lord, come|Your will be done through us on earth.

Oh God, what do we need down here|Your kingdom coming.

Words & Music by Shaun Groves © 2011 Simplicity Street Music/ASCAP

As many of you, my dear blog readers, know... I am a Volunteer Advocate for Compassion. I truly believe that Compassion International is one of the best organizations out there today that can partner with you to eradicate extreme poverty in children and families!

Are you ready to join the fight?
Will you sponsor a Compassion child today?
So that he/she will have enough?

If so, please follow this link. A child is waiting to call you friend!

Unwrapping more of His love in this world.

Act justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God!