Give

We've all seen it in the news lately about the devastation in Haiti, and though I don't usually write social commentaries I felt compelled to speak out about people's response to this disaster, and to the plight of the poor in general. Now before I begin I want to be careful about not throwing stones in glass houses here; I don't want to rant about how people aren't doing enough to help those in need. In fact the question of how much help is enough is a relative one. I recognize that there are a lot of caring people in the world who want to make a difference. I admire those who dedicate their lives to alleviating the suffering of others in the world, both in big and small ways. You don't have to be a Mother Theresa in order to make a difference, and that most people show their care for others in the little things they do. If you are one of those people, I salute you.

I imagine that I am about to preach to the converted here, that most people who bother to read what I say already fit into the above category. What I want to do here is raise the level of compassion in people, starting in myself. But mostly I want to challenge the indifference that's out there. And there may be more than we realize. Recently I read an online poll which asked people how they were contributing to the Haitian relief effort. The poll gave various options (online, telephone, etc.) but also allowed for an "I'm not giving" response. Guess what the survey revealed: 59% of respondents said they weren't planning on giving. Now I realize that this wasn't a scientific poll, but rather a reflection of everyone who responded. It also contrasts a similar online poll which asked a simple yes or no to whether the respondent planned to give to Haiti (it was an even 50-50 split). But still, I found it shocking that 50-59% of respondents would even admit that they weren't lifting a finger to help the poorest nation in the western hemisphere in its greatest hour of need.

Consider this fact: we who live in the developed world account for 20% of the world's population. We who are the 20% control 80% of the wealth in the world. This is a fact I have (sadly) been able to verify. What I haven't been able to verify (so far) is this statement, that 80% of the charitable giving raised in the developed world stays in the developed world. In other words we, in the developed world, may very well be throwing table scraps to the poor. As I said I haven't been able to verify that statement but I'm waiting to hear back from a research institute who can hopefully answer my query on the matter. But I suspect there's a lot of truth to it, nonetheless. How often have we heard it said, "Charity begins at home"? Perhaps this is a perversion of another phrase, "Think globally, act locally."

Again, I'm not saying we should all go out and try and save the world, sell your house, walk around in rags and run soup kitchens. All I'm saying here is that we should all give. And if we all give we don't need to give a lot. If people choose one or two worthy causes and support them on a monthly basis it would make a world of difference. For years now Angel & I have supported Hope International, a development agency that helps people in developing nations help themselves. We also support Kiva, a microfinacing organization that lends money to entrepreneurs in developing nations. I'm not sharing this to get a pat on the back, but to make a point: if people like us who don't have a lot (in comparison to most people in our society) can share what we have with the poorest of the poor, then most people can too.

I don't care who you give to, so long as you give - something, anything. It just might make a difference to someone out there, especially when you live amongst the rubble of what was once your neighborhood. Or country for that matter.

Peace beyond understanding

It's a quiet moment here in the Nicolajsen residence, and I'm glad to take advantage of it to post some of my recent thoughts. It's been a full 10 days into the New Year and life continues to be interesting for us. Angel just got home today from the hospital after having surgery (thanks again to everyone for your calls, e-mails, prayers and meals), and so I'm taking a week off to be Mr. Mom as well as tend to Angel's needs. Jess is back to school and had her first sleep-over since we got her; she spent the night at my cousin's place as his 11 year old had her birthday, and specifically asked if Jess could come. This was really encouraging to see as Jess and her new cousins just met at the New Year's Day gathering my parents put on. Considering that Jess is supposed to have anxiety issues this is remarkable, as was the way she ran around on New Year's Eve chasing boys (and boys chasing her) at our pastor's New Year's gathering at his place. So it seems that Jessica's settling into her new life quite nicely. She's comfortable enough at least to start testing us to see if we really mean it when we say no, and if we still love her when she crosses the line. In spite of the new stresses that instant parenthood brought us we wouldn't trade it (or Jess for that matter) for the world.

But stresses and pressures there are, and it has added to the usual reflection I do at the beginning of every year. I always take time to take stock of the previous year and look ahead to what the new year may bring. Of course I need to look to God for direction in this process, and I already have a sense of what he wants to impart to me this year. The first thing that I sense is God renewing in me a desire to get into His Word - the Bible. After years of academic study I now have more time to read whatever I want, and I just feel the need to get back to basic scripture. I'm not saying that my studies was a waste of time, but rather I need to build on what I already learned. And since I have no more directed studies that just leaves me with the Bible. This is fitting since I'm gearing up to get back into preaching at Calvary again. I've already received a schedule and some notes from previous meetings, and I've been putting some thought and prayer into what I should speak on when the time comes.

The second thing I sense from God is His peace in the middle of the pressures of our new life as parents. I know, you parents out there are nodding your head in agreement and maybe wondering what the big deal is. Parenthood and pressure go hand in hand. Honestly I don't have a frame of reference to compare our pressure with others' as our situation is different. I suspect that going from 18 years of couplehood to being parents of a 10 year old overnight may put us in a special category. In a lot of ways we are still establishing our relationship with Jessica, and that hasn't been easy. But I suspect we go through much the same as any other parents do, like dealing with behavioral and financial issues. The financial part is especially a big challenge for us. We do get support payments from the province for Jess, and we're waiting for the federal child tax credit to kick in; but with my work wage frozen this year and Angel being on employment insurance for parental leave we're actually making several hundred dollars less per month than before. With expenses up and revenue down I really need to start thinking about another job.

The pressure is there, as I don't relish the thought of leaving a job I thoroughly enjoy and venture into the unknown of something that pays better but I may hate doing. I may not be able to find anything to begin with, considering the economic situation these days. But somehow I know things will be ok. Last week in our church home-group we were studying Philippians 4:4-9, which is about being joyful, thankful and prayerful in all circumstances. When we do this and keep our minds focused on what is good, and if we put into practice a life of faith, we will have a peace that's beyond understanding. And as we shared our needs with the group and brought them before God in prayer we knew that we were going to be ok. It's a strange mixture, feeling both peace and pressure at the same time. The pressure comes from making the choice to become parents, and it's a choice we don't regret. Adopting Jess was good for both her and for us, and because it is good we know that God, who is good, will take care of us.