Be a blessing

Imagine you are in dire need of basic necessities like food or shelter, but you are told that you have to be put on a waiting list. How dispiriting and frustrating it must be to hear that there are limited resources available and that you have to wait for an unknown period of time before receiving the help you desperately need.

I deliver this news much more often than I would like. People reach out with vulnerability and hope, and I have to gently close the door in their face. But before I do that, I try to stay present and listen, and I try to help them problem solve, “Is there anyone who could help you get to a food pantry, or even go for you, a neighbor, a friend?” “I don’t have any friends,” came the quiet reply.

It is a sad reality that many people here in Louisville, Kentucky do not have access to basic human needs or the social support that many of us have and perhaps take for granted. And around the world are facing this challenge right now. Despite the abundance of creation, we have not found a way to distribute resources equitably. While some are blessed with excess, others struggle to make ends meet.

It's easy to feel powerless in the face of such injustice, and, to be honest, it is tempting to hide so I can avoid having to say no to people in need. But even if we don't have the resources to help another person, it is still important to show up for people, to answer the phone, to be present and bear witness to someone’s vulnerability. 

And we can all do something to help. If you have resources to share, whether it's time, money, or other tangible goods, don't hesitate to share your gifts. You can be a blessing to someone's life and make a tangible difference in their lives.

Our organization, Bringing Justice Home, is always in need of resources to help care for our neighbors. Consider volunteering your time to help build our capacity in order to serve a larger number of medically vulnerable Louisville neighbors experiencing food insecurity. If you can't volunteer, consider making a donation to help support our work.

But it's not just about supporting organizations that provide basic services. We also need to work towards a just society where everyone has access to the resources they need to live a dignified life. This means advocating for policies that support equitable distribution of resources, such as affordable housing, living wages, and universal healthcare.

We can also work towards creating sustainable and equitable systems of production and consumption. By reducing waste and promoting fair trade practices, we can help ensure that the abundance of God's creation is shared more equitably among all people.

The feeling of being on a waiting list for basic necessities is discouraging and demoralizing. But we can all make a difference by sharing our resources and working towards a just and equitable society. Remember, if you have resources to share, you can make a difference by sharing your abundance with others. Bringing Justice Home seeks to do something new, exciting, and life-giving at the intersection of needs, desires, experiences, and resources. We have found great joy in sharing what we have and invite you to join us in this joyful experience. Let's build a just and equal Louisville together.