Its Not Up To Me.... or is it ??

Sorry for the delay this week. Internet issues and the holiday weekend combined to keep me behind schedule....

When GM and Chrysler recently decided to close thousands of dealers, I was struck by the impact these closings would have on the local communities. The direct cost of lost jobs and lost taxes were bad enough, but it was the indirect, broader losses that stayed with me. It was all of the youth sports teams and school events; charities and worthy causes that would struggle to carry on without one (or more) of their major sponsors.

This week I chose a song that reminded me of my responsibility to help others in need. The pick, "The Last, The Lost, The Least" by Relient K hit me with its line "where we give our lives, our time, our own... to feed, to clothe those in His image we have left alone." It got me thinking about all those causes and groups struggling to get by with less and about my personal obligation to give. Not the government's or Salvation Army's or United Way's or a car dealership's or corporate america's call to support, but my calling.

The song's title refers to several scripture passages: "The Last", "The Lost #1", "The Lost #2" and "The Least". (I'm sure there are plenty more) Each of these shows God's desire for us to reach out to the less fortunate, the troubled, the needy.

Our churches, charities, missions and shelters provide essential services and support - often to the last, the lost and the least. Its especially difficult because at the exact time we have more of us needing help, the funding for these groups is at a low point. Corporations have fewer dollars to donate. Agencies like United Way have a smaller pool of companies and employee contributors, limiting the financial support they can provide. Our Federal Economic Stimulus package skipped over the not-for-profit segment all together.

For me, that means its time to make an individual difference. To take personal responsibility for helping those in need. I know that there are children and adults, even entire families feeling broken, afraid and alone. Its not enough to drop a few bucks in the collection plate or donate my old cast-off clothing to Goodwill. Even though I face my own economic challenges and life struggles, I can spare some time, some energy and even some money for the last, the lost and the least. I hope that you will, too. Peace, Mark