As with most of what I post on the blog, I write more for me than for you. Along my own journey, I hope you can pick up something helpful for your own journey.
Friends have mentioned Toxic Charity numerous times this year, but it took me a while to catch up and read it for myself. Now that I have, I will not be the same citizen, leader or pastor. My eyes have been opened, and I cannot imagine ignoring what Bob Lupton writes about.
I hurt for the family whose dignity is crushed every Christmas.
I hurt for the family who can’t put food on the table themselves and have to search through what someone else has picked out.
I hurt for the family who has so much creativity and energy but lacks the relational network to launch their own small business.
I hurt at every memory of breaking the Oath for Compassionate Service.
One of Bob’s assertions is that building a large “empire” or establishment as a center for combating any one issue is not all that helpful:
Loading an area down with poverty programs and human services can virtually ruin its chances of economic rebirth.
– TC p. 174
Then what should we do?
Work in your own neighborhood. Meet your neighbors, discover the needs around you. Then work to build up non-toxic generosity and develop your own community.
You can focus on a need, or you can focus on your community.
Your community is the best place to start because it has one unique element no other community has:
You.
Catch up on the Toxic Charity Series from the very beginning!
