I talked to so many people today. It was great. I love having opportunities to hear other people talk about their lives. It's like the grown up version of story time.
This morning, I found myself chatting with a youngish guy from Angola. He had come to South Africa to work a couple of years ago and landed in OT after a bad burn injury. As he was telling me about his life in Angola, he stopped and said, "For people like you--foreigners from the United States, you would have no problem in my country. You would be able to get a job and make good money. But for people like me, living is hard. I can't find work and I can't just let other people put food on my table. "
I didn't know how to respond, and honestly, I don't quite remember what I said. My gut reaction was to come back and say something like, "I didn't choose to be born in the United States. I didn't have any say in the family I got or the neighborhood I grew up in...it just sort of worked out that way." Now, I know that my Angolan friend wasn't holding my background against me, or trying to be offensive, but I was very uncomfortable.
I've been in a couple of similar situations over the past few years and every time I've come away feeling exceptionally guilty about the life I have. Injustice is not an easy thing to live with and I often forget that I am a privileged person; most of the time I don't think twice about the opportunities I take for granted every day. I probably shouldn't feel guilty about factors I can't control, but I think it's good to take a hard look at how I'm using the resources I possess. How do I personally address injustice in my everyday life?
More than anything, this morning reminded me that with privilege comes responsibility. And it's hard to live responsibly.
There's no good ending to this post. I don't have any answers; this is a topic I will probably think about and wrestle with for the rest of my life. But, if you have any ideas, post a comment and send them this way. It would be good to hear what you have to say.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
i think a lot of people take things for granted. we get so set in this secure and comforatable life that we often forget how fortunate we really are.
it does, come with great responsibility, to reach out and close the increasing gap between the impoverished and the prosperous. how does just one person level the playing field?
I struggle with such thoughts every day. Sometimes I think that living in a way that shows solidarity with the poor (voluntary poverty, a lack of extravagant, wasteful behaviour or even using water wisely) is a 'good' way to live if you happen to be born into wealth... but in reality, even such ways of living bring us no understanding of what it is like to live in a cycle of poverty. I have a friend who sold everything he had, gave the money to the poor, and went to live on the streets of Melbourne. People's response to his actions varied and to be honest, I still don't know what I think about that. I just don't think he'll ever fully understand what it's like. But I guess that's no reason for why we shouldn't try.
I really enjoyed your blog - thanks. However, I think all i've left is more questions! My friend who sold everything has a blog if you're interested. It's linked from mine as 'CK's blog'. Cheers.
i think buddha (before he actually aquired that title), got rid of all of his possessions and chose to live such a life. sometimes it's really easy to get distracted with materiality around us. perhaps there's some wisdom in what your friend chose.
I slightly vary with your view on this. Please don't feel bad for being blessed to be in a land of many opportunities. Please don't feel bad for being privilege. Remember all our fingers are not equal. I think king David was born a poor fellow (but later became wealthy by God's grace), but Solomon was born with a Silver spoon in his mouth. Christ even said the poor shall be amongst us (please note that though the poor shall always be among us i'm not saying/implying that we don't have a responsibility to attend to the needs of true justice).
Nonetheless please don't feel like "yeah it's not my fault i didn't choose to be born in the US." That personally to me would be an irresponsible and an uncaring response to the needs of people like your Angola friend.
Rather I would encourage that you see this through the eyes of Jesus (and you might be like What is this person talking about). This is an awesome opportunity to witness Christ (yet with care and caution) through your actions and words.
I don't know your Angolan friend friend at all, but from what you've said, it seems he's had a rough life and talking about GOd would seem insignificant to him.
This is a great opportunity to let him know that your coming to SA is because you care about the continent of Africa (not that you're there for some resume stuff or the tourist type of just travelling). You really care and in your own small way peacefully attack injustice in the region.
Becrowe is right with what he/she said: "Sometimes I think that living in a way that shows solidarity with the poor (voluntary poverty, a lack of extravagant, wasteful behaviour or even using water wisely) is a 'good' way to live if you happen to be born into wealth... but in reality, even such ways of living bring us no understanding of what it is like to live in a cycle of poverty."
I will encourage that you "live" among "these" people, learn and know from them. You may not understand fully, however at least you will get an idea which at least will be some sorta spring board to help out. God deals with us each according to our faiths. Mother Theresa sold all her stuff which I believe maybe could have been a calling. She did an awesome Job. But some people are also called engineers, teachers, lawyers, etc. I think living with the poor must be taken with care and caution. We are not to be advocates, but rather continue the advocacy that Christ did (continue the ministry of reconcialiation). We're not only to sympathize, but encourage and empower them through the work of the Holy Spirit to get out of their current status and let them know that each of them have a purpose for being on earth.
In a nutshell i would say i'm thankful to God for people like you who in their own little small way care about other people. There are many questions i believe you will stumble across, many with no answers. A clear puzzle is just what you've possed, but then do continue the work of Christ. Remember that at least one soul is good enough to start. Christ started with twelve at least and now a chunk of the world is populated with Christians. One other encouragement too will be prayer for your friend and the continent.
You might be wondering whom this stranger is. You know me, but someday I'll reveal myself. These are just my thoughts to your writing. Sorry if my thought are incoherent and don't make sense. I don't have answers either, but in search of knowing what right thing I can do for the LORD. With privileges, comes responsibilities. Blessings
I struggle with these thoughts sometimes, and I think those are very good times when the struggle is there.
I don't think it is of any edification to feel bad guilty for our position, of which we have no control. But, I would say there is an intense humility that comes along with such realizations. And such realizations are simply reality. We as US citizens, and then on top of that other demographic makes us super super blessed beyond what we may ever realize and this conversation is perhaps this is but a small glimpse into that reality, so I think it is good you are wrestling with it (I heard another small glimpse the other day from a friend who spent a month in India)
When this realization comes to me it often comes from a theological perspective, aka .. why I am one to know the grace of Jesus Christ? Why am I one so blessed to have Him come to me? Of all the people in the universe, world, whatever, nothing sets me apart as more worthy. And sometimes there is a hint of guilty, but I think the more healthy response is just humility along with "Lord send me, send me."
Also, I think Anonny nonny has some good stuff to say. Are some amazing opportunities God is placing in front of you to show Christ to be, and serve.
Quality blogging. Keep it up.
My dear big sib, I love that you are wrestling with this. I know that to wrestle is to be uncomfortable, and for that I'm sorry; but it shows great character to acknowledge that the disparity is present and that there is a responsibility when you're on the top of the see-saw. Many turn their eyes from the injustice because it is an uncomfortable thing to confront. May we continue to wrestle together, my sister! :o) I miss you, and long to share more...an email is headed your way very soon!
Post a Comment