What a Concept !!

 As you all probably know by now, the United States government is “shut down,” to use the words of various media sources.  What that practically means is that many aspects of government have no authority in law to spend money, and so must curtail services until such authority is given.

There are some services that can, under law, continue to spend money, and there are other services which can keep their employees working, but their pay is delayed until the issue is fixed by the Congress and the President.

It's a complicated thing, this shut down business.  On the one hand, the very people who can fix the issue, but don’t, receive their regular pay and benefits.  On the other hand, those on the receiving end of the shut-down have to continue working as “essential workers” for no compensation until the law is changed.

And then there are those who rely on government services who suddenly are without.  The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is one such service.  Suddenly, tens of millions of people are without one of their basic means of survival.

Yes, I am well aware of the pro’s and the con’s regarding the SNAP program.  I know there are some who think it is a waste of resources and a huge mess of corruption.  There are others who believe the program is the savior of the world, so to speak, at least regarding food assistance, and want to expand it to many more.

I’m not here to argue any of the ideological points.  The truth is there are people who legitimately need assistance with basic necessities such as food.  That need may be filled by government, by non-profit orgs, by faith communities, or by individuals.  My guess is that if private orgs and individuals would be able and willing to fill the need, there would be no need for a SNAP program on a government level.  But that’s a topic for another day.

What I AM here to say is that I am seeing people step up to the need.  I am seeing people donate what they can afford to give.  I see every kind of donation from a can of green beans to a several thousand dollar check.  People are volunteering to work food pantries.  People are helping load and transport case lots of food.  People are spreading the news regarding the location and hours of the food pantries in the area.  People are delivering food to folks who can’t go to the pantry for whatever reason.  It’s heartening to see.

And I’m also seeing something I think is more important than donations of food or money.  I’m seeing people opening their minds to the truth that there is hunger and need in their neighborhoods.  I’m also seeing people open their hearts to the plight and circumstances of others.

Open minds and open hearts.  What a concept!  What a thought!  Could it be that this government-made situation be an instrument to help us open our minds and hearts to better enable us to love God and love our neighbor?

Paul Purdue, a minister with the United Methodist Church, wrote in a recent blog regarding open hearts and open minds.  I’ve slightly edited a part of it for this Thursday Thought.  Here’s what he said:

Sadly, much of what passes for Christianity in America today is closed minded, cultural bound, and increasingly hard hearted.  Such a faith rides up like an ill fitting jacket binding us up with do’s, don’t, oughts and shoulds.  This kind of Christian thought shuts down our minds, pinches off our compassion, and limits our capacity to love God and neighbor.

We substitute a list of norms, beliefs, and behaviors for a relationship with God…the God who told Abraham to immigrate, made Sarah laugh, empowered Moses to challenge Pharaoh, emboldened Esther, entrusted Mary with the fullness of God’s very self, went fishing with Peter, taught us to love, flipped over tables, suffered humiliation on the cross, rose from the dead, breathed the Holy Spirit on the disciples, changed Paul’s heart, and still speaks today.  Could it be that maybe…just maybe…an open heart and open mind are essential to faith?

This is Jay again.  I’ll just leave you to answer that last question yourself.  What do you think?

Meanwhile, if you’re at all able to help provide food, warmth, shelter, infant and baby needs, transportation, or any other need, please step up during this upcoming holiday season, and throughout the year.

Open minds and open hearts.  What a concept!  What a thought!