When we think of poverty, many disturbing images float into the consciousness.
Images of young children starving in the streets of an impoverished country, for starters, seem to exemplify the extreme horrors of it.
The thought of young ones being without a crumb to nourish their bodies turns my stomach.
At a time when there is so much advanced technology and widespread global communication, how is it possible that in our reach we have managed to pass over and turn our backs on the truly needy?
After all, we are all "one" in the grand scheme of things.
If one part of us is unhealthy or lacking in nourishment, then each of is, in some capacity.
As Shakespeare said in one of his dramatic plays of yesteryear:
"All are punished!"
In tandem with the "Blog Action" movement today to rise up against poverty - and ultimately effect some healing - I am posting 4 articles.
"World Hunger" has been included for two reasons.
For starters, the article throws a spotlight - not only the waste and superficiality of life in America - but exposes the greed of a few to the detriment of the many.
Further, the statistics underscore the urgency for a call to action.
With that in mind, constructive solutions are also offered up that are not only consciousness-raising, but quite novel in approach.
So, I trust you'll hop on the bandwagon when you peruse that article!
To complement the first post, I have also included a few words from Mahatma Gandhi, written several decades ago in the infancy of our surge for selfish gratification.Even still, the thoughts resonate with truth, today.
In a few sentences, the spiritual leader managed to put his finger on the underlying causes of the ills of our modern-day society - which ultimately - hinder our ability to realize a much gentler, kinder, Garden of Eden.
When our focus drifts to poverty in America, undoubtedly thoughts turn to the homeless who struggle daily in the mean streets of this once-great Nation.
In a world of plenty - how is it possible for an ugly scenario such as this - to have unfolded in our own backyard?
The land of the brave and the free - appears less likely to turn out a good Samaritan or two - willing to lend a helping hand in troubling times.
Such is the width and breadth of our lack of compassion!
For this reason - I have posted "Alms for the Poor" to remind us on blog action day how important it is to give to the homeless - even when a dark shroud has cast a shadow on the rest us considered more fortunate.
Finally, it should be noted, there are many forms of poverty.
On many different levels we are poor, and needy, and wanting.
When it comes to nurturing Mother Earth (for instance) - sentient beings are poor in spirit and slow to replenish a great bounty - once thought bottomless.
In the final analysis, we are all spiritually poor in America.
That's worse than financial bankruptcy in my humble opinion.
Were it not true - each and every one of us would be striving stridently to curb the ills of global warming, anxiously attempting to minimize the carbon footprint, and diligently seeking a way to end all the senseless polluting.
We must end the apathy!
The 4th post focuses on a remarkable woman (who just passed into spirit this past week) - who founded the green movement "Heal the Bay".
Unlike so many others, Dorothy Green was not poor in her ability to rectify a wrong, effect right action, and bring about a positive logical outcome.
Why did she tackle the challenge?
Because it had to be done!
The Dorothy Green post is a tribute to a great lady.
And, the best way to end on an inspiring positive note.
Happy Blog Action Day!
Mother Nature is alive and well and living...
