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We have all been taught certain ideals that we hold dear within our core. These help define and guide us. They are part of the moral compass that lead us through our life. Yet, there are times in which these ideals are tarnished and smacked down like an airborne fly.
"Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”
I was raised with this John Wesley quote at the front of my churches. I was always taught that it is an ideal that can never truly be fully attained. It is much like the commandment to put NOTHING before God. A rule that we strive for, but will always miss. No matter how hard I try to be Christlike and put all others first, I will fail. The poverty within India is an easy place to experience this realization. The poverty strikes you easily with homeless at street corners and beggars that tap on your car window.
Like many places India has three kinds of panhandlers: those in need, the professional, and the addict. It is nearly impossible to distinguish one from another. You are faced with extreme need and poverty at every turn. The destitute are there, those that need your help look you in the eye, young children lay in waste under tarps, the person with physical needs walks next to you, yet you are helpless to help. You turn away and ignore them, and offer nothing. No resources given or simple acknowledgement of their shared humanity.
It is fully understood by our guides that should you cross the bridge between, you will be pushed for more. Even for the one in true need you're helpless to deliver actual hope or assistance. Is accomplishing nothing still doing good?. A simple demonstration that I am not God. I have no power. I cannot do much even if I have the desire to. That realization hits like a brick in the face, yet it is not a cry of hopelessness. I believe that with the massive needs I as an individual am not useful. Hope lies in the ability of people to work in scale and pool resources to reach out.
That is what it sounds like we will witness and participate with as we get ready to board our next plane. We are heading toward Chennai where LPGM works with local partners to make a difference.
Ty Thayer
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