So, I don't know that anyone really reads this infrequent blogging of mine but I really want some feedback on this- so please let me know what you think. Ok, here's the topic- What is the Christ follower's responsibility for caring for the orphans and widows in distress all over the world?
The other day, we were reading in this book called Window of the World (I highly recommend it) about Bangladesh and for some reason, it struck me more than any other country, that the children of Bangladesh are born into such a hopeless situation. They have so little, their land is constantly being flooded by various natural disasters and thousands die from disease, poverty, tsunamis, you name it- it seems like they just can't get a break. I just kept thinking about them that morning- these little children who don't have anything- these men and women who are just living in despair. Later that day, I went to Kohl's and bought some shirts for my girls. Honestly, they really don't need anything. They have so many clothes- I'm not sure why I bought them but I did and I looked at the tag at home and it said "Made in Bangladesh".
I've always thought about the world, I've always cared, but lately, I care a lot more and I feel so responsible but I don't know what to do. I think of these places, like Bangladesh, Thailand, China, India, where we Americans can get cheap labor and I really don't know what I should do. Do I stop trying to get good deals because I'm not sure if people are being exploited so I can buy a cheaper shirt? Do I just accept that this is the way of the world? I really don't know for sure that anyone is doing anything wrong. I haven't done any research into this. It's just this gut feeling that Bangladesh is a mess of a place so how can they be treating their employees fairly at any of these clothes producing plants?
Do you see my dilemma? Is this something anyone else has wrestled with? if so, do you have an answer? It breaks my heart to think of the starving, suffering people in this world but I don't know what I can do to make a difference. I do know there are good organizations out there that pay a fair wage to people to help them climb out of their poverty. I know there are organizations like Compassion International and World Vision teaching and feeding children. We sponsor a little girl in Uganda and my kids faithfully pray for her. I have to say though, until recently, she didn't seem real to me. I'm not sure why. I don't like what that says about me. But lately, she has been on my heart. I think about her, I wonder what her daily life is like. I wish I could do more than just send $38 a month. She always writes and asks when we are going to come and see her and I feel guilty for thinking, I don't really want to go to Uganda. Though lately, I would really like to meet her and hug her and just love her. I don't know how that could happen though.
I'm praying God will just stretch me and show me what I can do to make a difference in this world. I know His heart breaks for all the heartache all over this world. I don't want to be so comfortable in my cushy American life that I can't be bothered by the troubles of third world countries, that I just think of Bangladesh as a place where they make cheap clothes.
I think it would really be a blessing to travel the world. I haven't been very many places. I went to Russia once but it was a pretty sanitized time- with 200 other Christians- I'm pretty sure I didn't get an accurate picture. Now I seem a bit stuck in the MidWest but the Lord has opened my heart up so much more and given me such concern for these broken places in the world. I think it would be nice to actually physically understand the world beyond America.
For now, I would just love to hear any opinions on this- especially on what you think about shopping at places where you are pretty sure they exploit workers in third world countries to bring you good bargains... that's really hard. Am I supporting their behavior by shopping there? Am I perhaps over-reacting because I dont' actually know that anyone is being exploited? Talk to me :)
i'm breastfeeding, so typing a response will take too long with one hand! i'll do it later...remind me :) ~beth
ReplyDeleteOoh, that's a hard one. Well, you could do with less clothing...and you could buy second-hand to avoid "making a space" in a regular store...but then you make a space to be filled in a thrift store too. It's hard with clothing because it is so universal that clothing is NOT made in the USA for fair wages. How do you find something better?
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm still really thinking about this- but one thing I do is pray for the hands that made my clothes- I somewhat intentionally look at the tags and pray quickly when I'm dressing my kids or myself- but i feel like that isn't enough. But I'm not discounting the power of prayer... anyways, I'm still pondering. And I don't have time to write at this moment ;)
ReplyDelete