What a powerful narrative. A good friend of mine has repeatedly said that there is a price to pay to live in a civilized society. He is right and we are failing in that task. I know I am out of step with the “reds” in this state but all are entitled to good health care, education, well paying jobs and food and shelter security. Somehow we have forgotten the 8 Beatitudes.
To be honest, most of us could find ways to make these situations better. I'm a 74 year old Vietnam veteran, with medical issues due to Agent Orange. I have what I need, so I'm not asking for help, rather, I have found a way to give help and do something for the environment! The meager nickel deposit Iowa has for returning cans and the limited ability for many to even return them, has left a trail of aluminum everywhere! I recycle what others toss and get some exercise in the process. The money it generates gets donated to worthy causes along with many other items that I find that are tossed! The first year I made $750 over a summer, now I do this year round and make over a thousand dollars a year. It is work, messy at times, but satisfying when someone decides to do something for the Latino population (health checks to start with) and I gave then $100 to get it started. I gave them another hundred when they wanted to expand the program for ESL services. I firmly believe putting a little money in the hands of people who have a good idea and no money, with a bit of help it might get past the thinking process and into the doing part! So, yes, you can do something regardless of your age or ability!
Wow. Did this bring back memories. In the 30's there were still a lot of people who were trying to recover with very little money to meet daily needs. I wish I had pictures of some of the men who walked from the railroad that was about a mile south of our house as word had been shared that they could knock on my parents door and my mother would bring out a plate of food for them. That example is probably what prepared me to stand up to the residents who thought there was no need for a food pantry in Pella (and some still do). Is this ability to be kind to those who are in very different circumstances or look different from us learned or inherited? For whatever reason they persist in very uncertain moments like now. Glad that as one of them you are a writer.
I'm stretched out on my couch, finishing the last revision of today's sermon. And then I open this and I know that good will prevail. Thank you, Robert.
Thanks so much. I needed to hear this today. I was about to do some retail therapy, justified in my mind by some hard things we are going through. After reading this and thinking a bit, I decided I would actually feel better if I sent out some money to one or two of the good causes with funding requests piled up on my desk. You made my day better.
Thank you, Bob. Your kindness and empathy are gifts that you very generously share with others. You also are very generous with your time which may be your greatest gift. As I have told you before, you notice the people and places that too many of us pass off as white noise. I enjoyed the story about the gentleman to whom you gave $10 and when asked what he was going to do with it he told you that he was going to buy beer. I remember Pope Francis telling people to give money to the people on the street who have nothing. When asked if he worried that they might spend it on alcohol. He said “No and if they did, so what?”. I think that is the very essence of giving - share with no judgement.
Great article, Bob! I too try to instill in my children the importance of helping others in times of need. I also agree with your point on the Salvation Army. Especially as I’ve gotten older, I’m unwilling to support organizations and companies that discriminate against marginalized communities.
Bless your heart, Bob Leonard for being the kind of man who stops and asks questions. Our church, Second Reformed Church in Pella, is also serving free lunches 3 times a week throughout the summer. I invite you to stop by anytime you’re in town.
What a powerful narrative. A good friend of mine has repeatedly said that there is a price to pay to live in a civilized society. He is right and we are failing in that task. I know I am out of step with the “reds” in this state but all are entitled to good health care, education, well paying jobs and food and shelter security. Somehow we have forgotten the 8 Beatitudes.
I almost quoted the beatitudes.
To be honest, most of us could find ways to make these situations better. I'm a 74 year old Vietnam veteran, with medical issues due to Agent Orange. I have what I need, so I'm not asking for help, rather, I have found a way to give help and do something for the environment! The meager nickel deposit Iowa has for returning cans and the limited ability for many to even return them, has left a trail of aluminum everywhere! I recycle what others toss and get some exercise in the process. The money it generates gets donated to worthy causes along with many other items that I find that are tossed! The first year I made $750 over a summer, now I do this year round and make over a thousand dollars a year. It is work, messy at times, but satisfying when someone decides to do something for the Latino population (health checks to start with) and I gave then $100 to get it started. I gave them another hundred when they wanted to expand the program for ESL services. I firmly believe putting a little money in the hands of people who have a good idea and no money, with a bit of help it might get past the thinking process and into the doing part! So, yes, you can do something regardless of your age or ability!
Inspirational Steve! Thank you.
Wow. Did this bring back memories. In the 30's there were still a lot of people who were trying to recover with very little money to meet daily needs. I wish I had pictures of some of the men who walked from the railroad that was about a mile south of our house as word had been shared that they could knock on my parents door and my mother would bring out a plate of food for them. That example is probably what prepared me to stand up to the residents who thought there was no need for a food pantry in Pella (and some still do). Is this ability to be kind to those who are in very different circumstances or look different from us learned or inherited? For whatever reason they persist in very uncertain moments like now. Glad that as one of them you are a writer.
Robert, one of your best ever.
Amazing, Bob. I wish my heart and my eyes would be as open as yours.
But they are.
A powerful message in a gentle narrative. Thank you, Bob!
Thank you for this post. Structural violence is a new term for me. It’s exactly what I needed to hear.
I'm stretched out on my couch, finishing the last revision of today's sermon. And then I open this and I know that good will prevail. Thank you, Robert.
Thanks so much. I needed to hear this today. I was about to do some retail therapy, justified in my mind by some hard things we are going through. After reading this and thinking a bit, I decided I would actually feel better if I sent out some money to one or two of the good causes with funding requests piled up on my desk. You made my day better.
Thank you, Bob. Your kindness and empathy are gifts that you very generously share with others. You also are very generous with your time which may be your greatest gift. As I have told you before, you notice the people and places that too many of us pass off as white noise. I enjoyed the story about the gentleman to whom you gave $10 and when asked what he was going to do with it he told you that he was going to buy beer. I remember Pope Francis telling people to give money to the people on the street who have nothing. When asked if he worried that they might spend it on alcohol. He said “No and if they did, so what?”. I think that is the very essence of giving - share with no judgement.
Thanks Kathi! I had forgotten the Pope's comment!
Great article, Bob! I too try to instill in my children the importance of helping others in times of need. I also agree with your point on the Salvation Army. Especially as I’ve gotten older, I’m unwilling to support organizations and companies that discriminate against marginalized communities.
Glad to see so many supportive comments proving that your message has struck a a chord. There is hope!
My heart is bursting with empathy for your sacred gifts and the kind people that were gifted. Thank you for yet another reason to vote BLUE.
Keep it up. An old Tracyite.
Bless your heart, Bob Leonard for being the kind of man who stops and asks questions. Our church, Second Reformed Church in Pella, is also serving free lunches 3 times a week throughout the summer. I invite you to stop by anytime you’re in town.
Thank you Sherril! What days of the week? thanks.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
It would be fun if you could let me know if and when you might drop in.
The generosity of your soul, your words, and your actions is remarkable. Thank you for this uplifting collection of human interactions
Thank you. You are very kind.