*Be Rich and Help the Poor

Pinoy kids playing

Well, if you are busy, young, or a professional from the middle class, poverty comes to mind usually when a community activity has been conducted in the slums, or when it is reported on TV - along the squatters’ areas, or in a far off barrio in the province. It’s a social concern. And yes, it is indeed a problem that has to be resolved. But again, as a member of the middle-class, what can be done from our end?

Nowadays, people in the work force are usually concerned in climbing up the corporate ladder, in getting the benefits their companies promised them, and in living a stress-free life with all the comforts money can buy.

Here’s something to think about – the Philippines was once a rich country, second to Japan even. Gone were the days when the $ is equivalent to 2 pesos. What happened? Well, changes in the government caused too many problems. Also, our sources of income which are our natural resources are now depleted, plus, our graduates prefer to serve other countries. Thus, instead of these young minds helping the economy, a lot would rather pursue their careers elsewhere. How sad.

Personally, I think we just have to deal with this problem, one small step at a time. It’s not enough that we feel for the poor. In this day and age when all are fast-paced and instant, we also need to step back, take time to reflect, and look at poverty in a different light. Join an organization, go and teach in public schools, visit prisons, help build barangay halls and do just about anything in your scope of power to at least make a difference. I will not live with the fact that Pinoys are poor. It’s not too late yet. So let’s act, NOW

Proverbs 14:31 “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.