Poverty is Not a Sin

Poverty isn’t a sin. Falling on hard times doesn’t make anyone a bad person. Contrary to popular belief, struggling is not a sin. Living under oppression isn’t a sin. Oppressing others for gain or pleasure, however, is a sin. Only those who exist in a spiritual desert can turn a blind eye to the suffering of others.

One of the quickest ways to find out how people feel about you is to be in a place of need. The surest way to lose friends and family or clear the room is to tell the truth. I dare you. Stand on a heartfelt principle- give voice to any thought that goes against the crowd, refuse to back down, and see who’s standing with you after the dust settles. I promise you’ll think an atomic bomb just dropped and you’re the last person alive on Earth. 

Have you seen people living on the streets or in their car? Do you know anyone living in a homeless shelter? Do you have a family member struggling to pay rent each month? Do you know anyone who has lost it all? Do you know anyone who's working hard to rebuild their life?

With whatever you know, think you know, or don’t know of their story, what comes to your mind? Do you assume that their current condition has to be due to poor choices, drug addiction, sickness, or mental illness? Do you think they just don’t have enough hustle? Does any of this cross your mind at all? After all, it doesn’t have anything to do with you, right? 

Most of us seek a certain level of self-reliance and independence.  And we're proud when we achieve it. However, there are times when we can't do it all alone. There are times when we need support. And in those times, it's the last place we want to find ourselves. Contrary to the popular proverb "God helps those who helps themselves," God helps those who CANNOT help themselves.

If you knew more about the person, more of their story, would the knowledge lead you to compassion? Is there any space in your heart for understanding? Compassion that lends a helping hand is great when possible, but sometimes all a person needs is a quiet prayer. 

A prayer of a righteous person availeth much. A prayer reaches out to the One who can dispatch exactly what’s needed. I have experienced the remarkable power of prayer. I've seen it work in my life and others. Many times, I have desperately cried out to the Lord and been delivered on eagle's wings. Believe me, prayer is never the least we can do for a person. 

Prayer is a beautiful gift. Prayer is powerful. Prayer is your power- if you accept it. Prayer transcends space and time. No matter where you are in this world, prayer can reach you. 

We desperately need more compassion in this world. Anyone can judge. Anyone can be critical. Anyone can shake their head in pity or disgust. Anyone can whisper. Anyone can gossip. Anyone can pretend they’ve always had their stuff together. Anyone can cast a haughty look. Anyone can throw stones.

Compassion that opens the heart proves that our spirits are active and alive. Compassion steps in another person’s shoes and walks the extra mile. Compassion trumps judgment. Compassion returns to the sender. Compassion elevates the human experience, moving all of us forward and upward. 

Blessings and love,

Leya Allen