Hungry Kids Need Praying Hearts

In yesterday’s newspaper I read an article about a local principal who was leading an effort to see that students in his school had food boxes for the Thanksgiving holiday. In our community that didn’t seem particularly newsworthy since several local organizations, including our food bank and the Salvation Army, had delivered boxes of groceries  to families in need. The Mission and a community center served dinners to the hungry. My husband and I had donated a turkey to help fill baskets for those within our church who  struggle in this downturned economy.

What surprised me about this article is that the school mentioned sits in the heart of one of our more affluent neighborhoods. Homes there are newer, some of them pricey. The families within should be living in fairly comfortable settings. But the principal discovered, after budget cuts promoted him to cafeteria monitor, that many students were piling up their plates. Comments circulating among the students told him lunch was the only meal these children would see that day.

That seems a sad commentary on the condition of our nation. Unemployment stays around ten percent, leaving families stranded with bills to pay and mouths to feed. While it is comforting to know that neighbors are helping neighbors, that Americans still support, lift up and encourage others,  all the indicators point to a country in trouble. For those of us who spent this past Thursday with family and friends, sitting before tables laden with the fruits of the labors of seasoned cooks, we may find it difficult to imagine so many in need.

While the news media keeps us pointed toward the east, looking to our leaders in Washington, D.C. for answers, God’s word asks us to direct our attention heavenward. Politicians are only people—God is the Lord of creation.

 In 2 Chronicles 7:14, in God’s second appearance to Solomon, He says, “If my people who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

All indicators point to a nation that needs healing. God asks you to pray.  He put us in motion, He can let us fail as well. None of us want to see that happen. Will you join me in seeking His help? From the looks of things, we all might need knee pads before we’re through.  See you on the floor.