Timmy

It’s no wonder we attempt to distance ourselves from it. The word itself is harsh to the point of seeming vulgar. Still, if we are offended by the word, does that not mean there is still a touch of humanity that remains in us? If you’ve turned your head, averted your eyes, maybe it just means you’re humane enough to see it differently the next time. A wise man who hired me at one point in my life told me, “We don’t have problems - we have opportunities.” That being said, poverty may be the greatest opportunity we face today. A good way to address any opportunity is by first identifying facts and destroying myths. And so, here are 7 myths I can identify from my own experiences.

Myth 1. “Poverty does not exist where I live.” Yes it does. This week I heard a terrible statistic. In McDowell County WV, 70% of all children live in a home where none of the adults are employed. Poverty exists everywhere. In the wealthiest regions of North America, people go to be hungry, if they have a place to go to bed at all. Look around, identify it, access it, and let it sink in.

Myth 2. “People who suffer in poverty are capable of helping themselves. They just don’t want to.” That is the rare case. The next time your luck turns sour, think about it. What if you were stuck in a burning building and fire fighters gathered outside and said, “Aw they’re not trying hard enough! Why should be help?” Things happen - recession, death of a loved one, and just a plain old run of bad luck., not to mention social factors

Myth 3. “There’s nothing I can do. I’m living hand-to-mouth already.” Then volunteer your time. This could even be as simple as showing people you care, in the way of a conversation, or advice, or pointing them to someone who can spare some food, or a blanket, or anything that can be used or bartered.

Myth 4. “They’ll be insulted.” Then find a way to do it rather than a direct, in-your-face. That can be as simple as “You’ll be doing me a favor. I hate to see this food go to waste.”

Myth 5. “You have to hit rock bottom before you can lift yourself up” That is a terrible cliche, because ‘rock bottom’ itself is a myth. Rock bottom is an unidentified, immeasurable, place that just does not exist. And if you think you know what rock bottom is than you should know it is entirely possible to be there, and still have no way of leaving under your own strength.

Myth 6. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Wrong! Some things that don’t kill you, maybe. But what doesn’t kill you, destroys you little by little. It robs your soul and body until you’re never the person you once were, or could be. Poverty has destroyed many civilizations and cultures from the beginning of the human race.

Myth 7. “I work hard. Why Should I…” Because it’s the right things to do! I’m not talking about a distribution of wealth. We have a responsibility, as a civilized culture, to help those less fortunate. Everyone on this planet is responsible for everyone on this planet. But the best ‘why?’ is the amazing feeling you will get when you realize you have made a difference in someone’s life.

If you consider a war on poverty a losing proposition, then re-read the above myths. If nothing else is to be gained, at least you’ve bettered yourself as a human being by examining an opportunity.