4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests. 20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. 21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
Many of our educators may remember reading Ruby Payne’s book, A Framework for Understanding Poverty. I found this book and another book she co-authored, What Every Church Member needs to know about Poverty, very informative. In both books she discusses the resources many folks lack to overcome poverty. Someone may need more than a job, what Payne would define as a Financial Resource, in order to overcome poverty. Payne attributes many of the struggles people face with poverty are due to a lack of numerous resources. She lists several different resources that prove beneficial to helping those overcome poverty. An Emotional Resource would provide someone the stamina needed to deal with difficult situations. The Mental Resource would be one’s knowledge and education needed to work and to function in society. The Physical Resource is important, this is one’s health and strength needed to work. Many folks end up in poverty due to a health problem and the bills that follow, or a disability that limits them from being able to work. Two other resources that many attribute to the keys that helped them get out of poverty are Support Systems and Role Models. These are one’s family, friends, community, and positive relationships. A final and important resource is the Spiritual. As people of faith, we know this resource assures us we are not alone in the midst of our struggles.
Studies show it is more than just a job, a paycheck, the Financial Resource, that people need to get out of poverty. The more resources available, the more likely one will be able to overcome poverty.
Our proverb texts tells us if we have the resources of the ox, we will have an abundant harvest. If we have the right tools, the harvest will be a success. Sometimes all it takes if having the right tools needed to find success in life. Sometimes it is having the right resources, the right tools, available to leave poverty.
What resources and tools can the church provide? We are great with providing the Spiritual. Is there more? What more can we do as a church and individuals to provide the right resources and tools needed to help those in poverty?
Matt