True Poverty

"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." ~ Mother Teresa

"Poverty isn’t bad housing, dirty clothing, families of 10. It’s never having been loved or even respected. Not knowing the difference between love and abuse. A kiss that wasn’t a down payment on a blow." ~ Father Jones from Call the Midwife

Good morning fantastic folks! (well depending on your time zone it's morning) 

These quotes play directly into my theory about communion - and prove that true poverty exists in all socioeconomic statuses and countries. Love does not multiply with money.  

So by now, you've probably grasped that I do a lot of observation and thinking (probably too much)... 

Photo credit:http://www.pinterest.com/pin/174444185539499348/

Here's the thing about true poverty. The only way we can overcome it, is to start in our own homes. I have watched waves of people who have a lot of compassion (like myself) burn to the ground... because they have overreached themselves. Here's a nerdy fact for you. According to the anthropologist Robin Dunbar, individuals can only maintain about 150 stable relationships where they are able to comfortably know and stay in social contact with those people. It's referred to as "Dunbar's number". So here's the deal. 

Love starts with you. And perhaps you're the one in need of it most. I know all about Dunbar's number, but I would also like to believe that it is possible to sustain more relationships with the extent of social media. They may not be as deep - but they can still be as vital. So I want you to know that you are greatly important to this world and to me. Simply by existing right where you are now, you have have experiences that make you uniquely important and able to help others. I cannot do this on my own. I can only give you the tools I have found most helpful. You have to do the rest. There are people out there that will need your stories, encouragement, and love. I promise you. You are worthy, valuable, and you will change this world. 

For changing the world is less about doing great things... and more about doing small things with great love (as Mother Teresa said). Start by loving yourself and those closest to you. 

#Callthemidwife #MotherTeresa #Poverty