Living in Poverty

I just returned, literally less than 24 hours ago, from a missions' trip to one of the poorest counties in America. We spent some time working in Harlan County, KY. We accomplished a lot in the way of remodeling for a sister church. During this trip, I was particularly struck by two things: 1) The beautiful country and 2) the poverty. The mountains ring this area with a majesty and wildness that calls to the heart. However, they almost create a gilded cage for those who live there. The landscape makes industry and farming difficult leaving little in the way of employment for the people. It was both heart-breaking and inspiring- an adventure I'll never forget.
We can't always just hop in the car and travel to a different place, but books can take us anywhere. Lots of books, YA and not, deal with living in poverty. Check out some of these titles (from fiction to in-your-face):

Trash by Andy Mulligan
Sold by Patricia McCormick
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
If I Grow Up by Todd Strasser
A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby Payne
When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ronald J. Sider

If you want to do more than just read, contact your local rescue mission or ask your church leaders how you can make a difference. Remember, poverty is an everywhere problem and it's much more than not being able to buy a DS or have internet access at home. We're so spoiled!