School On Wheels - A Word About Social Justice

Nov. 15, 2007 - A Word About Social Justice

Because of my husband's career in humanitarian work (I don't know if that's the right word for it... it's more of a lifestyle really), my children have learned about the social injustices that are taking place in our world from a firsthand point of view. In Mexico, they see it on a daily basis. They know about poverty, hunger, thirst, child slavery and much more. I don't believe that a child is ever too young to understand that there is a world full of people out there who are in desperate need while most of our Western society have never wanted for anything. Well, I suppose that's not entirely true. "Want" is a word we hear on a daily basis. In fact, "Need" is constantly used in advertising. We have perverted these words and frequently overuse them. Have we truly ever lacked anything we NEED for more than a very short time? Very few of us can say we have. I know I can't.

Part of our motive in taking students on these humanitarian trips is to inspire them to make a difference in the world - to bring about change. To "Be the change [they] want to see in the world." (Mahatma Gandhi)

I pray that my children will really take to heart all of the things they see and learn on their travels; that they won't become indifferent to the needs of others as far too many of us have. I hope to instill in them the knowledge that they have the power to change this world! We ALL do!

So I encourage all of you to take the time to teach your children about social justice! Sponsor a child or a missionary or a family. Visit a third world country. Raise money for a cause. Participate in the 30 Hour Famine. Fill some Operation Christmas Child boxes. Purchase fair trade items. Consider your clothing, coffee, chocolate, etc. purchases - research to find out where these items are being made and who is working to make them. Social justice is NOT a lost cause. Even if you only make a difference in one person's life, you have made a difference! Many of our students, in preparing to return home after being on a humanitarian trip, begin to feel overwhelmed and to doubt that they can make any difference when there are sooooosooooo many needy people out there. We tell them they are already heroes! They have already made a HUGE difference. To the people who's lives were changed forever because of the work these students did in their short time with them, they will never be forgotten. But their responsibility doesn't end there. There is so much more that can be done!

So please, lets not forget how important it is for us to teach our children about the injustices so many people are suffering. And while we're at it, be sure to remind them to count their blessings - then give them away! I know many of you are already teaching this and I'd love to hear the methods you use to do so!

Charlie gets a hug from his friend. Yes, even after weeks in Mexico he is still white as a ghost!

While still on this topic, I really want to recommend this book to all of you:

ONE: A Face Behind the Numbers

Some of the material in this book is not recommended for young children (some of the true stories deal with mature issues or are somewhat graphic), but it's a must-read for adults and much of it would be useful for teaching teens or children about social injustice. It has been releasepreorderpreorderAmazon.caAmazon.caf ours, VadenVaden and his wife Christal are pouring their lives into making a difference in the world and inspiring others to do the same. All proceeds from this book will be donated to charity (yes, ALL) and the price is excellent (on sale right now!). If you order the book from Absolute's website, Amazon will donate a portion of their proceeds to support the cause as well (find out aboutVadenVaden here). This would make a great Christmas gift for anyone on your list. I am buying several of these and encourage you to do the same!

Earle (and despite the fact that this makes me biased, I still believe it is a very good book - a great eye opener).

rbs 31:8-9
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Luke 3:11
"The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."

Matthew 5:42
"Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."

Proverbs 19:17
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done."

Mother Theresa
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."

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Comments

Nov. 17, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by lilywhite

Thanks for visiting my blog. What your family is doing is very inspiring! Your children will have a rich education. I will add you to my 'friends' list.

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Nov. 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Great post! On my Family Quilt blog, I post about opportunities for families to serve their communities and participate in social justice together.

Shauna

http://jesusquilt.wordpress.com/

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Nov. 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

A great post! And you are right, we need to teach our kids that not everyone in the world is as blessed as they are.

Melissa
www.melissaomarkham.com

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