Poverty and Plenty: Reflections on Black Friday

Another Black Friday and Cyber-Monday have come and gone, complete with stories of stampedes, fighting, arguing, and even a gunfight at Toys-R-Us. Perhaps this time of year more than any other reminds me of the disparity between the "haves" and the "have-nots." The scenes of shoppers camping out in front of stores, bowling over security guards, and pushing and shoving the day after "Thanksgiving," have forced me to reflect again upon the different problems faced by the Developed World, and those living in the Developing World. While I don't claim to have all the answers to global economics, I would ask you to, seriously consider the differences between poverty and plenty.

• In the Developed World, citizens wait in line to receive "door-buster" sales. In the Developing World, citizens wait in line to receive food because their guts are busting with hunger. (925 million people will go to bed hungry tonight.)
• In the Developed World, citizens leave their homes and camp out all night in hopes of purchasing this year's hottest gadget. In the Developing World, 100 million people camp out all night hoping one day they will own a home. (There are over 100 million homeless in the world.)
• In the Developed World, citizens hope to reduce the cost of their purchases with 30% off coupons. In the Developing world, 30% of all children have their height and weight reduced (stunted) because of malnutrition.
• In the Developed World (specifically America), citizens spent an average of $398.62 on Black Friday shopping, and $150.53 on Cyber Monday shopping for a total of $549.15. In the Developing World 1.4 Billion people earn a total of $456.25 each year.

The numbers don't lie. Today, 1 Billion children live in poverty. Today, 22,000 children will die as a result of the effects of poverty. Today, 1 out of every 6 people on the planet live in a slum. Today, 1.1 Billion people have inadequate access to water.

Today, you can make a difference. There are dozens of worthwhile organizations that are making a difference. Here are a few:

• Compassion International (http://www.compassion.com/)
• Samaritan's Purse (http://www.samaritanspurse.org/)
•  58: (http://www.live58.org/)
•  Food for the Hungry (http://www.fh.org/)

Look them up. Learn about their work. Find someone you are comfortable with and then Give Generously!

Black Friday is gone. Cyber Monday is gone, but you can make a difference while you still have today. The little it may cost you, may save someone's life!