Aphorisms Day by Day (August 3, 2009)

"Share the common treasures of information; avoid the need for charity if possible." - Neil Deo

Yesterday in Church, the Pastor asked: "In what ways can you be Christ-like?" The congregation gave important answers in their responses. Remember, too, that Jesus fed the poor, gave mobility and sight to the lame, the sick and the blind, but most of all He shared wisdom. Information that can teach people self-help - how to become financially, spiritually, emotionally and bodily whole and independent - is true power. Unfortunately many western and not-so-western peoples are enjoying "giving" charity, after making the ir means in sometimes unjust, unfair or ill-gotten ways. That is why all the charity in the world, and live-aid concerts, has not helped Africa since the 1960s. Why do we love helping individuals? Please offer an answer if you are so inclined, because even with immigration policy, we do help some enter the USA easily (Cubans? Africans?) and prevent others in a similar boat (Haitians, Asians, Mexicans?) After all, if Jesus did not say so, Abraham Lincoln (US President #16) did: God must love the poor people; He made so many of them. The poor will be with us always, Amen!