Financial Distress

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    The other day a friend of mine stopped by for tea and brought me a lovely ripe tomato and some summer peas.  When I asked her where she got them, she told me that she and other tenants in her building had received permission to replant the central garden in their complex with peas, beans, tomatoes, carrots, squash, and strawberries in order to help each other get through our current tough times.  Every family was taking turns weeding and watering the garden, and one day a week they would get together to harvest and share.

    My friend’s story reminded me of the garden my gran used to talk about having during WWII.  I remember my own poppy frequently taking soup or bread or vegetables to the elderly woman and men down the street, telling them that it was extra and he simply didn’t want it go to waste.  Of course, friends, the truth was that my poppy was very aware that the old people lived on a tiny pension and could afford very little.

    I have also heard stories about how people helped one another during the Great Depression, sharing what they had, whether it was food, clothing, or shelter.  Members of an extended family often moved in together into a house or apartment with everyone pitching in to keep the family going.  More recently, during and after Hurricane Katrina, individuals, families, churches, and community organizations worked together to help families who were displaced when they lost their homes, providing shelter, food and assistance with job searches.

    I bring up these stories, friends, because, while we may not be in a world war, we are in a financial distress that is being felt worldwide, and many people are struggling to stay afloat, keep food on the table, or even to keep a roof over their heads.  It is important that we all pull together to help each other so that we can get through the current hard times.

    I heard recently about groups of citizens donating rides, and sometimes cars, to people who need to get to job interviews in search of employment.  Members of communities are networking to provide each other with help when needed, and the people who comprise these groups are regular people like you and me.  That’s where community action starts, friend.  People like us band together to help each other through hard times.

    We should all be thinking of ways to do something constructive to help our community.  Offering help to those who need it makes us feel better about our own lives and gives us an even stronger sense of community with our fellow citizens.