Today in America we celebrate Thanksgiving, a day we set aside to give thanks to God for His provision and blessing of the harvest of the preceding year. It generally is very difficult for Americans – surrounded by affluence and prosperity – to comprehend the realities of daily life for the billion-plus people who constitute "the poorest of the poor." What we often take for granted in America – fresh water 24 hours a day, abundant supply of food, unlimited electrical power – are considered "luxuries" in many other countries.
Here is a quote from economist, Robert Heilbroner, as published in his book, The Great Ascent: The Struggle for Economic Development in Our Time. He is describing the “luxuries” the typical American family would have to surrender if they lived among the 1 BILLION hungry people in the Two-Thirds World:
“We begin by invading the house of our imaginary American family to strip it of its furniture. Everything goes: beds, chairs, tables, television sets, lamps. We will leave the family with a few old blankets, a kitchen table, a wooden chair. Along with the bureaus go the clothes. Each member of the family may keep in his wardrobe his oldest suit or dress, a shirt or blouse. We will permit a pair of shoes for the head of the family, but none for the wife or children.
“We move to the kitchen. The appliances have already been taken out, so we turn to the cupboards…the box of matches may stay, a small bag of flour, some sugar and salt. A few moldy potatoes, already in the garbage can, must be rescued, for they will provide much of tonight’s meal. We will leave a handful of onions and a dish of dried beans. All the rest we take away: the meat, the fresh vegetables, the canned goods, the crackers, the candy.
“Now we have stripped the house: the bathroom has been dismantled, the running water shut off, the electric wires taken out. Next we take away the house. The family can move to the tool shed…Communications must go next. No more newspapers, magazines, books – not that they are missed, since we must take away our family’s literacy as well. Instead, in our shantytown we will allow one radio…
“Now government services must go next. No more postmen, no more firemen. There is a school, but it is three miles away and consists of two classrooms…There are, of course, no hospitals or doctors nearby. The nearest clinic is ten miles away and is tended by a midwife. It can be reached by bicycle, provided the family has a bicycle, which is unlikely…
“Finally, money. We will allow our family a cash hoard of five dollars. This will prevent our breadwinner from experiencing the tragedy of an Iranian peasant who went blind because he could not raise the $3.94 which he mistakenly thought he needed to receive admission to a hospital where he could have been cured.”
Having spent time in two countries, India and Bangladesh, I have seen first-hand the day-to-day realities of these precious people. Today, as we give thanks in America, let us remember those who are less fortunate. Not in a prideful attitude, "I'm so thankful I don't live like that," but rather a humble attitude, "Let me share my wealth and be a blessing to them." HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
