What if we organized our society so that everyone has enough?
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18
Last time, we offered you highlights of a conversation about this question with one of the Church’s small groups, Wake Up & Knit.
Now, we continue the journey by sharing thoughts from the Evening Women of Faith group. It includes a follow-up conversation with one member who was inspired to continue her own exploration.
THOUGHTS FROM EVENING WOMEN OF FAITH
Thank you to the group’s members for joining our quest and generously sharing their open and honest discussion.
Overarching all is the essential question: How can we make the goal of everyone having enough a reality? Here’s what the group talked about:
ENOUGH OF WHAT?
The Women of Faith took a different tack on this question. You may remember the 60s pop song “What the World Needs Now Is Love.” What would it be like if everyone has enough LOVE? This includes loving ourselves and feeling loved and lovable.
WHAT HAPPENS TO US WHEN WE HAVE ENOUGH LOVE?
When we are loved, we don’t feel the need to grasp onto things so tightly. We are more willing to give to others.
When we feel loved, it’s easier for us to love others. This impacts what they do. It’s a chain reaction happening within ourselves and then from person to person, community to community, and so on.
WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO ARE “UNLOVABLE”?
We need to love the unlovable too, and that can be hard.
One path to this difficult place is through the Loving Kindness Prayer of Buddhism (one version).
May all beings be happy. May they be well.
May they be peaceful. May they be free.
Try saying this prayer every day and see if, over time, you feel changed.
HOW DO WE PUT LOVING EVERYONE INTO ACTION?
One answer: Do Justice.
When we love people and feel loved, we want to do the right thing.
When we feel love in our heart, it makes it easier to give love to others. This, in turn, can affect their actions. When people grab on and cling to things, it is more difficult to give love.
During this pandemic, one way we’ve put giving love into action is our Church’s Cookie Project.
And here’s a different perspective –
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ASK ABOUT EVERYONE HAVING ENOUGH?
Having enough relates to our mental and emotional state, as well as our livelihood.
There is a danger that not having enough may cause conflict, and this can be destructive.
But, when we have enough of everything, it’s sometimes easy to avoid thinking about what it’s like for others. They may be constantly faced with deciding between what’s needed and what must be sacrificed. Right now, this is happening to more people more often.
IS IT REALISTIC TO THINK IT’S POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE TO HAVE ENOUGH?
Some people want more and keep striving. Others may never be satisfied.
So often, when we think about making sure everyone has enough, we are talking about money. This is difficult. Right now, many people are having trouble paying for the basics, like food and shelter. Does it seem that we are even further away from the possibility of making sure everyone has enough?
SO, WHAT IS IT THAT EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE ENOUGH OF?
Besides food, shelter and being with family and friends, it should include being happy with yourself and your goals for life.
AND THIS BRINGS US FULL CIRCLE IN OUR DISCUSSION . . .
“What if we organized our society so that everyone has enough LOVE.”
Back to you:
What ideas do these perspectives inspire in you? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment on this post or on our Facebook page. If you have more to offer, contact Jeanne Farrington or me for help writing a blog post.
And keep stopping by this website for more upcoming posts as we continue Exploring Live’s Questions!
Carla Zaccheo
Social Media Ministry Team