Somehow we have convinced ourselves that buying things for a 'good cause' is justified regardless if we need it or not. I might buy a t-shirt or get a bracelet, and who knows if the people for that 'cause' are actually ever going to see any benefit from my purchase. This is not a post to talk bad about non-profit organizations. I believe most of them are out there working for/with issues that have touched their lives. They are getting our money the only way that seems to actually work. They get us to buy things.
What if we stopped feeling the need to get something for what we give? What if we just gave without the expectation of even a thank you? As a Christian, my mindset is that what I have is not mine anyway. Why do I feel so entitled? We shouldn't have to have 'fair trade' merchandise, but instead we should trade fairly. Non-profit organizations shouldn't have to sell shoes, t-shirts, or whatever else to meet the needs of people around the world. I should see that need and be compelled to meet it myself.
An organization buys merchandise (usually from 3rd world country) and then that merchandise gets shipped to the United States. The organization will send out emails, visit college campuses, and travel to different fair trade stores to sell the merchandise. Then, I drive to the store to purchase it. OR I will get online and order the merchandise and have it shipped directly to my house. (wow I'm lazy) I get my new product and use it. The organization eventually gets my money from a purchase order or through their website. Then the organization takes that money (after cost of the original item) buys more merchandise and then gives it to the people who actually need it. Talk about a middle man.
I don't want to buy things for 'a good cause,' I want to be out in the world and cause good.
God, teach me a life of simplicity. Show me opportunities to truly make a difference.
I feel so much "mission" work is more about the giver than the receiver. We'll spend money to fly somewhere, lodge somewhere, etc. to do manual labor that we aren't always trained to do- and so for more money we create less help than if we were to hire someone skilled and local to do the job in the first place.
ReplyDeleteWe could do so much more good if we did it less selfishly and thought through what was best for the people we help.
Good thoughts, Ber-Bur. Thank you!