Why Not?

Photo by Greg Ewert

Joseph, our son, goes to high school in Managua.  Many of the students come from wealthy homes and other countries.  He was reporting to me of one conversation he had with a new student about what we, his parents, did.  “My folks run an NGO in Ciudad Sandino.”
 
“A non-profit?”
 
“Yes,” says Joseph.
 
“Why?”
 
“To help poor people.”
 
“Why?”
 
“Because poor people need help.”
 
“But why are they doing it?” he friend persists.
 

Photo by Meghan O'Flagherty

Many people on delegations ask us, why we do what we do.  Is it because of our faith?  Is it because it gives us such good feelings to being doing so much good work?  Why?
 
Well, I would ask, “why is not everyone working for the poor?”
 
Really, why not?
 
Unless a person is so greedy and hard-hearted that they are just mean, why not help? 
 
Poor people who work together, struggle together, strive together…live better lives.
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People who do not have to worry about where tomorrow’s food comes from…well, why are they not helping? 
 
All faiths call for alms for the poor…at a minimum.
 
Humanism calls for justice for all.  And who receives the least justice?  The poor.
 

Photo by Michelle Doak

People who talk about how rewarding the work must be for us obviously do not struggle day-in and day-out for the poor, because frankly it is heart breaking, it is wearing on the soul, it is exhausting. 
 
The reality of why we work for the poor is simply because it is the right thing to do.
 
But again… I think, my question is the more important question…Why not?
 
Why.  Not. -- Kathleen