Hope in Hard Times

One of the students in my video/film classes interviewed me on camera yesterday about our nation’s economy. He asked me about the impact I have seen in my life and others around me. I spoke of cutbacks in education (pink slips, the lack of classroom supplies, the need for new equipment) and the unemployment of so many well-educated young adults I know. Then, the student asked me how I feel about what the government is doing to address the problem. Honestly, I have a lot of hope in our President and his plan. I have even more hope because of the way I have seen so many people respond to this crisis.

It has been amazing to watch churches, communities, and neighbors step up to help others in need. I like the fact that people are staying home and having family dinners together again. It’s awesome to see people carpooling and finding other ways to save money and energy. It’s been encouraging to see parents at my school rally to help save the funding of the amazing guest artist program we have. Last year, my church actually saw an increase in giving. They gave the excess money to missionary work in Africa. For the first time in my life, I’m moving into a home with three other young men to save money, save gas, and build community with some great friends.

Over the years, I’ve been involved in a lot of volunteer and mission work. It’s been the most rewarding part of my life. I’ve seen God work miracles in the middle of madness. I think most of us help those who matter the most to our friends, our family, and our personal belief system. There are so many ways to help others in these tough economic times. It’s almost overwhelming the number of good causes that need caring and compassionate giving now more than ever. And, it’s an extremely hard time to give when you are struggling to make ends meet yourself. We all are bombarded with requests and emails for financial contributions, and there are so many good causes, it’s hard to decide where to invest your time and money.

If you’re interested in supporting some great causes, but haven’t found the right one yet, below are just a few of the things that speak volumes to people I care about. The first is an organization started by three guys from San Diego who made an amazing video I first watched and heard about through my students in Alabama. Invisible Children has an awesome event planned around the globe this weekend. Watch the video and you’ll definitely want to help.

It’s always encouraging to see how every little bit helps, especially in the hardest times.

http://therescue.invisiblechildren.com/en/

http://diveintoflood.com/

http://www.firstwesleyan.com/

http://canyoncrestfoundation.org/

http://www.ciyfc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=11
(my friends, Dan & Jana Hillen)

http://www.shortterm12.com/DVD.html

http://www.sleeplesssandiego.org/

http://riseschool.org/tuscaloosa/

http://www.pushamerica.org/

http://www.longbeach.lib.ms.us/frends.htm

http://www.navymemorial.org/

http://www.missiontoreach.org/index.html