Give Thanks And Share With Our Poor

Give Thanks and Share With Our Poor

Eileen Renders

We are living in times that remind me of the “Great Depression” of 1929 until about 1939. I was born at the end of the depression. Yet it took time to recover; there were Food Stamps, and food was often purchased on the “I” at the corner grocery store. Careers for women was factory work, as our men went off to war. On into the 40s and up until the 60s, females in the average family were unable to consider going to college. They left home early, married, and raised a family. Some families were able to send the eldest son to college when funds were available. I was one of those women of the Fifties who fought for equality, and to earn equal pay as men were receiving. Our only options for gaining independence and respect in those days was to enter into the Sales Market. It was and is competitive. There were only a few choices back then of the type of available Sales positions for women.  

I started out selling copier paper and toner to big corporations such as Coca-Cola, and eventually, when I was able to commit to full-time work, I studied and obtained a Real Estate Sales License. Can you imagine being interviewed by a man behind a huge desk covered with thick glass, asking a woman who is applying for work, “Does your husband mind if you work? Are you pregnant?” Back at home, many women had to contend with the husband doling out money for food, and always reminding the wives that they are the bread-winner.”

Today, we are seeing corruption, fighting between political parties to the point of leading to famine to those who are already poor. There is still some race discrimination, greed, and more!

God asks us to help the poor, visit the sick, give clothing to those who will be cold this winter, donate, and

show love and mercy as God desires us to follow His lead.  

This Thanksgiving, let us all show gratitude for what we have been given by playing it forward to the disabled, the poor, who depend upon the mercy and love of those who are more fortunate.

Always know, God in heaven is one day judging us according to how much we showed empathy, humility, love, and mercy toward others.