mepastormike

Yesterday I was part of a conference called "Bridges out of Poverty." What I come away with from this first day of the conference is a better understanding of the social classes experienced in the United States (poverty, middle class, and wealth). Having grown up in poverty I could identify with much of what was being presented. I am reminded from the Bible that these social classes (or status) have been around a long, long time. The book of James in the Bible describes the attitude and behavior a Christian should have toward anyone... regardless of social status and appearances.
The question that I came away with asking deals with poverty... but poverty of soul rather than financially: What kind of poverty do I see the most? Jesus said what does it profit a man to gain the entire world and lose his soul. The poverty of a person's soul and the damnation of their spirit for eternity is of great concern. How am I serving to bring people out of poverty... of all kinds?
Today I will attend the second day of this conference. I pray that God may direct my thoughts to help answer this question.
Today's reading took me to Esther chapter 4. I am struck by the end of the chapter... a challenge is issued to Esther, she replies to the challenge, then she utilizes her faith and the support of those around her to face the challenge.