Denial is the root of our problems
I never thought I’d live in an era where obvious truths would be attacked daily with obvious lies. You’re either in Kansas, Dorothy, or...
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The poor are poor largely because they live in networks of relationships that do not work for their well-being. Their relationships are often oppressive and disempowering as a result of the non-poor "playing god" in the lives of the poor.
--Bryant L. Myers, Walking with the Poor
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Jack H. Bender
Apr 15, 20213 min
Salvation. Not what you think.
Last week I received, as a gift, Anne Lamott’s newest book Dusk Night Dawn because the giver and I have a mutual friend in Anne Lamott....
Jack H. Bender
Mar 9, 20212 min
The Case Against "Not Racist"
Without question, race and poverty are linked. Racism creates poverty. Racism makes and keeps people poor. Also, to be acknowledged, is...
Jack H. Bender
Jan 27, 20212 min
The Denial of Death
Two major influences shaped our country: 1) Settlers forced indigenous people off their land and 2) Africans and other people of color...
Jack H. Bender
Jan 6, 20213 min
Words Matter
Words are powerful. Words, some true, some false, have split our nation in half. Even one word can determine the fate of millions of...
Jack H. Bender
Oct 27, 20203 min
Vote for "The Least of These"
Last time, I encouraged you to become a one-issue voter. You may recall that the list of single issues was not the usual hot buttons like...
Jack H. Bender
Oct 2, 20202 min
One Issue Voter
I’ve never been a one-issue voter, but this year is different. In fact, there are four issues so broad and essential to democracy, any...
Jack H. Bender
Aug 19, 20202 min
Gandhi on Non-Violence
Last time, we talked about Gandhi’s transformation from misogyny to non-violence (love). Below are some of his thoughts on Ahimsa...
Jack H. Bender
Aug 10, 20203 min
Non-violence
The lineage of non-violent protest can be traced from John Lewis to Martin Luther King Jr., to Gandhi and Jesus. Though a Hindu, Gandhi...
Jack H. Bender
Jul 15, 20203 min
The Veil of Ignorance
How NOT KNOWING is the solution to equality... Can you recall the iconic drawing of our forefathers drafting the Constitution? I recently...
Jack H. Bender
Jun 16, 20203 min
Haves and Have Nots
My posts have centered on poverty. Today’s title could be a misdirect. When I talk about the Haves and Have Nots here, I won’t be talking...
Jack H. Bender
Jun 1, 20203 min
Paradoxical Thinking
As you know, the political landscape in our country is highly polarized. It is painful and saddening to observe. Either/Or thinking is...
Jack H. Bender
May 18, 20203 min
Everything's Broken. That's Okay.
Everything’s Broken. That’s Okay. It is clear that we are at the end of a paradigm. We’re hearing people say, “We can’t go back to...
Jack H. Bender
Apr 1, 20202 min
Three Simple Words
For every dark bit of news there is always rays of light. We are being gifts every day by people being at their best. Humor. Music....
Jack H. Bender
Mar 7, 20202 min
C.L.E.A.R. Program
Imagine being released from jail or prison and realizing how much work will be required to “make it” in today’s world with no income, no...
Jack H. Bender
Jan 31, 20202 min
Poverty: Beyond Partisanship
Late last year, I attended a panel discussion at Holland’s Warehouse 6 billed as “Faith and Politics: Beyond Partisanship.” The panel...
Jack H. Bender
Nov 9, 20191 min
No Tents. Housing Now!
The Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony organized a Right to Housing Rally on October 25 at Centennial Park in Holland, Michigan. I...
Jack H. Bender
Oct 31, 20191 min
Kiva: Be a World Banker
While local poverty issues are discussed here, all of us can be active in world-wide poverty reduction as well. A quick and easy activity...
Jack H. Bender
Oct 26, 20191 min
Compassion
Compassion: a sympathetic concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. I’m visiting family. We’re up at 5:00am and head to the...
Jack H. Bender
Oct 4, 20193 min
Exile - Strangers in a Strange Land
The ability to move out of poverty is significantly hindered by the isolation that the poor face. Poverty comes from having relationships...
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