I am the Problem

At the turn of the 20th century lived a British journalist named GK Chesterton. Legend has it that one of the larger newspapers in London posed an open question to its readers, asking "What is the greatest problem in the world today?" Chesterton's submittal was brief and to the point:

Dear Sir,
I am.
- GK Chesterton.

We live in a culture where people are quick to pass the buck and shift blame and responsibility to others very quickly. We often remain bystanders in situations when we could make a positive difference and it seems more convenient to remain uninvolved in the lives of others if we are given a choice. I don't think most people necessarily ignore the plight of others out of malice, so here are a few of my theories as to why people remain part of the problem without ever becoming part of a solution.

1. Fear of reprisal: Honestly, I think some people are afraid of helping others because there is an underlying fear that their kindness might be rewarded with culpability if things go a bit haywire. America is a place where we love to sue each other and why should a person reach out to assist someone else if the action leads to a lawsuit because the person being helped takes advantage?

2. Feeling overwhelmed: A person can be overwhelmed if they look around and take notice of all the problems in their environment. Good intentions get paralyzed because there are simply so many issues that need addressed. Taking inventory of what needs to be done ebbs into a withdrawal from action because there is a feeling that nothing can help.

3. Not knowing what is needed: Sometimes we're just not aware of the issues in our own backyard. We have subscriptions to 20 different news sources detailing the ails of countries thousands of miles away but we don't realize how dire things can be for people living two streets over.

4. We feel under-qualified: This might be why the majority of people do not help others. We don't believe we have the skills or ability to help. Fortunately, this is an easy myth to dispel. Helping others can can be as easy as providing a listening ear or making a donation of time or finances; Volunteering a helping hand to paint a room or sharing a conversation over a meal.

Our needs at Samaritan House are vast and perpetual. There is never a day in which we cannot use help of some kind, whether it be finances or practical help. Over the years, so many people have invested in our mission to house the homeless and provide them with dignity and the resources to carry on with their lives in difficult situations. For that, we are truly appreciative and grateful of the generosity shown.

If you are reading this and find yourself in one of the above-mentioned categories, please know that you do not need to remain there. Becoming part of the solution is easier than you think!