A couple of weeks ago, Rhonda Thomas of the Single Parent Support Network presented her organization’s work to the staff at Character First. She talked about the complex factors causing single parenthood—a single or widowed relative becoming responsible for a child, divorce, military deployment.... And she discussed the importance of relationship in helping people.
If we don’t know someone, she said, we can’t really know what they need.
On one hand, this statement seems obvious. Most of us know what it's like to be treated like a project, and most of us don't like it. It doesn't matter how good the intentions, we know others ought to care about us, not just about our needs.
On the other hand, this statement poses a profound challenge. What does it mean to know someone? Is our curiosity satisfied once we know the kids' clothing sizes and make a quick donation? Would we even notice when a coworker seems quieter than usual? Do we give kids a chance to surprise us by showing initiative? What about when the guy taking your money at the drive through says he's "been better."
Donating clothing to a needy family is a good thing, but if that's as far as it goes, are we caring? Or are we just donating clothing?
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