Fighting poverty while respecting dignity

October 17, 2016

Fighting poverty while respecting dignity People sometimes ask why we feature photos of smiling, neatly dressed children in our communications. The children, the thinking goes, don't look "poor." At Unbound, we believe in honoring the inherent dignity of every person. What mother whose child is having his photo taken wouldn't want him to look sharp in his best shirt? And if a child proudly wearing her school uniform smiles, why wouldn't we capture her joy in a photo? The United Nations has designated Oct. 17 as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This year's theme is "Moving from Humiliation and Exclusion to Participation: Ending Poverty in All Its Forms." It highlights the importance of seeing poverty as more than a lack of income or basic necessities, and that the "humiliation and exclusion" many people living in poverty endure must be addressed. Respecting the dignity of children appearing in our communications is part of our commitment to challenge ourselves and others to look closer and see the beautiful human beings who represent so much more than their circumstances.

Lord of life, bless us with wisdom to look beyond preconceptions about people living in poverty. Looking through the eyes of the Holy Spirit, may we see them in all their God-given dignity and potential. We ask this in your holy name. Amen.

Blessings,
Unbound Prayer Team
P.S. We welcome you to submit your prayer requests to us. These prayers are offered in the chapel at Unbound's headquarters in Kansas City and are not shared publicly. Submit a prayer request.