A Different Conversation

How many times have you heard yourself or someone else say, when are people going to wake up and take hold of what's happening around them? Why doesn't somebody do something to change what's affecting us all these days?

The issues affecting all of us today are not unlike issues that have been faced by previous generations. The difference is how we choose to respond. Twenty-five years ago, Houston was facing a huge crisis with the downturn in the oil and gas industry. Many in our community were putting their keys in their mailboxes and driving away. Many spacious area homes that seemed luxurious on the outside, told an entirely different story on the inside.

Area congregations were being overwhelmed with requests for food, shelter and utility assistance, along with other essential basic needs. Many in our community were asking, "Why doesn't someone do something?"

While area pastors were hard pressed to change the economic situation at that time, they realized that instead of talking about the problems, they needed to create a different kind of dialog. A dialogue that showed how important it is to address the basic needs of those struggling in our community and their personal commitment to addressing the issues.

They agreed to set aside their theological differences for the sake of helping the entire community. That new dialog and commitment resulted in a fabulous organization now known as Northwest Assistance Ministries or NAM as the community has come to know it.

This unique dialogue gave birth to what has become a beacon of hope to thousands throughout the years who for one reason or another fell on hard times - job loss, old age, illness, divorce, domestic violence, lack of affordable health care to name just a few of the challenges faced by those who come to NAM. These problems are not driven by socio-economic boundaries.
Everyone knows someone affected by one or more of these issues.

Twenty-five years later, we are faced with out of control gas prices, rising food prices, a growing number of uninsured families, an ever changing job market that requires new training and skills. Families that have never turned to places like NAM, find themselves faced with making choices between buying food or paying the light bill.

NAM's core service area covers 20 zip codes or 242 square miles. That's an area the size of Austin, with more than 1 million inhabitants. Without volunteers and community support, NAM is hard pressed to address the basic needs assistance required by the community.

The questions we need to ask ourselves during these unstable times are: How much does it mean to each one us personally to come up with a solution? What crossroad are we at in our lives today? What are we personally willing to do to come up with a solution?

If you choose NAM as your vehicle to make a difference in your community, I thank you. If you haven't - what are you waiting for? Be a part of the solution by clicking on http://www.namonline.org/.

I look forward to partnering with you,
Carole Little