We all have moments when we doubt ourselves. For me this happened this spring when the Humanity House Community Garden was under floodwaters for nearly a week, making its harvest inedible and forcing us to wait until the first of September to replant.
Instead of focusing on the loss, we redirected our energy into building repairs and painting, thanks to help from the Allen County commissioners. We also restructured the garden area in hopes of bringing even more produce to the table next year.
Lots of days, I am the only person working at the garden. That in itself is a full-time job. My dad used to come by and give me grief about it. Why arent some of those people who come and get this food down here working? They want the food but they dont want to do the work?
My dad was a good person, but he never understood my mission. He believed that if you did good, followed the rules and did everything right, you would be able to take care of yourself.
This Just World theory that people get what they deserve is held by many. They believe, among other things, that victims of sexual assault, did something to make it happen. They were in the wrong place, wore the wrong clothes, sent out the wrong signals, etc.
They believe that poor health is a direct result of poor habits. They believe that if you live a healthier lifestyle, you wont get sick.
They also believe that the poor are lazy, shiftless, and no-good, and deserve to be poor.
Most people hold this view because they feel powerless to make things right. And the Just World theory shields them from fighting against a world where people suffer through no fault of their own.
The way to overcome such fears comes by addressing them head on.
Policy choices that spur wage growth, for example, can effect concrete change. By raising the minimum wage, giving full employment and giving more power to workers can lift people out of poverty.
But its a big battle that requires an army.
And last week, standing in the middle of the garden, I felt overwhelmed. Am I making a difference? Would anyone notice if I stopped this work?
Just as quickly, the moment passed and I remembered the little boy saying all he wanted for Christmas was food in his house.
We all hold the power for change in our hands. Do good for others if you can. You are the most powerful being on this planet act like it, and the world will be better for it.
Kindness matters.
