Tag Archives: poverty

Ancient Instruction

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Doc Arnett

For about as long as I can remember, I’ve thought of favoritism as something most likely to be shown to those who held some sort of advantage: wealth, familiarity, beauty. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged favoritism, integrity, judgment, justice, poor, poverty, prejudice, wealth | Comments Off

The Best Poor Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2019 by Doc Arnett

It isn’t being poor or rich that determines the quality of our giving; it is our determination to honor those we love and celebrate the One we worship. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Family, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged celebrating Christ, celebrating Christmas, Christmas, gifts, giving gifts, homemade gifts, poverty | Comments Off

In the Midst of Miracles and Wonders

Posted on February 25, 2019 by Doc Arnett

I wonder if maybe the way we treat the least of those we meet says the most about us… Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Poetic Contemplations, Poetry, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged church, fellowship, motivation, poor, poor children, poverty, welcoming the poor | Comments Off

A Righteous Poverty

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Doc Arnett

It is not just the wealthy
in need of that miracle of mind
that finds them changed of heart: Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Metaphysical Reflection, Poetry, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged arrogance, beatitudes, generosity, giving, humility, kingdom of heaven, poor in spirit, poverty, pride, sharing, teaching of Jesus, wealth | Comments Off

Of Floods and Droughts

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Doc Arnett

This reminds me, too,
somehow,
that it is far easier
to give alms
than to endure poverty.
Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Metaphysical Reflection, Nature, Poetry, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged drought, drought relief, empathy, flooding, gratitude, Hurricane Isaac, poverty, rain | Comments Off

Lush Lives

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Doc Arnett

We ought to be
at least a bit higher than the grass
and know that it was not deserve
that placed us above the deep wells
of God’s good grace. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Gardening, Poetry, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged adversity, blessing, class distinctions, drought, generosity, grass, green, lateral lines, perseverance, poverty, septic lines, sharing | Comments Off

At the Corner of Royal and St. Peter

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Doc Arnett

She stands in the street,
heat and humidity of a New Orleans afternoon,
flailing at her guitar and wailing her song.
Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Poetry, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged begging, compassion, desperation, determination, faith, hope, musician, New Orleans, poverty, Royal Street, St. Peter Street, street performer | Comments Off

There are bound to be a hundred stories here, buildings that used to host something resembling a flourishing business, once-fine houses now lived in by the last, poorest cousin of some entrepreneur, once-occupied, now empty lots including the one where they finally tore down the old school. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged Blair Kansas, Doniphan County, evangelism, neighborhood, old towns, poverty, rural community | Comments Off

The Long Walk

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Doc Arnett

Another item on the list of things Barry has not been able to buy during his unemployment is the medicine he needs for some psychological issues. “When he’s on his meds, he does great,” his girlfriend explained. “When he ain’t, look out! He’s a real bear.” Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Family, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation, Work | Tagged determination, health care, lack of medicine, laziness, medicine, poverty, stereotypes, unemployment, work | Comments Off

Lawn Chair Evangelism

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Doc Arnett

Randa sat on the doorstep outside the tiny dilapidated apartment and let me have one of the folding chairs. Bryan’s girlfriend sat in the other while he leaned against the railing. The sounds of loud music and louder voices hammered along the line of doors with peeling paint and sagging gutters. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Prayer, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged evangelism, faith, poor, poverty, prayer, pride, witnessing | Comments Off