I know why there is poverty and hunger in the world. It's because the people of the world allow there to be. Bar from our excuses of warlords and cultural differences, if enough of the world's wealthy were more concerned for the world's people then their bank statements, it could come to an end.

This thought struck me today as I was walking away from the Casino. My mission there was to retrieve my wife's I.D. that had been misplaced, by me, at the Muslim wedding we attended there the night before. I graciously accepted, signed, and left with the I.D. and exited out the side, valet door. I nearly came crashing into a Hummer, which as far as I could tell, was blocking out the sun. I was struck with how useless and impractical this vehicle is for the everyday masses. Then I thought of the money spent in the Casinos, The money spent on impractical and over the top vehicles, the money spent on this Mac Book Pro, the money spent on this $9 six pack I am drinking, and it makes me sad.

I was told a One Billion Dollars could end the world's hunger. I was also told the Methodist church, in assets alone (church campuses, lands, retreat centers) has way over this amount. And this is just the Methodist church. Not withstanding the awesome fundraising the Southern Baptist are capable of, or event the vast caches of wealth held be the Catholic Church. However, I fear the headlines show how they spend their money.

Our churches at slowly nicking away at the problems of poverty and world hunger, but image what a combining of efforts and money could do. Is it worth it to loose much of the empire the receptive denominations and religions have amassed to indeed help their neighbor.

You know what amazes me. Jesus told the rich man..."to follow me, you must sell everything you have..." And what do with do with this today? We warp it into a new meaning so as to not feel guilty about stuff and accomplishments. When we are young, bible stories are stuffed into our little heads, teaching us the right and wrong. As we grow older, the American Dream is beaten into our brains pushing the true, pure meanings of biblical teachings from their once safe resting grounds. No longer able to see past the color of money, another chance to act and change has given way to mortgages, stocks, future.

I openly admit to my comfort and how giving it all up would leave me in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety of my next step. But, man, how freeing would it be. I know it could be done and be a fulfilling life...

I wonder what the news would talk about if we no longer had hunger, poverty. Maybe that could straighten out politics too? Worth a try. I could wander with my wife and my dog to seek the life of Christ. In fact, it sounds like a better adventure then the 9 to 5 the American Dream provides.