We Are The World

     We are sisters and brothers sharing the same home.  We are alike: need sufficient clothing, shelter, food, and clean water, want to be healthy, free of disease and pain, and hope for peace without war and strife.  We are different: varieties of religions and philosophies, opinions and perspectives, talents, interests and lifestyles.
     With this in mind, we should plan how to spend our time, energy, and money.  We can do much personally within our families and close associates.  In order to help those beyond our own acquaintances,  we can contribute to churches and charities and through taxes to our government.  So often, we easily give to our own, our children, grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. Our sympathy is easier to extend to people who are like us.  We find it harder to give freely to those who are different.
     As we do what we can to help others survive, we need to do what we can to help them improve their lives.  As we solve our own problems, we can help others solve theirs.  Everyone needs to be educated to the point that they are able to contribute to the economy.  Parenthood should be postponed until parents can support their children.  We need to take care of our bodies, stay as healthy as possible, and make sure everyone has access to health care.  We need to take care of our home and our environment and be good stewards of our natural resources.  Governments need to focus on diplomacy and peace instead of military force.
     Mother Earth provides all the resources necessary for survival, but circumstances may make it very difficult for many of her children to have a satisfying lifestyle.  Our concern should not be with just our corner of the world, our dot on the map.  We are not just members of our own family or residents of our own neighborhood. We are the world.