Poverty, homelessness, and human dignity in times of crisis

A beggar


A beggar is someone who can't help himself. He or she is financially handicapped. Therefore, to fight for his survival means to beg for a living. Beggars are all over the world, but are much more common in Third World Countries. 

They are often seen in busy places, such as shopping centers, train stations, and markets.

I first thought that, due to poverty, that was the reason a lot of beggars were mostly seen in Third World Countries, but now, in advanced countries, beggars are commonly seen everywhere. 

The craving to satisfy drug demand by junkies and other social problems has brought so many people to the streets in Europe as beggars.

I wasn't expecting to see someone opening a trash container in Europe to look for bread or any food that could satisfy him and eat. But I have seen it a couple of times. 

Roofless people, dejected and rejected by society, live on food thrown into refuse containers at the supermarkets.

A beggar has no choice, they say, but sometimes circumstances beyond their control force them to reject or accept. Another point is that just because a beggar has no choice doesn't mean that anyone can give them something bad as a gift.

At the central train station in Antwerp, a beggar asked for money, and he was given 70 cents. Right in front of the one who gave him the money, he said, "This is nothing; a cup of coffee costs 2 euros". 

Then he walked away. The man who gave him the money wasn't happy with the statement the beggar made.

However, in this time of crisis, people must understand the plight of beggars. The beautiful part of life is not only going on holidays, drinking and eating, or visiting families. 

There is also joy in helping others. Giving more than receiving not only gives comfort but also a blessing.   

2005, A YEAR OF HOPE AFTER THE TSUNAMI

Some of the survivors after the tsunami


Within a relatively short period between January 1st and December 31, 2004, thousands of people worldwide experienced many ups and downs, ranging from social problems to natural disasters. 


As a matter of fact, the year 2004 was not all that amusing or a happy year for many people. 

The ongoing war in Iraq, ethnic conflicts, and rebel activities in Africa have claimed thousands of lives, including children, and the lucky ones who miraculously survived the carnage suddenly become orphans because their parents have been killed.

Just as the year is coming to an end, a natural disaster, "Tsunamis" which has never been recorded in history, hit Asia, claiming over 120,000 lives, injuring scores on its deadly path, and rendering thousands of people homeless.

Life is said to be a delicate balance between planned activities and unexpected circumstances. That doesn't mean that one has to give up in times of crisis. 

Since the year 2004 is gone forever, all our troubles should be buried with it, since the constant thinking of past problems could sometimes act as a stumbling block to our progress.

As the new year arrives, what are our hopes and expectations? Through God, faith, and positive thinking, our hopes and dreams could be a reality. 

As individuals, we must put behind religious conflicts and live in peace to work together to make the year 2005 a prosperous and happy year for all.