Hello! Welcome to our weekly Five Minute Friday link-up. We gather each week around a single word prompt to freewrite for five minutes flat, then share our work and encourage one another.
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This week’s FMF writing prompt is: ENABLE
Setting my timer for five minutes, and . . . GO.Â
As we approach the one-year marker since much of the world shut down due to COVID-19, I have been struck once again by the many privileges and opportunities that I often took for granted in my upbringing, and continue to take for granted even now.
I listen to news reports about the significant disparities in internet access across the country, particularly how students and teachers without access have been affected during periods of virtual learning.
I hear reports of healthcare disparities, of limited access and lesser quality care for people of color, of black people dying at higher rates than those of other races for various reasons.
I think of single moms and working moms with children at home who can’t find childcare.
I think of the many factors and ultimately the Lord’s grace, kindness, and mercy that have enabled me to live a life of comfort and abundance, of peace, safety, health, and ease. Of access to the gospel, freedom to worship, and biblical preaching.
I’ve taken these things for granted, forgetting that so many in this country and across the world have not had it so easy. And I ask myself, “How can I use my privilege for good?”
STOP.
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Join the link-up below to share your own five-minute freewrite on the prompt, ENABLE, then visit your link-up neighbor to read their post and leave an encouraging comment!Â
I have found that lack can be privilege. Or maybe I’m a self-delusional nitwit.
Somehow I seem to have fallen
through the cracks I failed to see,
and I find now that my calling
is to survive and yes, to be
a witness and a testimony
and sort of an assurance
that happiness ain’t linked to money,
nor health linked to insurance.
Perhaps this is harsh privilege
and perhaps I have in honour made
addition to faith’s knowledge…
or with lemons, lemonade.
Self-delusion? Maybe so,
but I am here, and good to go.
Very relevant, Kate. In India, this has become a big issue for students.
That is a question we should always ask ourselves—especially if we’re feeling complacent or self-satisfied!
Yes indeed!
The Great Helper/Enabler!
Living and teaching my whole career in an extremely rural area, I’ve often said that many Americans don’t realize how some children live. In 2021 there is still no cell phone service here (Thank goodness for wi-fi calling), no fast food, no Wal-mart within an hour, and much poverty. Many of our students are without internet but thankfully out school system has set up hot spots that can be used. I love your words Kate because they remind us to appreciate how easy it is to take what we have for granted!
Thanks for the reminder to use my abundance for others. Sometimes I feel a little guilty for my and my husband’s steady jobs throughout the last year, but I am also thankful for the ways we’ve been able to help others.