Sabbath Devotional :: Privilege
In an email conversation with a friend earlier this year, she said, “Working with underprivileged groups should not make us ‘feel grateful and lucky for what I have.’ That is the typical, and wrong, reaction. Volunteering for underprivileged should make us feel angry in our souls for the situation that created their marginalization to begin with, and make us want to take action and do something about it.”
When I read her words out loud to my children they said, “Yes! That’s is exactly!”
We mentor a refugee family from Rwanda. They were torn from their homes, ripped from family members and suffered indignities, starvation and rape from their oppressors before finding refuge in a camp and finally a home in Salt Lake City, Utah.
It’s been our privilege to help the kids with math and reading and take them on fun outings while wiser minds navigate the complexities of establishing life in America.
It’s an absolute joy to spend time with these kids.
In light of the quote above, my kids talk about how they don’t feel superior to our refugee friends in any way, but they do feel compelled to help make up for some of the privileges they have lost.
I agree working with marginalized populations shouldn’t elicit the saccharin sweet “it just make me feel so blessed for my life.” Our work SHOULD create ‘anger in our souls’ and inspire us to create change. Still, I don’t think we can help but feel grateful and more aware of our daily, hourly privileges.
How can we avoid the ‘savior Barbie’ syndrome — serving only to serve ourselves — and combine gratitude with ‘anger in our souls?’ I’d love to read your thoughts.
“That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.” Alma 34:38
Michelle Lehnardt is a member of Mormon Women for Ethical Government.
