The word hunger means many things to me. I hunger for knowledge, I grow hungry for a snack. To Webster it's a craving or urgent need for food or a specific nutrient; an uneasy sensation occasioned by the lack of food; a weakened condition brought about by the prolonged lack of food, or a strong or compelling desire or craving.
My kids tell me "Mom, I'm starving." and awkwardly stare into a refrigerator and pantry full of leftovers and odds and ends, and say "there's nothing to eat."
And then, I turn on the tv and see the devastation that hunger and famine can do to families across the globe. The crisis in the Horn of Africa and across the globe right now is something that is hitting me deeper and deeper each day.
As we pray "Give us this day our daily bread." I realize that I've never had to really wonder where my next meal was going to come from. I didn't choose to be born into a culture of affluence, or that I'd get to experience grocery stores on a daily basis the way I do. Nor, did I choose to live in a country where clean water is taken for granted. But, I do, and that's where I find myself.
And so, what can we do? What should we do. Prayer and learning more about hunger is what I propose I can do right here right now. There is a crisis - something urgent and tangible. When small children are being left behind by their parents because they do not have enough energy or strength to make a long journey to where there is clean water and food, I can pray. When adults have completely lost any sense of who they are because they simply have no energy to move or share conversation or look at others, I can pray.
Lord, have mercy. Be with each of these children today, as your own precious ones whom you love. Give them daily manna and satisfy their cravings for food, but also for dignity, and for a sense of who You are to them as provider, and faithful shepherd. I am deep in prayer and will fast one meal each day to remind me of the minor hunger pangs - so that I may join in solidarity with these who are suffering today. Father God, have mercy. Show comfort and care to your African children. For they didn't choose these circumstances, any more than I did my own. Jesus, have mercy. Holy Spirit come.
I will not easily forget that across the world other families, other mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters are literally starving - and without food or clean water. I will also not forget that disease and famine plague these whole countries. I must not forget. I must remember them tonight.
