If other people are tempted to keep up with the Joneses, then North Texans must also feel like they have to keep up with the Smiths and the Williamses and the Browns. Everywhere you look, there is affluence and wealth. Even the rich people get caught up in keeping up. I have actually been told by well-meaning individuals that Frisco cannot possibly have a poverty problem; they simply don't see it so it must not exist. But I propose that if you pause for a moment and dare to look deeper, you will see that things are not always as they appear to be. 

A big house, a nice car, the most stylish clothes and the most up-to-date technology are just a few of the ways we've learned to measure our worth and our status. What others think of the places we go or of the things we own matters more than it should. When we compare our lives to our neighbors, it's difficult to not feel like we are falling short. Then we take those emotions online where we literally and figuratively follow millions of others, and I think many of us find the weight too much to carry. 

On a good day, 52% of this nation was living paycheck to paycheck. Bring Covid into the picture and that number shoots up to 63%. When this pandemic started, insecurity began to snowball. Where will we live next month? Will I still have a job? Will there be enough money for food this week? What will happen to my family if I get sick or if I die? Those are just a few of the questions our friends are faced with daily. Now, almost a year into this pandemic, we thought the uncertainty would be over but we are faced with some challenges that have no end in sight. 

So even if you have nice things today, it doesn't mean you'll be able to have them tomorrow. And I can't even get started on the lack of preparation for an emergency. So many of the people we serve are one hospital bill, one past due payment, or one accident away from changing their life forever. 

A few years ago, I delivered some necessities to a family living in a fairly expensive house in a very nice neighborhood. When we walked in, I instantly noticed that the home was clean and comfortable, but I could tell something was off. There were mattresses on the floor of a formal dining room. There was bedding on two couches in the living area. Nothing on the walls, no computers, no TVs or other technology. The kitchen had clean counters and a small table for four. The refrigerator was empty and the cabinets were bare. As I talked to the family, I found that the one family I knew of was actually three families working together to make ends meet. They had been plagued by job losses and personal tragedies and all they could afford was rent and the expenses for two cars that several adults shared. On the outside, everything appeared fine. Nice house, new car, clothed children - all the makings of a happy life. And inside, these beautiful people were definitely struggling more than most. 

I’ll also never forget the time I met a woman in a Mercedes to give her some clothing and some food. She hid her truth very well. You would’ve never guessed that she was also sleeping in that Mercedes, parking behind a small convenience store to steal a couple of hours of sleep each night. 

Or the single dad who had lost both his wife and his mother in one year. After being widowed, his mother was providing him with a home and helping him raise his three boys. When she died suddenly, he was left practically alone. He was able to stay in her home and did his best to provide his boys with routine and structure, but their life just could not be sustained by one paycheck. Adjusting to the daily changes, he was doing his best and just needed some help when it was time to find school clothes and supplies. He needed to pay the electric bill more than he needed to find the perfect backpack. 

The stories could go on and on. I have twelve years of doing life with people in the messy and mundane places. Trust me when I say that most people in this world are going through something difficult, but almost all of them don’t feel brave enough to let anyone else in on their story. 

My life is dedicated to finding and serving and loving those who cannot afford the same status as their neighbor. The purpose of Reach North Texas is rooted deeply in the belief that a family’s worth is not tied up in what they accomplish or what they wear or what they drive or where they live. By providing things people need and by being in their corner, I pray we are showing everyone that it’s not necessary to live up to unattainable expectations. You’re seen and you’re heard and you’re loved - right where you are, right now. 

So to those who have to choose a second job over a full night’s sleep… 
And to those who have made their family laugh over a meal of only mac and cheese… 
And to those who have found fashionable ways to wear the pants that are too short or the shirt that’s too tight… 
And to those who have made the brave decision to do their best… 

I just want you to know that someone is here for you. If you need help, you can ask. If you need a cheerleader, let us know. I pray you find the courage to live your life fully, even if it is currently less than you need. 

Now for those who have plenty… 
And for those blessed beyond measure… 
And for those who have enough… 

I just want you to know that there are people who need you and not just your stuff. Don’t get me wrong; donations are always necessary, but the greatest gift you can give is yourself. Your time or your experience, a listening ear and a caring heart. If hurting people need to be seen and heard, then it’s time we start looking and listening.