“When the System Shuts Down, the People Must Rise Up: Faith Beyond SNAP”

Proverbs 19:17 — “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay them for their deed.”

We’ve all seen the headlines. Since the government shutdown, millions of the poorest Americans—those who rely on food stamps and other government assistance such as SNAP—are now suffering the consequences of this political chess game.

In many of our previous newsletters, we’ve discussed an undeniable truth: there is enough land and enough resources on this earth that no one, regardless of race or background, should ever go hungry or go without. If we approached life with a righteous spirit and a balanced understanding of human worth, we could cultivate the land, share skills, and feed those in need—without waiting for politicians to fix problems they clearly have no interest in solving.

Many immigrants who come to this country are master farmers. Many of our elders here have the same skills, passed down through generations. Imagine what could happen if we came together—pooling our talents, knowledge, and compassion—to make agriculture a top priority once again. We could grow our own food, sustain our own communities, and uplift one another in the process.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned an important lesson. When the world shut down, families and communities were forced to come together. We supported one another because we had to. And that same spirit must return—not out of fear, but out of faith, love, and commitment to each other.

Yes, times are hard. Inflation is high. Rent and food prices are unbearable. Many of our brothers and sisters go to work every day and still struggle to make ends meet. These are not lazy people—they are hardworking individuals trying to survive. This is where we must tighten our belts and pool our resources.

In a righteous family, those with more help those with less. Imagine a family meeting where everyone honestly discusses who needs what—especially families with young children—and everyone contributes what they can. That’s what community looks like.

Faith-based institutions must once again become the centers of life for our neighborhoods. Whether a church, mosque, temple, or synagogue, these houses of worship should work together—not against one another—to serve humanity. Theology should never divide us when our shared mission is to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and strengthen the family.

Soup kitchens must thrive. Elders should teach young women the sacred art of nurturing families. Men should be trained in trades and crafts that build independence and dignity. These values have held villages together for centuries, and they can heal us again today.

History shows us what’s possible. The Black Panther Party began its community meal programs with the help of the people. Before food stamps existed, we fed one another. We can—and must—return to that spirit.

Let’s also be honest: we cannot expect justice from a system that turns a blind eye to suffering, both at home and abroad. When innocent people are being killed in Gaza or anywhere in the world, it should remind us that when there is no justice for one, there can be no justice for all.

The government shutdown is a glimpse—a microcosm—of what many around the world live through daily: not knowing where the next meal will come from, or how they will survive another day. That anxiety is real. But it is also a divine test.

Perhaps God is asking: Who do you truly depend on?Do we put our faith in flawed men and women of power—or do we submit and commit ourselves fully to God and the divine responsibility of helping one another?

Places of worship must rise again as sanctuaries of real service, not just prayer. We must stop treating them as emergency shelters of last resort, and instead turn them into living, breathing networks of consistent help.

We are being called to rebuild the human family.To love more.To give more.To be better neighbors and stronger believers.

Let us not wait for the next election to fix what we can fix ourselves.The change we seek will not come from a politician’s promise—it will come from us.

Together, we can do for self. Together, we can feed the hungry. Together, we can restore peace.

May God bless every hand that gives, every heart that loves, and every soul that strives to make this world better—one act of kindness at a time.