The global economy is a wreck. There’s a global food crisis devastating the developing world. Loved ones have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jobs have been lost. The implosion of the housing market has left many in dire straits.

But you could also view the past 10 years in a different light.

We have been punched in the face, bloodied and beaten. Our pockets have been pilfered. Our sense of security crushed. But we’re still standing. And that’s saying something.

Standing. That’s how I’d like to start this new decade.

It’s time to take a deep breath, expand our lungs, square our hips and boldly, defiantly …stand.

But just standing isn’t enough. We need to stand with a purpose. Stand for a reason.

I think that would be a great New Year’s resolution for this year. To stand. Stand and be heard. Stand and be counted. Stand and speak up. Stand and make a difference.

Because, you see, for the poorest of the poor around the world, the economy is always horrible. The billions living on less than $2 a day are attacked over and over again by a ruthless terrorist: poverty.

The poor have lost loved ones in the battle against malnutrition, unclean water and disease.

And jobs? For the poor, they’ve always been scarce. They know little of a “housing market bubble” because they can’t imagine getting beyond their shacks made of tin and wood scraps. They can’t even imagine coming home to a carpeted floor.

The truth is, the poor have been beaten by poverty for far too long. And it’s beyond time to stand up for them.

This year you can do it.

In 2010, you can stand up for the poor. Pray. Give. Share. Care. Use your time, talents or treasure to help those less fortunate.

Stand and expect more from our government. Stand and lead your church to become part of the solution. Stand.

This next decade will say a lot about us … about the Church. Will we shrink in the aftermath of disruption and despair? Will we lie crumpled in our grief?

Or will we plant both feet firmly on the ground and say “Enough!”?

What will we look back and say in 2020? Will we shrug our shoulders and excuse ourselves, saying, “Well, we needed time to recoup,” or will we look back on the 20-teens and say, “That was the decade we decided to change the world. That was the decade we decided to stand”?

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Take a look at some of these popular New Year’s resolutions for 2009:

• In 2009, I resolve to eat better.
• In 2009, I resolve to keep my home in better shape.
• In 2009, I resolve to take better care of my body.
• In 2009, I resolve to be better about what I spend my money on.
• In 2009, I resolve to look for a new job.

Any of those look familiar?

Now, go back and read those resolutions again … but this time, from the perspective of a person living in poverty.

Imagine a little boy in Kenya who resolves to eat better because he’s tired of going to bed hungry. Imagine a single mother in Peru who resolves to keep her 6’x6’ shack clean. I’ve seen families that sweep their dirt floors just to try to keep their humble homes presentable.

Imagine a little girl in India who wants to take control of her own body instead of falling prey to the men who abuse it. Imagine the family that scrapes together spare change to eat today. Imagine the father who is desperately searching for a job so he can give his children an education and a shot at life.

This year, I urge you to resolve to do something about global poverty. Get involved. 

Here’s a list of suggested, revised New Year’s resolutions for you:

• In 2009, I resolve to go on a mission trip.
• In 2009, I resolve to help my church start a food pantry — or donate to an existing one on a regular basis.
• In 2009, I resolve to pray for children trapped in poverty.
• In 2009, I resolve to support a ministry that cares for the poor.
• In 2009, I resolve to think beyond myself and truly make a difference in the life of a child living in poverty.

And let’s try to make these New Year’s resolutions last.

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On behalf of my sponsored child, I resolve . . .

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We’re interested to know if what we like is even remotely similar to what you like.

And if you’re not much into leaving comments on blog posts, this is a great opportunity to work on that New Year’s Resolution we know you made. You know, the one about becoming a blog extrovert.

Happy New Year!

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