by James Pedrick

 

 

I have the unbelievable opportunity to work on a daily basis to advocate on issues of poverty and injustice.

I actually get paid to do this!

 

And yet, on some mornings – like today’s – I’d rather stay home. Why is that?

I’d lie if I didn’t admit sometimes I just don’t want to work. Tired, lazy, need a break, some fun in the sun… or just on the couch. But often I might just not feel motivated.

 

This week, my job has felt more like a job… meetings, reports, budgets, paperwork. These are all important tasks that help sustain our ministry and advocacy – but on days like today, my passion and motivation feel depleted and overridden by the mundane cubicle.

 

Today, I don’t so much feel like staying home, checking out, or calling it a day – but instead simply want to reconnect to why I work in the first place.

 

I reflect on the stories of individuals I met in Cambodia, scripture that proclaims God’s love for the oppressed, documentaries that have brought me to tears. This desire to connect to what I work  reminds me of my own need for justice and value and purpose – that I only find when I connect God’s love for and acceptance of me with God cherishes others who might have less opportunities or face greater obstacles.

 

 

As part of our new campaign to tell the story of microloans, we are asking groups to answer the question: What do you work for?

 

What drives you? What motivates you to do good, provide opportunities for others and make a difference in the world?

 

We’re exploring these questions to not only connect our actions with our motivations – but also to connect our actions with the hopes and motivations of others.

 

Let’s face it, microfinance is not an exciting word. It’s not as dramatic as feeding the hungry, curing diseases or freeing the oppressed. But what is so great about microloans – and why I am motivated to work for working poor entrepreneurs – is how microfinance empowers others.

 

Microloans provide dignity – recognizing that we are all the same, humans with our own unique hopes and dreams. Microloans empower others to reach their full potential, provide sustainable income for their families, freedom for their children and hope for tomorrow.

 

And that is what I work for.

 

A group of young creative activists went to Cambodia and created our new campaign: ACT:S+MICRO, to tell the stories of entrepreneurs whose lives are being transformed through microloans. Together they’re challenging groups across the nation to learn about microfinance, tell their stories, and work together to fund an entrepreneur. Learn more, see the film, and order resources at worldvisionmicro.org/acts.