What’s spiritual “food insecurity” and how to avoid it?
Sunday, I participated in Catawba County’s Hunger Walk through the quaint little downtown area of Newton, NC. Three local charities provide food for the hungry: Ashure Ministries, The Corner Table, and the Hickory Soup Kitchen. The three recognized their shared mission of reducing food insecurity in Catawba County and joined their talents and resources to put together a magnificent community event.
It was a resounding success. There were over 400 walkers, an impressive number for the town of Newton. They raised $65,000, an even more impressive amount raised per walker.
The ministries each have a unique set of offerings and style. I’ve volunteered at all three and served on the board of one, so I’m familiar with them. Combined, they do a great job providing the needy in the community free meals, grocery services, showers, clothing, and assistance with rent and utilities. The Font of Mercy provides them with regular financial support.
Leading up to the event, I frequently heard the term “food insecurity”. It made me wonder. Is there such a thing as “spiritual food insecurity”.
The Backpack Program run by volunteers at the Corner Table came to mind. School-age children identified as food insecure get a free and reduced lunch throughout the week at school. The Backpack program gives seven pounds of food to these children so they have something to eat on the weekend. A staggering 1,400 children receive this assistance each week.
I’ve helped pack these bags. They’re not just whatever food might be available or surplus items. The shelves are organized by food group – carbs, protein, vegetables, and fruits. As a volunteer, I would grab an item from one shelf, move to the other shelves around the warehouse, and circle back to the beginning to start again.
I might be experiencing a little spiritual food insecurity. With a schedule that seems to be getting busier by the day, I’m not sure where that next ‘meal’ is coming from. I’m finding less and less time for those ‘Sabbath’ days.
Part of my spiritual food insecurity might come from a lack of variety. A child who goes home with seven pounds of mac and cheese may be filled, but never satisfied. A good variety for me would be those ‘nutritional’ devotions and prayers that bring me closer to God. This includes taking time to listen to God in silence, completing an unhurried Examen, entering into the scripture with an open heart, and using my imagination. It’s tempting to add the latest video series, email reflection, podcast, or online devotion to my diet. But I have to ask, “Are these just filling me up, but never satisfying?”
If you’re wondering if you’re suffering from spiritual food insecurity, here are a couple of questions you can ask yourself: What part of my spiritual diet is the healthiest? What seems out of balance?
