This post isn’t about the modern “health and wealth” gospel–though I certainly have thoughts on that. No, it’s about the link between health and material prosperity–does one lend itself to the other?
Most people are generally aware that statistically, Americans are among the most obese in the world, and suffer a plethora of health problems as a result. We’re also a very wealthy nation. It would seem, then, wealth doesn’t equal health. Can you be poor and healthy? I would say that in America, we’re trained to believe not. Many of us conjure up media images of malnutritioned, third-world babies and children, and while I agree that this does happen, it may not be the default. Certainly in war-torn areas or places with challenging climates or geography–but not, from what I have seen, in this particular locale.
Many of the people we meet here drink tea every day for breakfast (made with milk rather than water, which we have yet to get used to); a typical lunch would include corn or rice and beans. Supper–almost always ugali, along with some vegetables. A snack might include a banana, other fruit, or even sugar cane picked up at the local market while out and about. Truthfully, this seems to me a pretty balanced diet. Compare that to the average American, who consumes far more calories than they expend and often indulges in high-fat fast food, overly processed “convenience” foods, and many of the like that are, frankly, devoid of much of the nutrition that the body craves. One, the diet of the “poor” and the other a result of opulence. Which results in better health? Looking at the folks here, I would venture to guess the former. Granted, I’ve seen some overweight Africans–but they honestly tend to be those who are wealthier by comparison.
Paradoxically, there is a movement in America toward better health, which involves getting back to “healthy fats” like coconut oil and real butter and eating non-GMO and organic foods. It may also include high-priced supplements. All of these are actually more expensive than going to McDonald’s and buying a dollar menu burger. So, in that respect, better health may be a result of greater wealth. Or better said, better health requires wealth.
One thing we’ve found interesting as we’ve purchased seeds for our upcoming garden is that heirloom seeds are almost impossible to come by here. Most everything is GMO and hybrid. Why? Because with these types of seeds, the locals can get a higher yield and less disease–in other words, a more profitable crop. And not only are they becoming slaves of the seed companies, I also believe they’re selling out their health…for wealth.
This post isn’t really about drawing conclusions; honestly, I’m not sure I have any. Just a handful of observations, for what it’s worth.
I think your observations are so very good. I know it would be better for my family to eat much more simply–better for our health and our budget–but our spoiled American life brings too many protests from all of us. Blessed are the poor–we would only eat better if we HAD to through necessity. And sadly though, by American standards we are so far from wealthy (the government actually rates our family at “poverty level”–ha ha–what a joke!), but by Biblical standards, it is apparent that we would not be able to go through the needle’s eye.
I was just talking to my daughter yesterday as she was remarking on the some of the differences she sees between her and other girls her age (13), and a big one is stress and mental health. In America, the typical teen is saturated with unhealthy images and thoughts through a non-stop blitz of media, music, books, friends, and social activities and temptations. Add that stress to unhealthy eating–caffeine, sugar, processed foods, and fats–such a recipe for disaster. Jesus calls us to think on good, honest, just, pure, and lovely things–for a reason. He calls us to poorness, meekness, and simplicity for a reason.
Thank you for sharing the exhortations! Your observations there are so very, very needed and helpful for me here!
“Blessed are the poor”–you are so right…Jesus is right!! And our wealth as Americans often lends itself to a spiritual stupor. As a large, homeschooling family on one income in America, it was often easy for us to “compare”; and by comparing ourselves to others in America, we certainly were not wealthy. But if we looked at ourselves as compared to folks in other countries, and measured ourselves according to the standard of God’s Word, we were still filthy rich. Camel through the eye of a needle, indeed. God has worked on us a lot in this area and for sure we have a long way to go. But we are listening, and willing to walk in greater obedience as the Lord gives direction. Praying for you and your family as you progress on your journey!
“Willing to walk in greater obedience” is the key. I say I am willing, but fear the truth is that I would go kicking and screaming to leave behind some of my gluttonous and lazy indulgences. But the Bible clearly states that fleshly lusts “war against the soul.” I have given God permission to drag me and my family “kicking and screaming” to greater obedience if I find I am not strong enough to go there myself. Hopefully, as a loving Father, He will–and hopefully, we are willing.
Will continue to keep you all in prayer, too. I know you do not know me–that downside that comes from you having a ministry at homeschool conventions where you meet so many. This past June in Akron, OH, I purchased some of your husband’s books and have enjoyed them so much, and have “kept tabs” on you through your newsletter since. God bless.
I think we all have areas in which we say we are “willing to walk in greater obedience,” but when it comes down to it we really don’t want to because…it’s hard. 🙂 But God is faithful and He truly knows our hearts.
Though I do wish we knew/remembered you personally from the convention, I am thankful that the Lord has connected us “virtually.” Thanks for your prayers, and will keep you in prayer as well.
In reaction to your exhortations on simplifying what you eat, I made major changes to our family meal plans–changes I implemented in the past, but grew lax over the past few years when our budget had less strain. The change involves a repetitive, simple weekly menu with less meat and almost no “junk.” (I have actually taught workshops on this and tell people to define their “manna,” –their simple, main, repetitive foods–which may be different for each family’s tastes, culture, and region). Since we have taught and trained and meditated on this area for our family for years, all the children were on board with the new plan, which involves things like eating oatmeal for breakfast (just once per week–but it is the only option on that day), limited options for lunches (leftovers only, or if no leftovers, rice & beans-my daughter may make homemade tortillas to eat with them-or if no one is feeling particularly hungry, popcorn, apples and carrots).
The drop in the grocery budget was instantly significant–from $120-200 per trip to $60. I also made a significant observation this time when making the change. The change in appetites of my children. Their appetites are more appropriate and moderate with the simpler foods. It seems when they have more of the “junk” food available, or I cook more of the high-fat, overloaded “meat and potatoes” American meals, their appetites are triggered and they eat way more than they need. Is this because the body senses the lack of nutrition? I don’t know. But I do know that after just five or so days of having the simpler diet, my children were eating less “gluttonously”–I guess you could say. My “bottomless pit” 13yo daughter and 7yo son are now saying they feel satisfied after a nice plateful. They are not always yearning for more to eat. I’m thinking their bodies are getting more of what they need, and we are training a better appetite habit with the healthier, simpler foods. My 17yo son, who is in college, plus has a job outside the home, became instantly conscious of the money he spent to buy $5 pizzas for lunches, and began taking simpler things from home, or food prepared from our menu, when he needed to pack something. He is already feeling like a better steward.
Thank you for sharing your family’s journey–your testimony is helping with ours!
Thanks so much for sharing your testimony! How wonderful not only to see how much you are saving but also how your ideas about food are being changed about what you “need” versus what you “want.” God is good! 🙂
Funny, just yesterday we were eating peanut butter sandwiches for lunch and the kids were sooooooo excited! Peanut butter can be procured here but it’s a bit pricey so we don’t usually have it (Ditto for jam/jelly); however, the guys here from America brought some with them as a surprise gift. As I wasn’t feeling well yesterday, I bought bread rather than baking it myself, and slapped some PB on it for an easy lunch. My son said, “Isn’t it weird how we would have complained about a lunch like this in America [cuz the bread was a bit dry and…no jelly!] but now we’re so happy to have it! Same with things like oatmeal.” (Oats are equally rare here…). It’s nice to see the appetites change and how something that we had often taken for granted as a “staple” can become more of an “indulgence.” Likely the same thing will happen with your family as you adjust your palates. That *can* be a good thing!
Update since our major menu simplification: In the past month, all of my children have begun eating salad. They have started putting lettuce and tomatoes on their bean burritos. None of them did before. My daughter walked by and said, “I think I’ll just fix myself a salad for lunch.” I had to make sure I was me, and I was in my own house, and it was my own daughter speaking! My four-year-old asked for salad for dinner last week, and then ate 3 bowls, and the 2yo followed suit. Then my 7yo had me load up his burrito with lettuce and tomato. It’s obvious that these changes we made are a wiser way to eat, and they are developing tastes for better foods. We are no longer suppressing the taste and appetite for the healthier foods by so many excess fats, calories, and ridiculous variety (king’s food!) This has been such a good change! Except for my 18yo–it is too late for him! 🙂 He is already gone so much for work and school, I never see him! But he has a made a conscious effort to plan and pack lunches more instead of spending it on money out (it was a wake-up call to see how much his co-workers spent on junk food lunches!), and he invested instead in a bunch of fruit/vegetable juice to take with him to eat with his sandwiches (the only way he gets fruits and vegetables, usually!). But he is trying! He is wise and understands what he is observing in his siblings, and as he is studying to be an accountant, he is blessed by how he sees I am honoring my husband with a better grocery budget and better stewardship. Money matters are important to him.
I am amazed beyond all belief. I watched my children eat oatmeal this morning–all their oatmeal, and two of them took seconds. Never thought I’d see the day. And they are loving their bean-burrito every day lunches. I am so thankful for all your exhortations! Big changes going on here–good ones!
Praise God!! 🙂