A.C.O.R.N. And Other "NUTS"

From My Perspective - - -

Up until this current election cycle, most of us had never heard of the Political Group A.C.O.R.N. or what its mission is for a select group of people. ACORN (www.acorn.org), the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, is the nation's largest community organization of low and moderate income families, working together for social justice and stronger communities. Since 1970, ACORN has grown to more than 350,000 member families, organized in 850 neighborhood chapters in over 100 cities across the U.S. and in cities in Argentina, Peru, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Canada.

It’s interesting that the organization is known by the acronym – ACORN – that in a broader sense is a word usually associated with Nuts. Perhaps the intent was that from a small Acorn a great Oak might grow, implying that this organization of a small beginning would become a major organization and influence in terms of the body-politic of our nation. When looking at their website, one can get a sense of the scope, purpose, intent and agenda of ACORN. This organization is just one among hundreds of political action groups spanning our country and seeking to gain both favor and influence among the people. While there can be a noble effort toward the disadvantaged and those who seemingly have fallen through the cracks of our society, there is also an inherent danger of these same people being manipulated by an individual’s personal goals and ambitions. In that sense, it would be highly pragmatic as the “end justifying the means” would unfold and eventually be on display. ACORN has worked in the shadows of our culture until the political reference and scrutiny in this election cycle.

It amazes one to think that these types of organizations are legitimized and funded, whereas it is an uphill struggle for faith-based efforts and organizations to be viewed in the same manner. Fortunately, most of the faith-based efforts persevere and continue in spite of difficulties and injustice. One wonders whether or not the attitude of General Austin McAuliffe, one of our Generals in World War II wouldn’t be appropriate. He is the General who was in command of the Allied troops who were surrounded at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945. When called upon by the German commander that he surrender, he is reported to have replied with one word – “NUTS”. Within a few hours, General Patton was able to dispatch additional troops and the tide of the battle changed.

There is a Biblical mandate directing one to “be good” and to “do good” to all. In I Thessalonians 5:15, “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” Also in II Thessalonians 3:13, “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” Galatians 6:9 reminds one, “Let us not grow weary in going good…” The Scriptural Mandate would have one to emulate the compassion of Christ in reaching and touching people as and where they are. We often err as did the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz. The Wizard first explains to the Tin Woodsman the advantages of being heartless. “Back where I come from, there are men who do nothing all day but good deeds. They are called phila-, er, er, philanth-er, yes, er, good-deed doers, and their hearts are no bigger than yours. But they have one thing you haven't got - a testimonial.” But since the Tin Woodsman still desires a heart, he is given some additional therapeutic, home-spun wisdom from the Wizard and then presented with a testimonial: a clock award - a large red, heart-shaped watch made of metal that hangs from the end of a golden chain. A loudly-ticking clock is in the center of the heart: “Therefore, in consideration of your kindness, I take pleasure at this time in presenting you with a small token of our esteem and affection. And remember, my sentimental friend, that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.”

Consider these things with me. Be one of those who do good with the right motivation as you show the Love of Christ to a world that has been greatly unloved. You can be THAT person and make THAT difference.