Bread and PBS

I received an email today from my very good friend Meredith who is a great social/political activist. She really gets involved - something I wish I did more of. One of the reasons I don't is because I feel so uneducated on issues. I feel like the media only wants to look at things that are big and controversial - war, crime, 2nd ammendment rights - and the issues that impact the human family in a more basic way often don't get a voice. Anyway, I get so inspired when I hear about the humanitarian efforts that our prophet makes and appreciate his urging us to get involved in causes that involve people of all faiths trying to make a difference in the world. On this subject, he said, "As a Church we reach out not only to our own people but also to those people of goodwill throughout the world in the spirit of brotherhood which comes from the Lord Jesus Christ. We desire to cultivate a spirit of kindness, of understanding, of love. We seek always to follow our Savior, ‘who went about doing good’ ” (Acts 10:38).

I myself am trying to figure out a way I can look out for my fellowman that doesn't involve Hollywood guilt or celebrity pleadings (I'm looking at YOU, American Idol Gives Back. Ugh! Don't get me started on that topic....). Anyway, in an effort to educate myself and in the spirit of reaching out to those in need, I'm willing to give this a try. I invite you to do the same.

The email she sent me is below:

I'd love for each of you to watch PBS on Friday night. I realize there a lot of more exciting things to do on a Friday night -- but there is an episode of Bill Moyers Journal I'd love for you to see. (See link at the end for air times - and set your DVR!)

I am currently serving on the national Board of Directors of Bread for the World. "Bread" is a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. It's ecumenical and bipartisan... and they don't ask for your money. So, now that you've realized this isn't a fundraising email - please feel free to read on!

The president of Bread for the World, David Beckman (World Bank Economist, Lutheran Pastor), has been interviewed by Bill Moyers for a special on domestic hunger and the Farm Bill. Every five years, the Farm Bill goes up for reauthorization -- and is currently being renewed in the Senate. It's a huge and complicated piece of legislation... but if you eat... then it effects you. So I'd love for you all to take the time to sit and watch this
1 hour episode with your family to learn a little bit about how food is put on the table in our nation and the world.

Last week, I watched Bill Moyers Journal for the first time and learned about hunger in the Congo - it was fascinating! David Beckman also appeared at the end of that episode and you can view that short interview here.

Please join me in learning a bit more about something that effects us everyday. I promise it will be more entertaining and interesting than any reality show that might be on on a Friday night... In a time in which everything on the news is "Democrats this..." and "Republicans that...," I find it refreshing to learn about a subject on which we can all agree: people have a right to eat. So, enjoy this unique learning experience.

To find out when its airing in your area - please click here.

And if you didn't read this post until after Friday, it looks like it's airing again, so check the site to see when you can see it at another time.