Defining a Global Issue

What is poverty?
I have posted videos about poverty, told stories about those in poverty, but however I have yet to define poverty. According to Mr. Wesbster, poverty is.....

Main Entry: pov·er·ty
Pronunciation: \ˈpä-vər-tē\
Function: noun
1 a : the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions b : renunciation as a member of a religious order of the right as an individual to own property
2 : scarcity, dearth
3 a : debility due to malnutrition b : lack of fertility

The World Bank established the poverty line as an income of less than $2 a day. They also reported that 2.6 million people live below this line. In fact, the reality of our global situation is that every three seconds a child dies from extreme poverty.

There are a variety of issues that those in extreme poverty face such as lack of education, poor sanitation, nutrition, and health care, as well as little or no access to clean water and increased likelihood of contracting infectious diseases and viruses to name a few.

I believe when we talk about poverty, we must also talk about compassion.
Here is another definition for you...
com⋅pas⋅sion 
[kuhm-pash-uhn]
–noun
1. a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

Compassion is what allows us to come alongside other people in their time of trouble. However, it is also what allows us to do something about that suffering. Compassion is not simply an feeling, it is a compelling emotion. It must be our compassion that compels us into action. It is so much more than feeling sorry for someone for a situation they are in. It is also about identifying with the person and taking action to make a change against their circumstances or injustice.

Knowing all of this, the question becomes, do YOU care? An even harder question still remains as well, do you care enough to DO something about it?