We’re continuing our 8 in 8 book giveaway that we think you should read. And because we’re not content to just tell you to read a book, we’re giving away the books we recommend. The next book we’re giving away is a little different than you might expect.
The book is titled: “The Twenty-Piece Shuffle” by Greg Paul. The subtitle is what might get your attention: “Why the Poor and the Rich Need Each Other.” 
It’s easy to imagine why the poor need the rich (duh, many of you reading our blog spend your time professionally trying to find people with money who will give to help poor people). But why do the rich need the poor?
ST: I have to say that I admire Greg for using the word “poor.” We’re often afraid of using the word “poor” because there might be a stigma attached.
Here’s a quick video you should watch. Greg tells about the “twenty piece shuffle” (it wasn’t what I would have thought) and he hints at some of the reasons why the rich and poor need each other.
We had the pleasure of hearing Greg speak a few weeks ago, he’s the real deal (you can tell from his haircut). And we got him to sign a book for you.
How can you get the book for free? Simple. Comment on a blog post or on a post on the Oneicity Facebook page by Monday December 13, and your name is in the hat for the giveaway. Everyone who comments will have a chance to get the book — just one chance per person — but don’t let that stop you — you know how we love to keep the conversation rolling.
And comments on any of our blog posts will get you in the running, so feel free to wander the halls and find posts from the past that you want to sound off about.
So what do you think, why do the rich need the poor? We love hearing what you think.
UPDATE 12/13/10: Tim Craig is the winner of this week’s 8-in-8 book giveaway. You’re going to love it and it’s going to change your thinking. Let us know!
st
Hoots and Thomas
(photo credit: mattwi1s0n)
8 thoughts on “book giveaway: the twenty-piece shuffle”
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” —Matt 5:3 No matter how many time we hear this, will it ever make sense to us? Perhaps when we hang with others unalike us and allow ourselves to realize we are not really unalike be all the same in our neediness for the Father. Thanks for providing this peek into an important world.
The author’s comparison of crack addiction and an addiction to other pleasures of life, such as material things, food and toys, hits the core of our deepest longings to find fulfillment. When we strip it all away our deepest need is to be satisfied with Jesus Christ. Then we will find true happiness and fulfillment.
The people most receptive to Jesus and His provisions were social outcasts (i.e. sick, handicapped, tax collectors, prostitutes)they recognized their need for His love, grace, and guidance. The Up-and-Ins of Jesus day resisted Him and missed out on the peace and joy He offered in this life and the life to come. It only makes sense then to spend time with and learn from the people who understand what “poor in spirit” means.
@Al–great thought. Maybe the concept of “hang with others unlike us” is the key? Mostly we’re uncomfortable with people who are different but that discomfort is the often the source of change, huh?
Thanks for your wisdom.
st
@Jeffrey– it’s a hard thing to face, that my “addiction” to the latest and greatest tech-toy could be based in the same motivation as a crack addict. It takes away my ability to feel “holier than thou” which is a common Christian perspective. Thanks for the reminder.
st
@Tim– Love your phrase “Up-and-In.” So many of us feel like we’re that way. I like hanging with the “down and outs” because I “get” brokenness and hard-stuff.
‘appreciate your wisdom.
Thanks.
st
Beautiful video! And, excellent reminder – not only do the rich and poor need each other… we all need each other to rely on, to share life with and to make us feel real (comfortable, uncomfortable and somewhere in between). And, I agree with you Steve – the use of “poor” is brave, but also grabs attention. So many connotations of that word – financially, emotionally, spiritually poor. Maybe we’re all poor in our own ways.
@Bethany–thanks for the reminder of all the ways we can be poor! Many who are rich in one of the areas you mention are poor in others. Great thoughts, thank you.
st