Mom-and-pop

Mom-and-Pop

They’re up very early. They were probably up late the night before, poring over receipts and various accounts. They turn on the lights and make sure everything is clean and in order. They check supplies, welcome sleepy employees, and rotate the window sign from Closed to Open.

And then they wait, praying, I hope we have a good day.

We are a materialistic culture, and we often buy stuff we just don’t need. But while thrift and simplicity do matter, so does contributing to the financial security and sense of purpose of your neighbor.

In supporting your local mom-and-pop establishments, you aren’t just buying stuff; you’re supporting families, people who want to stand on their own two feet, people who are hoping this dream they’ve pursued won’t fail.

Inside those store windows are people who matter. And buying from them is a gift.

[They] must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

—Ephesians 4:28