Do you know what it's like to not be able to buy a pack of gum?
I don't mean you think "Eh, I shouldn't spend the extra money"....I mean you literally do not HAVE 97 cents to your name so if you DID want a pack of gum it would not be an option.
Since when did a pack of gum become a luxury?
Some one's facebook status really set me off the other day. It was someone ranting about someone they knew who apparently "complained" that they couldn't pay the bills. (and shame on them!! everyone else can complain about the weather, and their kids being whiny and their cars being more than 5 years old, but to complain about not being able to pay bills?!?!?! how ridiculous...). This person was upset because they saw this complainy person in a fast food drive-thru line. I believe the status was something to the effect of "If you can't pay your bills you shouldn't be buying fast food!!"
Now, my first thought was "Right...you shouldn't." but then I started reading the comments. By the time I finished I was so angry I could have thrown my computer. Person after person typing in all caps (so that we knew how angry they were) about how irresponsible and selfish it was to spend money on other things when you're too broke to pay your bills..and I was left thinking "why is it any of your business??"
I mean honestly, is it not possible that this person had a gift card, was buying for someone else or crap, maybe they wanted a hamburger!!!! How many people REALLY know what it feels like to pay nothing but bills (NOTHING but bills) month after month after month after month, only to still be behind. To put every dime into bills and still get power shut off, still lose your home and not have enough gas to drive your kids to school anyways. How many of those people commenting know what it feels like to ask your mom for 5 dollars so you can buy toilet paper? How many of those people know what it's like to not be able to buy a pack of gum?
Now don't read this, walk away and say "Oh Michelle thinks it's ok to throw your money away and spend it on fast food instead of bills!" because that's not true. I'm all about being careful with money, eating at home, etc....but I am NOT ok with people who (and this is MOST people) see someone hurting and start picking at why they should NOT help.
"Oh I would help her with her power bill, but she was at subway earlier! She should spend her money more carefully." or "Oh I would help him but you know he will just spend the money on cigarettes!" or how about this one "Oh I would help, but I need to buy the kids more Christmas presents."
I'm going to wander off for a moment but be patient, I promise it will come back around.
About February of this year I met a guy who was living in an uninsulated shed behind a friends house. He had a few covers but it wasn't doing the trick. We helped him as much as we could in the next few weeks but it wasn't much. One night he called us (one of the coldest nights of the year) asking if we could help him get a room for the night. He had been sick (which we could hear in his voice) and he just really wanted a warm place to rest. We had 5 dollars to our name and it was 24 to get a room. We posted on facebook, we called half the people in our phone book and would you believe 5 hours later we had to call that man back and tell him we couldn't find the money.
20 dollars.
What have you spent 20 dollars on this week?
You would be amazed how many people asked me "Is he on drugs?" "Doesn't he have family?" "A shed is better than a sidewalk." "Why doesn't he have a job?"
excuses....excuses...excuses.
We look for every reason possible to NOT help people.
There are few things worse than being at the mercy of other people. I know that now.
WHY as humans do we look at others in need and NOT find every excuse we can to help them?
We have a "my family first, everyone else second" attitude. That attitude is celebrated. But I am saying it is WRONG.
It is our responsibility to take care of others and then let God take care of us.
Is it easy? Not always. but it's easier than people make it seem.
Seriously, do you know what it's like to not be able to buy a pack of gum?
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Perfectly said. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh,I SO do know what it's like not to be able to buy a pack of gum. I know what it's like to have to sell a $2500 dollar wedding ring for $300 just to buy meds to stay alive and feed my child. The problem with most people is they don't understand when this life is done they'll realize too late that this life is about ACCOUNTABILITY. We have to answer for every action: a smile,a frown, an unkind word---and being unkind and walking away from people in need of help when we can help but don't want to be bothered. We become indignant that someone would dare to impose on US. The saying "but for the grace of God go I" is never truly felt by some,then there's those like you and me who really know. I believe that when I see the man begging on the street if I have and don't give because I want to delegate or suppose what he's going to do with it--NOT giving is on me to answer for; while if he IS conning me,well that's on him to be ACCOUNTABLE for that action. We're accountable for showing compassion and kindness which are the center of Jesus' message. That's what life's about.
ReplyDeleteWell I can honestly say i dont know what its like not to be able to buy gum. The longest we've been broke (continuously) was probably a month. When Tony didnt have work. And it was depressing we got through it. ALL of our money was gone bc we paid every bill and had just enough left for gas. I agree with helping people. I try so hard to reach out and offer help and sometimes it works out. i know that the person will always remember wat i did because i loved them and cared enough to help. Some people reading your blogs and not knowing u personally would think "oh she's just bitter" but i have literally seen u guys go from good to bad to worse. But your still there every sunday & wednesday. calling the youth to pick em up, scheduling occ events. you dont stop and Gods going to reward you for staying faithful and strong. i know somedays u might not feel like it and its so hard to get out of bed but your doing it. You might not have lots of money (or much at all) but you've got Jesus and thats all you need! He will provide and improvise til your needs are met. Good post!
ReplyDeletepsycho- that's exactly what I was trying to get across. It's not up to us to decide what that person does with the money, it's up to us to give it, and if they don't use it wisely, they will be held accountable for that. We think that life is about what you can accumulate in the few short years we are here, but it's more about what we give away.
ReplyDeleteBritt- even if they do think I'm bitter....it's all true. lol Someone reading this and walking away thinking "Oh she's just bitter" is doing exactly what I've accused them of in this post. Making excuses.