Poor & More
Two thought provoking articles from Relevant/Reject Apathy: Unconventional Ways to Fight Poverty by Elsie Amyx and The Wrong Way to Approach The Poor by Chase Miller.
As I look upon today's society, seeing people that spend their time solely on the streets, and others that spend the majority of their time at their jobs so they can make ends meet, there is a voice that asks "What is poor anymore? What is considered to be poverty?"
It seems that the official word is an income at or less than $23,850 for a family of four. This accounted for nearly 15% of Americans in 2013 (46 million). The top 1% of makes over $500,000k yearly, where-as I am now learning middle class can range from $35k to about $100k.
I am reminded of a time when I had my first car, a white Geo Storm in which was decked out with bright colored embellishments and Power Puff Girl novelties. I could fill up the tank for about $15. My tank now would laugh and me and beckon for more in two or three days. Of course that is nothing in comparison to the age in when my mom was raised where she could get a moon pie and a coke for .15 cents.
With the above just being merely facts and figures, I transition into this, the Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 5:11, "There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."
It is by God's grace alone that neither you nor I are in such a situation. For example, one of the people from L5P has a story that could happen to any of us. He had a home. He was living paycheck to paycheck. He got let go. His house insurance lapsed. He house caught on fire. BAM! As such he then ended up on the street with no friends or family to turn to at the time.
It's my belief that we all are lacking and need help from others in one way or the other (whether it be food, compassion, instruction, etc). Not to mention that we are constantly needing help from God! As written in the book, we are a patchwork quilt, made up of all different people, in various places, spaces and backgrounds but all stitched together - meant to work together, in hope of a better present and future for all.
In conclusion I would like to say a little RIP for two people from L5P that have passed away in the last two weeks, Big John (Bones) and Nancy, you will not be forgotten, but we all know where you are now! See you one day again, where there will be no more sorry and no more pain!
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