Comments on: Blog Action Day 08 – A Christian Response to Poverty http://www.mattmckimmy.com/blog/2008/10/15/blog-action-day-08-a-christian-response-to-poverty/ Computers, Cooking, Cars, Christianity, and More ... Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:27:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Travis http://www.mattmckimmy.com/blog/2008/10/15/blog-action-day-08-a-christian-response-to-poverty/comment-page-1/#comment-133 Travis Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:12:45 +0000 http://www.mattmckimmy.com/blog/?p=95#comment-133 I've used the word "poor" to describe my own situation a few times--and I think there is some legitimacy in that, but no entirely either. "Poor" describes a range of situations, and I've definitely had times of living from paycheck-to-paycheck and defaulting on my bills and running low on food, but I've also had support structures--mainly friends and family--that have kept me from falling out of the system altogether. The people I think of as being poor, though, are folks who regularly can't make enough money to afford the basic necessities. And when I'm asked, I give what I can, and yes, it's often money. I don't feel guilty for giving money, because I'm fortunate to have what I have, and feel responsible to share with those who need and give to those who ask. A woman even propositioned me once because she needed money. I didn't ask what she needed money for, but just gave her some cash with no questions. Those in extreme poverty are without power or means to change their situation, and those of us with that power must do what we can to help our neighbor. I’ve used the word “poor” to describe my own situation a few times–and I think there is some legitimacy in that, but no entirely either. “Poor” describes a range of situations, and I’ve definitely had times of living from paycheck-to-paycheck and defaulting on my bills and running low on food, but I’ve also had support structures–mainly friends and family–that have kept me from falling out of the system altogether. The people I think of as being poor, though, are folks who regularly can’t make enough money to afford the basic necessities. And when I’m asked, I give what I can, and yes, it’s often money. I don’t feel guilty for giving money, because I’m fortunate to have what I have, and feel responsible to share with those who need and give to those who ask. A woman even propositioned me once because she needed money. I didn’t ask what she needed money for, but just gave her some cash with no questions. Those in extreme poverty are without power or means to change their situation, and those of us with that power must do what we can to help our neighbor.

]]> By: anna lisa gross http://www.mattmckimmy.com/blog/2008/10/15/blog-action-day-08-a-christian-response-to-poverty/comment-page-1/#comment-116 anna lisa gross Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:23:01 +0000 http://www.mattmckimmy.com/blog/?p=95#comment-116 i appreciate this, Matt! yes, i get very annoyed when i hear people in my social circle complain about being "poor," because aside from a couple families, i don't have truly poor friends. and the friends i have who really are poor, who never complain about it in social settings! i appreciate this, Matt! yes, i get very annoyed when i hear people in my social circle complain about being “poor,” because aside from a couple families, i don’t have truly poor friends. and the friends i have who really are poor, who never complain about it in social settings!

]]> By: Aaron http://www.mattmckimmy.com/blog/2008/10/15/blog-action-day-08-a-christian-response-to-poverty/comment-page-1/#comment-107 Aaron Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:56:32 +0000 http://www.mattmckimmy.com/blog/?p=95#comment-107 I spent the first few years of my life with my Mom and I living off of foodstamps. When I was 19, there was a brief while where I was homeless. I slept on a parkbench a couple times, slept in a friend's car, etc. I even had a referral to a food-shelter (although I had a job at this point, I wasn't making enough to feed myself). I think the glass ceiling for poverty though is that donut-hole area -- the spot just below the poverty line, where you might be making a little more than minimum wage, but are supporting more than just yourself. To break through the glass you really either need to make connections with people, or get an education. As for what I've done personally -- There have been a number of times where I have given clothes, blankets, and food (but never money) to folks that asked for it. People have to create their own opportunities, but sometimes we all need a helping hand to make it to those opportunities. I spent the first few years of my life with my Mom and I living off of foodstamps.

When I was 19, there was a brief while where I was homeless. I slept on a parkbench a couple times, slept in a friend’s car, etc. I even had a referral to a food-shelter (although I had a job at this point, I wasn’t making enough to feed myself).

I think the glass ceiling for poverty though is that donut-hole area — the spot just below the poverty line, where you might be making a little more than minimum wage, but are supporting more than just yourself. To break through the glass you really either need to make connections with people, or get an education.

As for what I’ve done personally — There have been a number of times where I have given clothes, blankets, and food (but never money) to folks that asked for it. People have to create their own opportunities, but sometimes we all need a helping hand to make it to those opportunities.

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