Church closes food bank because it attracts poor people

I saw this article with the headline Church closes food bank because it attracts poor people.  Here is my concluding response on the absolute absurdness of such behavior and action following some dialogue with a friend.

All good points my friend. The only emphasis of caution I would draw attention to is the fact that there are no absolutes in the reasons, causes, and then manifested behaviors of supposed "hard times". The vast, let me repeat vast majority of people I know who are unfortunately living "hard times" do not want charity and hand outs. What they do want is respect and dignity. We, me, living the dream need to always be cautious of our perceptions and judgments.

We all know that sadly in this day and age many family structures are fractured with missing, negligent, abusive, etc. parents. But “many” is a relative term. Just like the insatiable need to peddle negative news for better ratings, the family structures (this is not to minimize how horrible family structures and conditions can be, having seen my share) mentioned above far too often get the headlines.

Here is the reality for many families today. Many parents are working a minimum wage job with no benefits, and often to make ends meet are working two minimum wage jobs. Assuming "less fortunate" as a choice could not be more wrong. The "cycles of poverty", "the cycles of addiction", etc. has talons sunk very deep. To break these cycles are not easy. All one needs to observe is the far too often "generational cycle".

I can not...do not believe any one journey is designed for a purpose as though, "Oops...too bad...you just got selected to live a life of poverty, abuse, addiction, etc." and me, "Congrats big boy...it's your lucky day...your trip is going to be pretty easy, pretty nice".  With this clear cut defining of the “haves” and the “have nots”, here is what too often happens. The "me" with all the perceived “haves” soon begins to feel more and more empowered, you know, "better than". Then what so often follows are the ultimate point of ignorance, elitism, and judging.

"Well at least I am not like 'them’", I think as if being “like them" is something less than human.

We may not be able to solve all the problems. True! But if we are caring and compassionate peoples, likewise we do not get to pick and choose which problems we will invest in. Is not that one of the lessons of the Good Samaritan story?

There were those who walked by conjuring up excuses. Those doing nothing other than walking by were picking and choosing. The one, the Good Samaritan not only stopped, but did something, offering help, covering all costs, with no questions asked, no concerns; no wondering is this "less fortunate" person only on the "gravy train", undisciplined, non self- reliant, only looking for a handout.

I do believe there is a clear directive to what is the only correct thing to do. If I can provide assistance, regardless of how little or how much, I must. It is not my "job" to judge who is just looking for a handout or who is taking advantage of the "system".

How pissed God must be that a church food bank closed because it was attracting poor people. Damn you church! What do you think you are doing attracting those poor people here? (sarcasm)

I only compound the problems for others viewed as living "less fortunate" lives when my attitude and discourse slips into words and beliefs such as "gravy train" or "all they need to do is become more disciplined and self reliant". The perspective of what works for me must also work for everyone else is unhealthy and wrong.

Oh if we just left all the "God-ing" to God. You know what I am talking about. All the judging and other bullshit like believing I have all the answers or my way is the only way. And I love this one, my church "believes this” so “this” is what I believe. Really? As if God really wants us to give up our intellect, or reasoning, our ability to grow and develop new, better, more inclusive and respectful attitudes toward all others.

I believe God is thoroughly pissed at what is being taught and espoused in the name of Him in many places claiming to be a "house of God". You know, in the Good Samaritan story it never says whether this person along the side of the road was a heroin addict, or gay, or a prostitute, or an abuser, or a gambler, or a liar, or a cheater, or a… Nope! There this person was. Some judged and walked away doing nothing. This person was not worthy of their time, effort, concern, money. The Good Samaritan saw another human being in need and did the right thing.

Yet in comparing and contrasting these two separate actions taken, there is a very fine, thin line. One must never confuse care, compassion, and doing what the Good Samaritan did with being someone who is soft or easily fooled. Just as we must expect personal accountability of ourselves, we must also expect personal accountability from others. There are times we must be the voice of reason. There are times we need to be the voice of encouragement. Certainly at times we must be the voice of “tough love”.  And although it is often not easy, we at times must be the voice saying, “No”. The reality is, saying “No” is often the very best help another person needs. To enable is counter intuitive to being the Good Samaritan.

Assuming the victim lived; I often wonder what happened in the days, weeks, months and years that followed. Did the victim learn a lesson? Did the upon recovery seek ways to “pay it forward”? Did the victim become a person of greater personal accountability? Did the victim ever reach out to thank the Good Samaritan?

I suppose in the end none of these answers really matter. What really matters is in each of us is that Good Samaritan with the ability to do the right thing without judging, always demonstrating respect and dignity toward others.

The Good Samaritan did a great thing. We each should strive daily to do so great.