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Poverty Is A Choice

Posted by admin on Monday, March 26th 2007

26
Mar

So I have a sticker that says “poverty sucks” on my ibook. Some knuckle-head walks up to me in the cafe and tells me that “poverty is a choice.”

I was so freaking pissed-off I absolutely said nothing in fear that I would drop words that us pastor types aren’t suppose to say. Of course I had a smokin hot americano sitting next to me. I was thinking about taking the lid off and throwing it on the dude. Of course I did not want to waste it on that idiot since I needed the triple shot that existed within that 12 ounce cup.

Man, I’m soooo mad. I think I’m going to chat with that dude. Pray for me. I’m ready to brawl!

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Pastor Warren Said,

March 26th, 2007 @2:58 pm

That Americano was Fair Trade coffee, right? People make inane comments but they’re silenced by our actions much more than our words. Peace

rjolink Said,

March 26th, 2007 @3:27 pm

Chris that is crazy be careful brother.
Sticker Nation rocks I see you have figured out.
Peace – Radkey

Brother Maynard Said,

March 26th, 2007 @3:51 pm

Hey, I know a guy who got into a fistfight at a grocery store while he was a pastor. Sometimes these things just happen…

But really, the guy’s got a point. Poor people, what’s up with them, can’t they choose better parents? Don’t they know where to be born? Some people just can’t get anything right.

Gerald Said,

March 26th, 2007 @4:53 pm

Sue was talking with one of our students who happens to be from Mexico. They were discussing poverty and this students observed that there are several types of “poor” people in Mexico. The normal “types” of course are obvious (and these are the ones that can be helped) but then she pointed out that many people that she herself knows are poor because they are lazy. Now remember that she is from Mexico, has an earned BA in International Business and is making an observation from personal knowledge. Perhaps the “knuckle-headed dude” did not say it quite as diplomatically but his view may be based on similar knowledge.
You are thinking Globally, he is thinking (if he was thinking) locally. You are thinking of the extreme poverty that exists in far off places like Darfor and Ethiopia. He may be thinking about the guy that begs at the corner.
Different options. Maybe he needs a sticker too?
We are taking a group to Belize again this yea to work in a small village. Very low income annually and loads of opportunities for us to enrich their lives exist. We will teach reading, help with some building projects to aid the village and try to be a witness in deed of the Christ that motivates us. We will meet lazy people, but we will also meet people who happen to have been born in a poor country but who themselves are industrious and filled with hope. Our hand up will prayerfully enable them to increase their potential.

Scott Said,

March 27th, 2007 @8:21 am

we need a follow up!!! please update!!

Renee Said,

March 27th, 2007 @3:55 pm

I agree with Gerald, it’s all about perspective. And, in the ‘burbs’ most financial poverty is a choice. Unfortunately, poverty in the ‘burbs’ has little to do with money and more to do with emotional bankruptcy. There are those who think that’s a choice, too. Again, shame on them for not being able to choose their parents, their environment, and their circumstances.

How important it is for us to ask questions and steer away from overgeneralizations. Truly, most of us Americans have very little understanding of poverty. Most of us have never seen it face to face. And, only a few of us are moved to a point beyond recognition to action.