I just met this blogger from Nashville. He was one of the Inn Keepers at the church I am staying at tonight. I just checked out his blog. And reading his most recent post, I became angered, insulted, offended. Read the post for yourself and see what I mean. theburts.wordpress.com
I mean really. You would think that people working in the homeless industry would be encouraging homeless and non-homeless people to mingle, to get to know each other, for any other reason than to create opportunities for homeless people to assimilate back into society. If even the homeless service providers work to keep these two groups apart, what hope do homeless people have?
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Expose Ignorance To Overcome Fear
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this is a prime example of ignorance!
ReplyDelete1. how is any act of kindness in any way racial profiling? sounds to me like writer has some racial stereotypes he needs to overcome!
2. for the RI lady- she of all people being "Christian" should know the words-"with Him who shall I fear!!"
3. there is always a risk of letting ANYONE in your home!!
instead of having to make yourself feel good about giving someone an hour of relief- box the food up and distribute it!!
ever think some of these people are afraid of your intentions getting in your car? who is to say YOU are not some freak!!!???
last point for those who "religiously" help "these people"--- most of "these people " know and live the Bible better than you!
Churchlady,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments.
I agree that I'm ignorant in many ways. I do not have it all figured out...only in the last 2 years of my life have I given up the pursuit of the American dream, and in that pursuit I gained much that was harmful.
I will be the first to admit I have prejudices. I spent my first 18 years in a town known for being all white, and for a horrible history of hatred. Since then, I've been doing my best to get to know people of all races, get rid of stereotypes instilled in me, and continuing to repent for anything that might be offensive coming from a person of privilege. Please forgive me if my actions were less than perfect, and thank you for the reminder that they in fact are. I do think, however, that stereotypes can be furthered even when doing an act of kindness.
I agree that there is a risk in having anyone in your home. The comments by the lady at the RI weren't enough to stop me from doing so, fortunately. :)
Your comment about "who's to say you're not some kind of freak" is one I wrestle with...my main problem is I don't yet have contacts, and this tends to be a last minute kind of thing (eg. buy 1 get 1 free chuck roast). Room at the Inn volunteering certainly is a good way to meet and make contacts, so is volunteering eye exams at my clinic, and I'm sure there are other ways. I agree that randomly driving around town looking for people who'll take you up on an offer of a free home cooked meal is the best way. (Though, just for the record, I don't think I'm a freak, haha)
Your last comment is SO true. I've found that many homeless men and women know the Bible and live out more fully their faith every day than the vast majority of Christians. Part of the reason, I think, is that homelessness requires to truly rely on God for things that you need. The rich are so insulated from need, so separated from dependence on God and they (we) begin to think that they (we) are taking care of themselves just fine. Why need God? Why peruse daily through his word if you can do just fine on your own? No wonder Jesus said "it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom."
Again, thanks for your comments. Please, as we all continue to have conversation about the issues that plague our society (and the beautiful people of God's creation), let's be at peace one with another. Let's try to have constructive and gentle words to our fellow humankind.
The peace of Christ be with you.
Daniel
i am more disappointed with the woman hiding behind the church and trying to justify her actions by doing so. I for one believe Jesus would frown upon such comments made to anyone of any background.
ReplyDeletei also find relief in the fact that your issues are identified freely and growing up in these types of enviroments does make it hard to adjust as an adult. for this very reason, my family frequently goes downtown and wanders in search of souls that could use clothing, food and toiletries or maybe just a kind smile and conversation. we take our 4 young children with us.
i was not implying you yourself are a freak- it was a general acknowledegment.
i think it is wonderful that you have interest in helping others and i have found the best way to do so is to be guided from above. He will lead you to the right place at the right time.
Churchlady,
ReplyDeleteSome friends and I made bags full of items that could be useful for a homeless person, and we carry those when walking downtown...and we're coming up on nicer weather so hopefully that will be easier. I think it's awesome that you take your children along. We don't have kids yet but want very much to involve them in our faith lived out...whether that be spending time with the poor, recycling, or budgeting for simple living. Many will disagree and say that we should shield our kids from danger...and that would put us living in the safest suburbs, staying inside most of the time, and giving up our walk with God for an obsession with safety. No thanks. :) That was partly my intention when I first wrote that blog, to point out that our concern for safety becomes dangerous when it prevents us from mingling with the poor.
Peace be with you,
Daniel