Economic Discrimination

According to theorists, economic discrimination is “in studying labor markets: it is the presence of different pay for workers of the same ability but who are in different groups, e.g. black, white; male, female.” The outcome of economic discrimination often is the poor staying in poverty.

Phil Collins released “Another Day In Paradise” on his But Seriously album in 1989. The song addresses the homeless problem around the world. In 2001, Brandy and Ray J. did a cover on the song.

Another Day In Paradise

by Phil Collins

She calls out to the man on the street
Sir, can you help me?
Its cold and I’ve nowhere to sleep,
Is there somewhere you can tell me?

He walks on, doesn’t look back
He pretends he can’t hear her
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
Seems embarrassed to be there

Oh think twice, it's another day for
You and me in paradise
Oh think twice, its just another day for you,
You and me in paradise

She calls out to the man on the street
He can see she’s been crying
She’s got blisters on the soles of her feet
Cant walk but she’s trying

Oh think twice...

Oh lord, is there nothing more anybody can do
Oh lord, there must be something you can say

You can tell from the lines on her face
You can see that she’s been there
Probably been moved on from every place
Cause she didn’t fit in there

Oh think twice...


Pink Floyd released the song “On The Turning Away” on their Momentary Lapse of Reason Album in 1987. The song addresses the issues of poverty and the underlying oppression that occurs due to poverty. The last line in the poem gives the listener a sense of hopefulness.

On The Turning Away

by Pink Floyd

On the turning away
From the pale and downtrodden
And the words they say
Which we won't understand
"Don't accept that what's happening
Is just a case of others' suffering
Or you'll find that you're joining in
The turning away"

It's a sin that somehow
Light is changing to shadow
And casting it's shroud
Over all we have known
Unaware how the ranks have grown
Driven on by a heart of stone
We could find that we're all alone
In the dream of the proud

On the wings of the night
As the daytime is stirring
Where the speechless unite
In a silent accord
Using words you will find are strange
And mesmerized as they light the flame
Feel the new wind of change
On the wings of the night

No more turning away
From the weak and the weary
No more turning away
From the coldness inside
Just a world that we all must share
It's not enough just to stand and stare
Is it only a dream that there'll be
No more turning away?

Pink Floyd

The Way It Is

“The Way It Is” by Bruce Hornsby was released in 1986 and gained instant popularity. The song makes references to the Civil Rights Movement. Although this is another old song, many of you may have heard it before or at least parts of it in Tupac Shakur’s song “Changes,” which was released in 1996. The music from the song has also been used by Snoop Dogg and Charlie Wilson in the song “Can’t Say Goodbye” released in 2008. Also in 2007, the song was used in a song called “Alright” by Emily King.

The Way It Is

by Bruce Hornsby

Standing in line marking time, waiting for the welfare dime
'Cause they can't buy a job
The man in the silk suit hurries by as he catches the poor ladies' eyes
Just for fun he says "get a job"

chorus
That's just the way it is
Some things will never change
That's just the way it is
Ah, but don't you believe them

They say hey little boy you can't go where the others go
'Cause you don't look like they do
Said hey old man how can you stand to think that way
Did you really think about it before you made the rules
He said, Son

chorus
That's just the way it is
Some things will never change
That's just the way it is
Ah, but don't you believe them

solo

Well they passed a law in '64 to give those who ain't got a little more
But it only goes so far
Because the law don't change another's mind when all it sees at the hiring time
Is the line on the color bar

chorus

That's just the way it is
Some things will never change
That's just the way it is
Ah, but don't you believe them


solo - until fade

Grandmother

I grew up in the 70s and remember what life was like then. I was told by my parents, since I could pass for white (my mom is of the Creek nation), to tell everyone that I was white. Our lineage was to be kept a secret to all of our friends, and neighbors. My greatest teacher was my grandmother who had a store as the town people put it, "on the wrong side of the tracks." I stayed with her after school, while my mother worked. We were there until grandma closed the store. Her compassion to all of the different races of people that came in her store touched me. I honestly do not know if Grandma ever made a profit. She fed the hungry when they needed food. She clothed them when they needed clothes. If they did not have money to pay, she helped them anyway. She was the hands and feet in our small town that ensured the survival for many of God's children. And, she was my greatest teacher.

Compassion

I must be kind and compassionate. I must follow the path that Jesus has put us on. I should give to our brothers and sisters that are in great need. I need to right all of the injustices that occur in this world, even today.  I need to help those who have been wronged, accept those who are different, equal the playing field, let go of the past, and remember who God is and what his will for us is. I personally have been changed by the lectures that I have attended.

First, I have learned how important it is for me to report any sexual abuse that students in my classroom may be experiencing. As a Christian it is important for me to remember that this sort of behavior is not acceptable within the church. In the past, people who participated in such indecent behaviors were removed from the church, not the victims. I should never treat a child poorly because they have been sexually abused.

Next, being a mother of a special needs child, I know how it feels to be unwanted, to be turned away, or glared at because my son with autism behaves as he does. I often have people respond to me in the following ways: “Isn’t he too old to act like that?, Why is your son so immature?, Don’t you think it is about time that he learned better?” etc. I do not and have never treated those who are different in the manner that my family and I have been treated. I guess this is due to being raised with an uncle with mental retardation. When I was listening to the families of children with disabilities, I broke down and cried. It was as if I Iwere speaking. Every quote put on the screen was something that my husband, sons, and I have said. For my family, it is difficult to shop, go out to eat, go to a movie, let alone go to church.  I have told my children about King David’s Kids, and they are anxious to participate.

After the lecture on children with disabilities, I felt as if I had been on an emotional rollercoaster and was unsure if I would be able to focus on Fred Asare’s speech. However, he is such a powerful speaker that his message reached my ears. I have always known that even though I live the poverty line, I am more fortunate than other people. I know I am not poor, because I know how going to bed hungry feels, which was the case when I was young. I was still fortunate because I had access to clean water. I had clothing that my mother had made, I attended school, and I did without very little. I want to help those that are half a world away. I have been looking for ways that I can cut corners to give. My heart aches for the children of Africa, and I will find away to show them God’s love.

I also learned how to forgive those that have wronged me. I have struggled in this area more than any other. Forgiveness has never come easy to me; but now that I know what forgiveness does and does not mean, it should come much easier. Before I always thought that forgiving a person meant that you Were fine with everything. Now I know it does not. Since attending this lecture, I have started talking to my sister again. I may never trust her, but talking to her is a start.

Finally, I learned that I am in a time of waiting for justice and righteousness. In the mean time, I all must live as God’s child. I should not forget my brothers and sisters. I should never forget what being a Christian truly means.

I Will Wait for the God of My Salvation

Prophets are people who have to bring things from all parts of the world and weave them together. The worst things that can happen to us, happens in our families; and we wait. God is the creator; he created us. His people immigrated, and they were enslaved. Through Moses, they were freed. His people were forgiven, healed, and followed his leadership. God brought us Jesus, and he was crucified and resurrected. Jesus loves the poor, hungry, and children who buried their parents. He loves the starving people, homeless, and those who have babies born in stables. With God, all things are possible. God forgives all people, even the worst of us. We must be humble and be the best Christians that we can be. For now, though, we wait for justice and righteousness.

Her Wound is Incurable

Fred Asare compared Samaria and Jerusalem with the United States and Africa. There are great inequalities between the distribution of wealth and poverty, abundance and need, and joy and sorrow. The rich in abundance are crushing the poor, just as the strong are crushing the weak.

In Africa, children go to church with out clothing. In Africa, children are orphaned due to AIDS and are left with no one to care for them. Many of these children die of starvation before the age of five. Many of these children are caring for their younger siblings, and many of these children are sold into slavery and prostitution. Americans tend to be never satisfied with what they have. God will not allow us to do nothing. He will pass judgment on those that sit idly by.

Many Races On the Same Road

Langston Hughes’ use of imagery is significant in his short story “On the Road.” The use of snow gave the story a feel of the Great Depression era in which it was set.  It gave a sense of the harshness of the time.  As nothing grows in the winter, I got the sense of hunger throughout the land.  Though this harshness is felt by many, Sargeant doesn’t notice the snow due to his need to fulfill his most basic needs, hunger, shelter, and freedom from harm.  During the Great Depression era, segregation was still prominent throughout the country.  This reminds me of many stories that my grandmother told me about the Great Depression.  She told me of the mundane meals that she and her family had to dine on when they were like Sargeant, fortunate enough to have something to consume. They too had only their physiological needs to satisfy in this cold, harsh land.

I also found the Reverend significant to the story. The one person that should be willing to help any man closes his door on Sargeant.  The Reverend is a symbol for the unfortunate repression of blacks, as well as any other non-white race. This kind of repression was also felt by my grandmother and her family.  One difference between them and Sargeant, however, is that they were fortunate to have a light enough skin tone that they could pass for white.  Because of the rampant racism that consumed the United States during this time, my great-grandmother had to make a conscious choice to have “white” put on all of her children’s birth certificates.  They were forced to leave their culture behind so that they could fit in. This culture has been long since forgotten and never taught to the generations before me.  In essence, like many Afro-Americans a piece of all of us has been lost due to the hatred one man may feel for another.  Had my grandmother walked up to the Reverend with her head held high and in a loud, proud voice had said, “I am Creek Indian;” she too would have been turned away by him.

While continuing his quest to fulfill his basic needs, Sargeant happens upon a church.  Its great high arched doors and strong features represent hope and warmth for the tired, cold black man.  Raised by religious parents, my grandmother often speaks of the need for the church during the Great Depression era.  It was the only place that would give them food when they were hungry. It was the only place that they could sleep when their home burned to the ground. It was the only place that they could go to get out of the cold when their feet were frozen. It is not until a probable solution to his most basic need is surely to be met that Sargeant even notices the snow.  However, this church with its two broad, strong doors is not for him.  The demonstration of abuse Sargeant endures at the hands of the church’s patrons is a reflection of their close mindedness.  Their doors too were closed to any person unlike them.  This kind of treatment of mankind is why my great-grandmother chose to leave her history and culture behind her.  This is not the treatment that she wanted her children to have to suffer.  This is not the kind of pain that she wanted them to feel.  This was her quest to fulfill her children’s need for survival.  In his quest to fulfill his need for survival, the battle between Sargeant and the patrons brought down the church.

All along, Sargeant had Christ with him and the abusers were without Christ.  They were hypocrites.  Christ told Sargeant, “they have kept me on a cross for nearly two-thousand years,” as a protest for the actions of the church patrons (116).  True Christians they could not be and Christ was not with them.  Christ too was persecuted for being different.  He was persecuted for being a Jew.  He had died for all men’s sins, regardless of race.  However, his believers in this particular church did not look at man regardless of race.  Racism is what got Sargeant beat down.  It is what kept him cold, hungry, and tired.  It is what kept my grandmother’s family poor and living on the side of the railroad tracks in a tarpaper tent. It is what kept the church patrons’ doors closed.  Doors are symbols for barriers.  Racism is a barrier.  It is a door that a person chooses to keep closed or to open.  Although the patrons felt they were Christian, they kept Christ outside, and left him there while they communed behind their tightly shut doors, just as they kept the doors to their hearts closed to people of color.  My grandmother has no doors. Sargeant had no doors.  He only had the clothes on his back, his body, and his soul.  He now knew his place.  His place was with the poor, the homeless, the wretched, and the down trodden. They too had no doors.  They too had a quest to fulfill their basic needs. They too had that quest for survival.

I believe that Mr. Hughes did a good job relating the harshness of the era to the story.  There is a great deal of racial inequality in the story; however, there is also a great deal of spiritual equality in the story.  Because the story is about racism, I was prompted to take a Sociological Approach while writing this paper. Also, because Mr. Hughes’ story reflected the time in which it was set, I decided to incorporate a New Historicism Approach into the paper. Many stories written during the Great Depression are significant to the history of the United States. I have learned throughout my life that you can learn more about a specific historical era from the literature written during that era than from any history book. Finally, to all of us, the basic need for survival and the basic need of spirituality are prominent parts of our existence. These needs are essential components of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. For this reason, I chose to add a Psychoanalytical Approach to my criticism. Furthermore, Langston Hughes used a great deal of symbolism in the story. From the use of doors to the snow, this use of imagery gave me a feeling of what the story was truly about.

Want to read "On the Road" by Langston Hughes? Buy the book here.

Bringing Awareness to the Needs of Native Americans

Our Mission

We are a non-profit Christian group dedicated to bringing awareness to the needs of the indigenous people of the United States of America. Our goal is to help fulfill the needs of Native Americans by teaching them of the love and compassion of Jesus Christ and the Christian society. We will work on a holistic level to bring awareness of their poverty rates, education problems, health concerns, public safety problems, and environmental problems.

Poverty

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for your’s is the kingdom of God. ~ Luke 6:20

The percentage of American Natives living in poverty is higher than that of Anglo-Americans. The unemployment rate for the indigenous people of the United States is high and income levels are low.

According to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau:

• Approximately one in four Native Hawaiian children is living below the poverty level. 
• Approximately 32% of American Indians and Native Alaskans live below the poverty level. 
• The unemployment rate for Native Alaskans is 14.29%. 

Because of poverty, Native Americans have a higher risk of health concerns, both physical and mental. They have educational issues, including but not limited to the loss of their heritage. Native Americans have many public safety concerns. Poverty has also caused housing problems for Native Americans. All of the problems and concerns that the indigenous people of the United States face can be tied to poverty.

This website has been designed to help you understand more about American Natives and the problems that they face. Click on the links to the left to get to the required section. If what you need assistance which is not covered in this website, please contact us. Our contact information is also on the left side of the page.

Hunger

Blessed are ye that hunger now; for ye shall be filled. ~ Luke 6:21

Poverty and hunger go hand-in-hand with one another. Many Native American children do not have enough to eat because their families do not have the money to buy nutritious food. Though they may qualify for some government assistance, it is often not enough to take care of this very basic need.

Native American Health Care

And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. ~ Matthew 8:2-3

Mental Health Needs for Native Americans

According to the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, the suicide rate is for Native Americans is 1.5% higher than the national rate. Serious depressive disorders and substance abuse among the Native Elders are greater than those disorders among non-natives. Most Native elders lived during an era when they were not allowed to speak their Native language. They were not allowed to teach their children of their heritage. Native Elders were often the target of discrimination. They live with a distrust of the United States government. Substance abuse has always been acceptable in Native American culture. It is an essential part of their belief system.

Physical Health Needs for Native Americans

Only about ½ of Native Americans are offered healthcare through their employers. Those who are not, cannot afford healthcare and do not seek medical care for that reason. The rate of cancer in Native Elders is higher than in other ethnic groups. It has been speculated this problem has been caused by military testing on Native lands. The rate of illness in Native Women is higher than that of other ethnic groups. Many Native women are HIV positive. Because of their poverty rates, prostitution is a prevalent problem for native women. Most native women cannot afford proper healthcare, therefore they do not get treated for most illnesses.

Education

Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the Kingdom of God. ~ Mark 10:14

Education is the answer to liberate Native Americans from many problems that they face. There is government assistance for Native American schools however, they disregard teaching the heritage of the Native American youths. This loss of heritage causes a loss of cultural identity. A loss of cultural identity can lead children to become depressed, abuse substances, and join youth gangs.

Heritage (Culture, History, & Language)

If we try to preserve the Native American culture, we can help to prevent these problems. These children need to be taught their Native language in their schools. According to the W. K. Kellog Foundation, Native American youths that are taught their Native language at school do better on achievement tests. They need to be taught their history. Most Native history is handed down by word of mouth. We need to get educated people to write down Native histories before they are lost forever.

Teaching children of where they come from and who their ancestors are can give them a better sense of cultural identity. This can help to keep them interested in school, thus decreasing the drop-out rate of Native American Youths. Another way that education can be beneficial to ending the poverty levels of Native Americans is to incorporate some of the cultural rituals in the classroom. Because it is important to preserve their cultures, the classroom can be a tool to teach the children what these rituals mean, and why these rituals are important. Many of the rituals include dancing. These can be taught in lieu of physical education classes, or in conjunction with physical education classes.

Other ways to educate Native American children is to teach them to become self-sufficient. We must teach them how to care for themselves properly. Native Americans must learn the importance of healthcare. They need to be taught the damaging effects of alcohol and drugs.

We need to stress the importance of a good education to these children. Hopefully, by letting Native American children know that we believe in them, they can begin to believe in themselves. This can help to lower their dropout rates. The more educated people living on Native lands, the lower the poverty rate will be.

November Is Native American Heritage Month

Public Safety

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. ~ Luke 6:27-28

According to the Native American Times, the federal government for the United States of America does not give the Native American communities enough assistance with law enforcement. The government has recently proposed to cut funding to Indian Country. Although national crime rates have gone down, violent crime rates have gone up on Native American lands.

Youth Gangs

Due to the recent loss of cultural identity, Native youths seek a sense of belonging and identity elsewhere. The youth gangs on reservations give these young Native Americans that sense of structure and belonging. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, approximately 75% of these gang members are males and 10% are females, both under the age of 18 years old. On 40 different reservations, 75 tribes have reported gang activities. 40% of youths 13-17 years of age fear they will not live into adulthood. Most of these youths were exposed to gangs in cities and / or detention facilities. After their return to the reservations, the gang problem has spread to many other youths.

Discrimination

Indigenous Americans do not have the same rights that the rest of the nation does. They do not have anyone to represent them in business. They do not have diplomats. This leads to the exploitation of the Native Americans. There are many discrimination related crimes that are committed against Native Americans because of their lack of rights.

Substance Abuse

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Native Americans have a higher rate of substance abuse than any other ethnic group in the United States. The rate of substance abuse among Native American youths between the ages of 12 to 17 is continually on the rise.

Crime Rates

Currently the crime rates in other areas are also on the rise. Native Americans are twice as likely to be victims of violent crimes as any other ethnic group in the United States. These crimes include, but are not limited to:

• Rape – approximately 90% of Native American rape victims were raped by individuals from other ethnic groups. 
• Murder 
• Assault 
• Child abuse and neglect 
• Robbery, Theft, Larceny 

Environmental Problems

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. ~ Job 12:7-10

Flooding and Erosion in Alaska

Flooding and erosion in Alaska is a major problem that must be addressed. Because many of the Native Alaskan villages are located on the coastlines or on the shores of rivers, the Natives have to consider relocating entire villages. This ever growing problem is partly due to global warming. Because of the global warming, the landscape of Alaska continues to change. Many Alaska Natives do not qualify for federal assistance to help preserve, protect, or save their villages.

Rural Development

Native Americans continue to ask for funds to help with the rural development of their reservation lands. If they were able to get funds for such development, they could lower their unemployment rate which is higher than the national average. With a lower unemployment rate, the poverty rate could become lower. This would increase the rate of self-sufficiency for Native Americans.

Housing

Though housing has recently approved on Native American land, many Natives still live in deplorable housing. Many of their homes are overcrowded, old, and shabby. Overcrowding is a serious problem that Native Americans face. A lot of the older homes have no plumbing. Affordable housing for Indigenous people of the U. S. is difficult to find. When they do find affordable housing, an entire family may end up living in a travel trailer or shack.

Military Hazards

The U.S. military is responsible for exposing Native American lands to toxins. Most military bombing ranges, and practice ranges are located near Native American Reservations. Some of the military testing areas are now abandoned. The abandoned testing areas contain unexploded munitions including those containing nerve gas.

How Can You Help

There are many different ways an individual such as your self can help Native Americans. Here are just a few examples:

Volunteer

For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and my mother. ~ Mark 9:35

You can volunteer in a Big Brothers / Big Sisters program that specializes in indigenous youths. You can volunteer to tutor or teach at one of the reservations. You can volunteer to interview the tribal elders of their heritage and history in an effort to preserve the history of indigenous Americans. You can transcribe the interviews to give to the younger generations a written account. If you are not in an area close to Native Lands, you can volunteer with many of the various organizations that help Native Americans. Here are some examples.

Habitat World
Indians.org

Plan a Mission Trip

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. ~ Matthew 25:35-36

You can contact the various tribal councils and plan a mission trip to one of the reservations. You can also join a mission trip that has been planned by clicking on the following link:

Native American Ministries Directory

Donate 

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for your’s is the kingdom of God. ~ Luke 6:20

There are many different things that you can donate to help Native Americans:

• Clothing 
• Food 
• Toys 
• Money 
• Books 
• Bibles 
• Blankets 
• Furniture 
• Toiletries 

Go and Sin No More

I have seen many Christians turn away from those in poverty. My homeless experience humbled me as a Christian, but also opened my eyes to the church of which I was a member. There was a great deal of hypocrisy in this church. How can people claim to be Christian, but turn a blind eye to those in need? I can personally see why this would cause non-believers to despise Christians. The actions of this particular church caused me to loose faith in the church. Had it not been for one fellow, non-church going Christian, I may have lost faith in God.

Their Christian act helped my family when we needed it most. With my eyes wide open, I looked at the world anew. I, myself, had been obsessed with material possessions just before we lost it all. I was at one time no different than the other members of my church. We hung out together and drank together just the night before we all attended service together. Many of my “friends” in the church were no different than Sider’s pagans.

I know not all Christians and not all pastors lowered the standards to accommodate the congregation. Unfortunately, this seems to be a trend across the United States. No longer are parishioners asked to leave for deviant behavior. The message, “God forgives,” is belted out on every church sign. However, many Christians forget that Jesus may have saved sinners, but he also said, “Go and sin no more.” Wow! That is a tough one. As Christians, we need to remember that our life after Christ is a time of transformation. We are not perfect, and we all sin, but we should all model the life of Christ. We should abstain from sin, be compassionate to our brethren, and not repay evil for evil.

Same Kind of Different As Me

I thought I was impressed with Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together, but seeing Ron Hall and Denver Moore in person was amazing. The most memorable quote from this lecture is when Ron said, “coincidences are God’s way of being anonymous.” That has kind of stuck with me. I think about the statement a lot and realize that there is more truth to the statement than most people would care to admit.

Debbie’s story was even more compassionate hearing it from the two men. I thought I loved the woman before hearing her husband talk about how much helping the homeless meant to her, but now I am in awe of her. It was touching to hear Ron speak of how Debbie never thought about what would happen to her when she worked with “God’s people.” Instead, she only thought what would happen to them if she did not help.

Debbie’s attitude has driven me to reform my own way of thinking, just as it had driven Ron to restructure his. Instead of having a money making purpose, God gave him another purpose, which he did not expect. As Ron said, he did not “realize Denver had anything to offer him.” Throughout Ron’s opening act, he spoke of how God tested him. For instance, when Debbie was sick and the men in the circle were praying for her, Ron felt bad for harshly judging the gentlemen. Furthermore, he felt awful about his snap judgment on Denver when he learned Denver was still in bed.

Now Denver, he stole the show. I was so transfixed on his wisdom, words, and song that I forgot to take notes during his part. I do remember him singing “God is protecting me.” I also remember him making statements like, we are “all somebody in God’s eyesight, the most precious thing is what money can’t buy, and God speaks through you.” I left the lecture with my spirits held high and refreshed, and with a warmth in my heart. Overall, I feel if I were asked to go see the gentlemen “in concert” again, I would not hesitate.

Purchase Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together here.

Rethinking Results

I may have made a rush judgment on the Results website. I know their lobbying for political change is good for countries that deal with poverty. A lot of people benefit from this political change. The problem I see with an organization like Results compared to other organizations is they lobby on a national level. That may be effective for countries that do not have state and local governments. Results should be lobbying in countries like the United States on a state and local level. The United States government does not have the power to make such social change. If our federal government tries, it is a gross exploitation of their power. The framers of the Constitution prevented the federal government from having such power. They designed our constitution so the power to make social change was delegated to the states. The National Coalition for the Homeless lobbied on a state level in a way that benefited many families. It is not a federal law that homeless children can continue their education in their schools prior to their homeless status.

I see that Results has been effective in making political change to end poverty abroad. This change has been due to lobbying Congress for an end to poverty abroad. I am grateful that because of this, many children will not be going to bed hungry tonight. I do not mean to seem uncaring for my neighbors. I know what it is like to go to bed hungry and to have only enough food to maybe feed your children. It is not a good feeling and I do not wish it on anyone. I know what it is like to have to listen to your babies cry because they do not have enough to eat. I do not wish this on anyone either. Social changes come from within ourselves, not governments. The federal government can only do so much.

I think the thing that turned me off the most about the Results site is not that I feel that they are wasting their breath, but that I think they can get more contributions if they try to not treat poverty as if it is a contagion. They are not successful in painting a clear enough picture of who is afflicted with severe poverty, or why they are afflicted. They just say it is a problem and the government must fix it. I believe their intentions are good, but they need to find more effective ways to work within our governmental systems to help those in need at home. Now, if they are successful in making the changes I have looked at that Results has addressed, then I will back them 100%. One major change that has caught my eye which I am going to watch from Results is that of healthcare. After all, lack of healthcare is what put my family on the streets. Lack of healthcare is what keeps my husband from being able to go back to the profession that he has spent his entire life training for and keeps us in poverty today. I will try to keep an open mind about Results.

Poverty in the United States

Just Neighbors and Results are both organizations that raise awareness for poverty in the United States. According to Just Neighbors, one in every eight people in the United States lives in poverty. Most poverty stricken adults in the United States are hard working people. Most of these people have children. They live in unsafe housing and dangerous neighborhoods to keep their children from starving. Just Neighbors bring together the needy with the individuals who want to help. Not only does Results raise awareness for impoverished Americans, but also raises awareness for poverty throughout the world. Their task, however, is to use political power to end poverty in the United States and the entire world. Because of poverty, many people, adults and children, go hungry. Results uses their funds to educate the public about how prevalent poverty is throughout the world. Results hopes to end hunger by creating the political will to make necessary changes. The end goal for Results is to end both poverty and hunger throughout the world.

It is good that organizations like Results and Just Neighbors are striving to make the public more aware about poverty and hunger throughout the world. I found these sites to be helpful in raising awareness on poverty in the United States. I have seen poverty and how it affects families first hand. In the Results site they talked of poverty as if it were some sort of disease that we must find a cure for. Results did not give the reader a clear picture of those afflicted with poverty. I preferred the Just Neighbors site because it stresses that most Americans afflicted with poverty are good, hard working people. Their goal is to directly help those in need. However, Results only seems interested in educating, lobbying, and rallying the public with poverty awareness. In the meantime, people are dieing from poverty related causes.

The Osteen Factor

Homelessness is a major problem in the United States. Unfortunately, many Christians turn a blind eye to the problem and act as if they do not see it, it does not exist. I am here to let you know that it does exist and how Joel Osteen’s ministry factors into this epidemic.

In the United States, there are approximately 1.5 million homeless children, and this number is continually on the rise. These children did not ask to be homeless, and many of their parents did not ask to be homeless as well. It has become acceptable in the United States to assume that people live in poverty by choice to and that people are homeless by choice. Though that very well may be the case for many people who find themselves living on the streets, it is not always the case.

For instance, I never chose to be homeless, but it did happen to us. In 2003, we were finally able to afford health insurance, but we had to wait for open enrollment in early 2004. Unfortunately, when January 2004 came around, insurance costs had doubled from the previous year; and once again, we were not able to afford the high insurance rates. Therefore, we did not enroll, as we had to choose between health insurance or food for our children.

Two months passed, and life was continuing uneventfully until one cold morning late February. My husband returned home from working the night shift as a forklift operator. He made it into the home and fell to the floor. He had ruptured a disk and slipped another. It had been raining the night before, and the roof of the warehouse where my husband worked leaked. The forklift had hit the puddle in the floor and spun out before it slammed against the wall.

My husband’s employer lied in court saying that my husband had been hurt at home. However, she reported to the disability office that my husband had been hurt at work. We had won the court case due to her inability to tell the truth. However, our lawyer had forgotten to file the medical records including the MRI results. Without the medical records, my husband was not awarded any funds for treatment or missed time. The employer even refused to pay out his saved vacation time and sick time. As a result we lost everything, including our home.

With two small children, we had gone from having everything we ever wanted and needed to having absolutely nothing at all. I know what you are thinking, what about me? Why did I not work? One of my small children was disabled, and I was providing him with extensive care and therapies. I did try to work, but we saw significant regression with my eldest son.

So, as you can plainly see, we were two average middle class parents who worked very hard to care for and support our children. We did not ask to lose all of our belongings or our home. So, I ask you not to be quick judging the homeless.

Of the millions of homeless in the United States, there are an estimated 10,000 homeless individuals in Houston, Texas. Of these 10,000, more than half receive no shelter. Also of the 10,000, an estimated 5,400 are children. So what does this mean? Many of the unsheltered are children. In Houston, it has become illegal to feed the homeless if you are feeding more than five people without explicit approval via a permit from the city and certified kitchen staff.

So, how does Joel Osteen fit into the equation? He preaches, “God wants us to prosper financially, to have plenty of money, to fulfill the destiny He has laid out for us.” Osteen has proven that he believes what he preaches, as his church spent 90 million dollars for renovations. Can you imagine what 90 million dollars could have done to help the 5,400 homeless children in Osteen’s own community? That kind of money could have built a shelter to house the families until they could get on their feet. It could have fed the children every day for 1,667 days (4.5 years), or developed job placement programs to help the parents provide for their children.

Instead of helping the needy, the money was spent on a golden globe, two waterfalls, theatrical lighting, and three theater size monitor screens for better viewing of the pastor. The only thing missing in the church is a cross, an image of Christ, and an image of God. Furthermore, Osteen’s church spends over 22 million dollars a year on advertising and 9 million a year on the maintenance of the exuberant facilities. Lakewood Church spends a total of 72.6 million dollars annually on expenses, none of which are spent on helping the needy in the church’s community. Again, the money used for expenses could easily feed those 5,400 homeless children for 3.65 years. As homeless children in Osteen’s community sleep under the bridges, Osteen and family reside in a 10.5 million dollar mansion because God wants him to? Osteen claims, “It's God's will for you to live in prosperity instead of poverty.” Is it? When considering Osteen’s sermons, remember what Christ has taught us:

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” (Luke 16:19-31 NIV)

“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” (Luke 16:19-31 KJV)

“As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:1-4 NIV)

“And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” (Luke 21:1-4 KJV)

Also remember that Christ preached against big churches, and Lakewood church is a mega-church. Christ taught that our church should be a home church, a small community. He warned that when our church becomes too large, it is difficult for us to recognize when our brothers and sisters are in need. He called us into a communal way of life. Focusing on our own wealth keeps us from seeing the bigger picture, as it has done for Osteen and his parishioners. 10,000 homeless in Houston, 5,400 homeless children in Houston, children who live on the streets, but they are not seen, and they are not heard, and Lakewood Church spends 72.6 million dollars per year on expenses. Think on this, 72.6 million dollars split between the 1.5 million homeless in the United States is $48. I know for a fact that $48 dollars is enough to feed one person for an entire week if they shop smart.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14 NIV)

“Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14 NIV)

Furthermore, Christ warned us several times about false prophets. I have not found one passage in the Bible that tells me that Christ wants us to be wealthy. I challenge you to find the passages that Osteen preaches; and while you search, remember what Christ preached.

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-20 NIV)

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:15-20 KJV)

Further Reading:

I truly believe there is one of many ministers from the recent past that truly understood Christ’s message (I am not limiting it to one, as I do not know all of the ministers in the world). This minister was Eberhard Arnold.

Eberhard Arnold stated, “Greed and vanity, possession and property must perish because they are worthless for the eternal. Even the highest gifts of language, knowledge, and prophecy belong to time and will perish with it. Love, however, is simply life itself, life in every sense, full and everlasting life.” (A Testimony to Church Community, Page 26) Osteen should through Eberhard’s example of community. Eberhard’s communal church reached out to underprivileged youth in an effort to educate them. The church did not allow the children to starve on the streets hidden by alleyways and under bridges.

Also, Arnold warns us of the evils of material goods. To him, material goods must benefit God’s purpose. Arnold feels that man must rise above temptations in order to win God’s kingdom back; then, and only then, God will return to rule. Arnold also reminded us that God exists beyond man-made boundaries. He reaches the farthest expanses of the universe. We must become worthy of God. Arnold proposes unity as God’s purpose.

Arnold sees the oneness of God and the oneness of man as this purpose. He tells us when we are in isolation, living the way we do today, we are unable to truly live. We will truly be alive once broken free from the shackles of our own existence, our own isolationism. When we accept God, we become free from struggle. The Kingdom of God is within us, no matter where we reside. This reminds me of Acts 2:5 where Luke tells us of the diversity of the followers of Christ. Next, Arnold understood that we all have sin, “the beast in us,” and it fights us every step of the way. He felt that we must turn our thoughts into actions and we must keep our thoughts beyond the flesh. We need to be less self-centered to find true freedom. This freedom will lead us to Christ.

It sickens me to learn that Osteen preaches that Christ wants us to be wealthy when we live in a world with evident homelessness, a world that is not accepting of Christian values, and a world where the gap between the impoverished and wealthy is consistently expanding.

I come from a family of ministers, police officers, nurses, teachers, and other civil servant workers. I do not recall a time when any of the ministers lived off of the church that they led. Yes, I mean these ministers had jobs outside their church to support their families. Many ministers do preach for the love of Christ not for the love of money. They have listened to the word of Jesus.

“These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep.” (Matthew 10:5-10 NIV)

“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.” (Matthew 10:5-10 KJV)

Following the word of Christ and living truly as a Christian means to follow all scripture without picking and choosing which law Christ has laid down before you. Our leaders should not behave in a way that distracts us from Christian living, and they certainly should not teach us in a way that further distracts us from Christian living.

All pictures posted are of the homeless in the Houston area. Some estimates show there are more than 11,000 in Houston. 

Statistics can be found in the links below:
photograph links: two boys, mother and children, under the bridge, homeless with cart, homeless shelter, boy eating, boy with chocolate milk, teens, Lakewood Church

Tele-Evangelist Lifestyles

Why Question Faith?

Through my extensive study of the Bible, I have learned several things that I would not have previously known. I find a disjointedness between the Old Testament and the New Testament, to a point that I often wonder if the two sections of the Bible belong together at all. I question my faith every day, as each day holds new challenges. I live in a world of poverty and frustration, but I try to find the beauty and good in each day. I often find myself agreeing with Gandhi that many of the modern Christians do not believe or act the way Christ has asked of us. I know this weblog will be criticized by what I have to say about Christianity. Therefore, I will give you a peek into my life, and maybe, through that, you will understand a little more about what I have had to say. I have read a book by Ronald J. Sider called The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience, Why Are Christians Living Just Like the Rest of the World? Through my reading of the book, I began to question my own faith. I was involved in many discussion groups pertaining to the message in Sider's book, and we all agreed on one thing, American churches often skew the message of the Bible to keep people in the seats.

For instance, I have seen many Christians turn away from those in poverty, and I was, at one time, no different than they. My homeless experience humbled me as a Christian, but also opened my eyes to the church of which I was a member. There was a great deal of hypocrisy in this church. How can people claim to be Christian, but turn a blind eye to those in need? I can personally see why this would cause non-believers to despise Christians. The actions of this particular church caused me to loose faith in the church.

Had it not been for one fellow, non-church going Christian, I may have lost faith in God all together. Their Christian act helped my family when we needed it most. With my eyes wide open, I looked at the world anew. I, myself, had been obsessed with material possessions just before we lost it all. I was at one time no different than the other members of my church. We hung out together and drank together just the night before we all attended service together. Many of my “friends” in the church were no different than Sider’s pagans.

Now before you grow angry and criticize, read on. I know not all Christians and not all pastors lowered the standards to accommodate the congregation. Unfortunately, this seems to be a trend across the United States. No longer are parishioners asked to leave for deviant behavior. The message, “God forgives,” is belted out on every church sign. However, many Christians forget that Jesus may have saved sinners, but he also said, “Go and sin no more.” Wow! That is a tough one. As Christians, we need to remember that our life after Christ is a time of transformation. We are not perfect, and we all sin, but we should all model the life of Christ. We should abstain from sin, be compassionate to our brethren, and not repay evil for evil.

Remember what Christ has taught you, remember the parables pertaining to the poor, and remember that idolatry is a pagan custom, not Christian. Do not live your lives for the love of money. Live them for the love of your fellow men, women, and children. In today's society, we need that more than ever.

As we look at the world around us, do we really see what is going on. Do you really know that the poverty level in your country is at a higher percentile than that of many third world countries? Do you realize that when you buy up property to make your church and family centers larger that there are children in your own community going to bed with nothing in their bellies? Do you realize that 75% of your brothers and sisters cannot afford medical insurance and go without health care? If you do and you continue to fail to do as Christ asks of you, are you certain that your spot is reserved in Heaven? Listen, my brothers and sisters, listen to what Christ has taught you, and never forget those words.

"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." - KJV 1John 3:16-18

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." - NIV 1John 3:16-18

So, why question faith? I question mine because it makes me a better person and helps me to learn the errors of my ways.