Freecycle can help

[Smiling JOe]

"....and what you have to the least of them, you have done to me."

That may be used often in Christianity, but its origins go back, long before Christianity. Look to Hinduism and Buddhism to find that teaching. It is really found within many religions.

 

[TNJed]

Bless those that helped this woman. Pity for those who trumpet "love thy neighbor" and take that all too literally. There's a pattern there.

I see this type of lack of response more and more often in these "modern" times. I've witnessed that an alarming increase of society thinks that someone else will help instead of thinking HOW themselves can help. I don't just put it on Christians, though I understand that example is pertinent to this event. I see this as a broader shift in society which has come to effect all groups and unfortunately those who should know and act better.

If we as a society are so proud of our technological achievements, time saving devices and infrastructures, just what exactly is it that we are spending this time savings on? And to what end? Doesn't a rising tide raise all boats? I think we all know that answer.

Specifically and back to the "church group" in question, I had the misfortune to witness a very large Christian group in a disaster area whose "soul" purpose for being there was to convert and pray with refugees as opposed to physically and monetarily helping to rebuild lives. Too many details which are necessary here, but it was painful to see. I'd say roughly 90% of the volunteers I came in contact with were secular with one thing on their minds; help those who cannot help themselves.

Sadly or perhaps fortunately, as a child of the Southern Baptist Church from the belt buckle of the bible belt, the further I get away from steeples and pulpits the more I see the world and humanity as it really exists. I never want to take away someones beliefs and respect all those who only ultimately want to better themselves, but I understand and have faith in what I've seen and not what I'm told.

Yes, I am a Christian, but religious? Never again. I see Jesus in the blood, tears and sweat of others, the bird on the tree or the wind across my sun warmed skin. Never again will I allow my soul to be bought or sold. It's my gift to give.

Ok, sorry. My heart goes into pity party mode when I hear these things.

 

[kathydwells]

Bless those that helped this woman. Pity for those who trumpet "love thy neighbor" and take that all too literally. There's a pattern there.

I see this type of lack of response more and more often in these "modern" times. I've witnessed that an alarming increase of society thinks that someone else will help instead of thinking HOW themselves can help. I don't just put it on Christians, though I understand that example is pertinent to this event. I see this as a broader shift in society which has come to effect all groups and unfortunately those who should know and act better.

If we as a society are so proud of our technological achievements, time saving devices and infrastructures, just what exactly is it that we are spending this time savings on? And to what end? Doesn't a rising tide raise all boats? I think we all know that answer.

Specifically and back to the "church group" in question, I had the misfortune to witness a very large Christian group in a disaster area whose "soul" purpose for being there was to convert and pray with refugees as opposed to physically and monetarily helping to rebuild lives. Too many details which are necessary here, but it was painful to see. I'd say roughly 90% of the volunteers I came in contact with were secular with one thing on their minds; help those who cannot help themselves.

Sadly or perhaps fortunately, as a child of the Southern Baptist Church from the belt buckle of the bible belt, the further I get away from steeples and pulpits the more I see the world and humanity as it really exists. I never want to take away someones beliefs and respect all those who only ultimately want to better themselves, but I understand and have faith in what I've seen and not what I'm told.

Yes, I am a Christian, but religious? Never again. I see Jesus in the blood, tears and sweat of others, the bird on the tree or the wind across my sun warmed skin. Never again will I allow my soul to be bought or sold. It's my gift to give.

Ok, sorry. My heart goes into pity party mode when I hear these things.

You said exactly what I wanted to say, but just couldn't put it in words. These are my feelings exactly!!!!!!!!!!

I am glad that this woman got the help that she so needed!!!

 

[LightWorker]

Yes, I am a Christian, but religious? Never again. I see Jesus in the blood, tears and sweat of others, the bird on the tree or the wind across my sun warmed skin. Never again will I allow my soul to be bought or sold. It's my gift to give.

WOW TNJed That Is Amazing!!!!
​

 

[CPort]

Ok the point I think I was trying to make is this person called and left a message at several local churches. Many churches have certain outreach policies, like my sister's church (Avondale United Methodist in Jax) they are refer people to Westside something ,which is a non-profit organization supported by a group of inter-denomational churches.Yes they help others outside their church but unless you know someone to call directly other than the office number it takes longer than 24 hrs.
Now my pastor would help anyone anytime. But if you called the church office instead of him directly, there would be a delay as the information would have to be channeled in the right direction.
Miss Kitty I was up in arms back 3 years ago because my son went on
mission trip out of the county when I though I needed his help right here.I told him, our pastor, and anyone who would listen too.I pretty much told them all what they could do with their mission work. I guess every situation is different,and it turned out my son knew more about the whole situation than his mama did. Now life is good
I'm really not trying to create controversy here. But this thread really bothers me . Its not always so black and white, there is a lot of grey area. Again, I'm not trying to be rude to anyone. MAybe I should go back to lurking?? But how then could I make my football picks???

 

[kathydwells]

Ok the point I think I was trying to make is this person called and left a message at several local churches. Many churches have certain outreach policies, like my sister's church (Avondale United Methodist in Jax) they are refer people to Westside something ,which is a non-profit organization supported by a group of inter-denomational churches.Yes they help others outside their church but unless you know someone to call directly other than the office number it takes longer than 24 hrs.
Now my pastor would help anyone anytime. But if you called the church office instead of him directly, there would be a delay as the information would have to be channeled in the right direction.
Miss Kitty I was up in arms back 3 years ago because my son went on
mission trip out of the county when I though I needed his help right here.I told him, our pastor, and anyone who would listen too.I pretty much told them all what they could do with their mission work. I guess every situation is different,and it turned out my son knew more about the whole situation than his mama did. Now life is good
I'm really not trying to create controversy here. But this thread really bothers me . Its not always so black and white, there is a lot of grey area. Again, I'm not trying to be rude to anyone. MAybe I should go back to lurking?? But how then could I make my football picks???

CP, you do not have to go back to lurking. Everyone has strong opinions about certain things and threads can get skewed sometimes. I do not think anyone thinks you are rude. We are all here to learn, have funn and discuss things.

 

[TNJed]

I too realize there is always wiggle room for interpretation and misunderstanding not the least of which is personal bias.

My belief though, whether it be a religious or corporate entity, is the very moment an organization is created, it's own sustainability becomes it's primary concern at the cost of it's intended goal. The only time I've ever seen or heard of something sacrificing itself for the greater good of its purpose is one human giving their life for another. I don't think I will ever see this happen with an organization on a "mission."

This sums up my belief that religion as an institution is counter-intuitive.

 

[seaside2]

That may be used often in Christianity, but its origins go back, long before Christianity. Look to Hinduism and Buddhism to find that teaching. It is really found within many religions.

I was paraphrasing Matthew 25:40.

The thing here, and I agrree with SJ, is that many religions have good teachings.

 

[LightWorker]

If you have not checked out Freecycle ...please do. I gave away some things that I did not need any longer. Walton Co. has it's own board. It is amazing the things people give away. It is more amazing when you can help someone in need. Panama city has a lot of Mom's looking for babies clothes. So if you have something to give away try Freecycle.
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