4 Nov, 2011
Kind to the Needy
Poorest poor in US hits new record: 1 in 15 people
WASHINGTON (AP) — The ranks of America's poorest poor have climbed to a record high — 1 in 15 people — spread widely across metropolitan areas as the housing bust pushed many inner-city poor into suburbs and other outlying places and shriveled jobs and income.
New census data paint a stark portrait of the nation's haves and have-nots at a time when unemployment remains persistently high. It comes a week before the government releases first-ever economic data that will show more Hispanics, elderly and working-age poor have fallen into poverty.
In all, the numbers underscore the breadth and scope by which the downturn has reached further into mainstream America.
"There now really is no unaffected group, except maybe the very top income earners," said Robert Moffitt, a professor of economics at Johns Hopkins University. "Recessions are supposed to be temporary, and when it's over, everything returns to where it was before. But the worry now is that the downturn — which will end eventually — will have long-lasting effects on families who lose jobs, become worse off and can't recover."
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Story and Photo found at yahoo.com.
Proverbs 14:30-32 (NIV)
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
What Does God's Story scripture Teach Us About our being Kind to the Needy?
When you think about the poor what images come to mind? Are they images of Americans or of Third World Countries? Today's Story is most likely very surprising to a lot of folks who are reading this today. We don't think about America when we think about poverty. Not before now that is. Perhaps the time has come that this changes.
Today's God's Story scripture warns those who "oppress the poor" are actually showing contempt for "their Maker." What does it mean to "show contempt"? Dictionary.com defines contempt as "the feeling with which a person regards anything considered worthless." What goes through your mind when you see a lady collecting money on the exit ramp of the interstate? Do you see her as worthless? What do you think of the man who stretches a raggedy sleeping bag out under an overpass night after night? Many have resorted to a homeless lifestyle because of their financial circumstances. One out of every fifteen people in our own county are now considered the poorest of the poor. How will you make a difference?
Today's God's Story scripture also says that those who are "kind to the needy" are actually honoring God. It's your choice. I'm thinking honoring God has a much better ring to it that showing contempt.
How can I connect today's God's Story Scripture to My Life?
Spend some time praying for the poor in your community this weekend.
Ask God to reveal to you what your heart really feels toward those who are less fortunate than you.
Do you have a homeless shelter in your community? Talk with the leaders of your campus ministry or your local church about ideas to serve the poor as we enter the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
Come up with a list of the many ways you could serve others this fall. Now share that list wiih someone an let them hold you accountable to folllowing thoguh
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