Congressional Visit
May 3, 2009
I have experienced Cincinnati’s political process much more than I desired over the last year, so I was not at all anxious about visiting our Senator on Capital Hill. Cincinnati has worked feverishly over the last five years to displace the poor and rid itself of its homeless population. Recently they have taken steps to remove Social Services from within the Downtown, the West End and Over-The-Rhine areas by claiming that the concentration of these services increases crime and reduces property values, amongst other complaints.
We were asked to represent Cincinnati as a coalition from this week’s “Mobilization to End Poverty Conference.” I was not prepared, nor did I pack clothing for visiting dignitaries. So imagine my wonder when it was announced that we would not only visit Capitol Hill, but our Senators as well. The group of forty Ohioans began to choose who should speak when we arrive. Naturally, I was volunteered! Though I am never really at a loss for words I had no intention of volunteering myself. Since my boss was one of those offering my name, I did not dare decline. A true Toastmaster never turns down an opportunity for an impromptu speech!
We chose four representatives to visit Senator George Voinovich and four to see Senator Sherrod Brown. I was chosen to share real life experiences of individuals from poverty in Cincinnati. I put on my game face and became excited about the challenge. My enthusiasm was dampened by the absence of the Senators upon arriving at their office. They were replaced by their aids. It was not surprising, just disappointing, and there wasn’t room to fit our entire delegation in one room.
The aids were pretty well informed, especially Senator Sherrod Brown’s, as they enlightened us to the Senator’s views after listening intently to our concerns. It was an experience we will remember and now we are prepared if the need arises again. It is pretty easy to get into your representative’s office, although you may not get to meet with them face to face. It is said that persistence wrecks the resistance; which is what we will need if we are to fulfill President Obama’s agenda on reducing domestic and global poverty.
An End to Poverty
May 1, 2009
This week was spirit filled and intense as I traveled to Washington DC for Jim Wallis’ Sojourners “Mobilizations to End Poverty Conference” with Tom Baxter, the Missions Pastor from our church, First Christian Assembly. Both traveling with Tom Baxter and heading to a Sojourners Conference were a first. We would both find out we had a lot to learn and a lot of work ahead of us in Ohio if we are going to see change in this arena in our lifetime.
In case you didn’t know, 2005-2007 Ohio poverty rate in comparison to the US was:
- Overall: Ohio 13.2% US 13.3%
- Children: Ohio 18.5% US 18.3%
- Seniors 65+: Ohio 8.4% US 9.9%
Ohio ranks 30th in US States in terms of it’s poverty rate with 1st having the lowest rate of poverty, and 51st having the highest. Other statistics about Ohio:
- Health Care: 10.7% of Ohio’s population does not have health insurance.
- Education: 10.3% of Ohio’s population between ages 25 and 34 have not graduated from high school.
- Food Security: 1,287,349 people received food stamps in Ohio in January, 2008
- Unemployment: Ohio’s unemployment rate was 9.7% in March, 2009, compared to the US rate of 8.5%
This doesn’t have to be so, but changes are required of each and every community member if it is going to improve. In the words of President Obama who spoke to us via satellite, “…We’re going to have to mobilize our society, not just to cut poverty, but to prevent more people from slipping into poverty…we’ve got a lot of work to do economically in this country to bring about a more just and fair economy.”
Each day we discussed the need to tackle the issues of poverty as a primary initiative. We focused on our congressional leaders and the people of our country taking a stand for the rights of the poor.
Many panels discussions emphasized our biblical mandate as Christians to be at the forefront fighting for the rights of the poor. In President Obama’s first session of the 111th Congress he proposed H. CON. RES. 102 (House Concurrent Resolution 102)“ Expressing that the United States has a moral responsibility to meet the needs of those persons groups, and communities that are impoverished, disadvantaged, or otherwise in poverty.” Declaring a reduction of poverty to half of what it is today by 2020. Yes, 10 years to reduce poverty by 50% with tangible metrics and measures to bring it to pass. In order to do so we have to tackle health care, race, immigration, peace, the environment, the economy, social justice, and organize communities to name a few of the pieces to the puzzle.
Those present from various denominations all agreed that more must be done by ‘people of faith.’ Several highlights of the conference included messages by Dr. John Perkins, Dr. Vincent Hardin, Rich Sterns President of World Vision, Dr. Freddie Haynes III, Dr. Vashti McKenzie, Rep. John Lewis to name a few.
Hand Up Foundation (HUF)
April 19, 2009
Doug & Christie Devin are the founders of “ (HUF)” whom we met today in Milton, Pennsylvania. HUF has a wonderful recycling company and thrift store to name just two of the endeavors launched in just 4 short years. The recycling facility is small in size but extensive in scope. They are capable of recycling plastics, paper, cardboard, computers, televisions, appliances, clothing, batteries, ink cartridges, and I may be leaving a few items out!
They resell the Freon and copper from air conditioning units. They have youth and community service where remanded teens and adults work on equipment or in the warehouse. HUF also employs 18 full and part-time personnel. They have a classroom and certified trainers teaching life skills development.
HUF’s thrift store only sells the best of the best clothing without any snags or blemishes. The items are hung neatly on hangers and they plan the sales schedule seasonally in conjunction with Wal-Mart’s schedule. HUF repairs donated automobiles to give them to people who need to use them specifically to obtain and commute to work. Milton, PA is a rural community and work is hard to find. Transportation is crucial to get around and jobs are often found in surrounding neighborhoods which may be in excess of 30 – 45 minute.
HUF helps elderly homeowners with needed upgrades on their homes. Doug and his board are planning to purchase a building to provide the community of Milton Pennsylvania with an emergency shelter so that runaway teens, battered women, and men who are homeless can have a temporary place to stay to get back on their feet. They do all this on a mere $650,000 budget. The exciting and remarkable thing about “Hand Up Foundation” is that 85% of their budget is from revenue from their businesses, or as we in the non-profit world would call them ‘social enterprises.’ Yes, revenue not just donations. So in this economically strapped time in which giving is down, HUF has found a way to profit and not just stay afloat but to prosper in their quest to serve the less fortunate and disenfranchised. Now this epitomizes the scripture, “blessed to be a blessing!” Genesis 12:1-3
Situational Vs. Generational Poverty
April 16, 2009
We must understand poverty in respect to our current national financial dilemma in order to clearly identify what families are going through today. Many families have been hit by tremendous hardship as foreclosure has hit all time highs. Increasing numbers of people are facing a change of class while they attempt to pick up the pieces.
Generational poverty and situational poverty while similar have very different beginnings and sometimes outcomes. People of generational poverty are “those who have two or more generations living in poverty.” Many of these families live together in large groups, rent versus own property, and struggle to make economic choices toward a better way of life.
Situational poverty is just that: based on dire and often unexpected circumstances. We can remember them as the 7 D’s: Divorce, Death, Disease, Downsized, Disabled, Disasters and Debt. These individuals have never experienced poverty prior to their situation and have their experiences in middle class (or higher) to draw upon.
Individuals in generational poverty are inexperienced with other class systems and the hidden rules of class are foreign to them. People in situational poverty often have relationships and resources at their disposal that assist them in reclaiming their prior living status.
Those in generational poverty often ostracize family members or friends who seek to leave for middle class, at times claiming they have ‘sold out.’ It is important for those who seek to enhance their living environment and economic standing to be willing to disconnect from these relationships even if only temporarily in order to achieve success. This can be a deal breaker for some as relationships are paramount to the psychological security of people of generational poverty. Many find themselves staying in abusive dysfunctional relationships because it is better to be in a dysfunctional relationship than to be alone.
Poor & Indigent
April 13, 2009
I conduct workshops around the country that attempt to bring understanding to the plight of homeless, addicted, imprisoned mentally ill and poor individuals of our society. The individuals listed in one or more of these categories in today’s society have it extremely rough. They are called indigent – which means “a level of poverty in which real hardship and deprivation are suffered and the comforts of life are wholly lacking.”
Poverty is defined as “the extent to which one does without resources”. Primary resources include: Financial, Emotional, Mental, Spiritual, Physical, Support Systems, Relationships/ Role Models and Knowledge of Hidden Rules.
There are two types of poverty, generational poverty and situational poverty. While similar, they have very different beginnings and often outcomes. While presenting a workshop on understanding poverty at the City Gospel Mission, I was presented with the question, “What about the poor in spirit?” I have another blogg about the “poor in spirit” that you can read.
The literal poor have very limited resources where as the “poor of spirit” who are not in poverty economically have at their disposal many more resources even if they abuse or don’t use them. The “poor of spirit” are not systematically marginalized nor oppressed by the larger society. The “poor of spirit” are not cloistered into one class system.
God cares for the lost and hurting regardless of class or status, but in the workshop “Consider the Poor” we learn to become more knowledgeable of the culture and issues that are important to the poor prior to attempting to ‘save’ them from their plight. Some individuals want a better way of life but are very content with living in urban or rural America. So I am not advocating that the poor must automatically desire or transition to middle class communities. We should be creating communities with all socioeconomic classes living harmoniously together. What do you think?
Poverty of Spirit - Or Poor In Spirit?
March 28, 2009
What is poverty of spirit? Is it the poor lottery winner who loses all their earnings in less than 5 years and winds up worse off than before, because their inside doesn’t match their outside? Is it a rich guy like Flavor Flav who despite his fortune and fame seems to desire the lifestyle and mindset he grew up in? Is it possible for us Christians or only the unsaved to have an impoverished spirit? How about the Christian who lives a lukewarm existence?
Revelation 3: 15 – 17; 19 says, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing – and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked -… V19 as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
The church of Laodicea was lukewarm. God challenged them to be zealous and repent. There is nothing worse than a lukewarm Christian who has one foot in the world and one foot in the church. He/she is totally miserable. They can’t enjoy the peace and joy of God’s kingdom, because they feel guilty about sin. They can’t have a “good time” sinning, because they knows that it’s wrong. Such “Christians” are useless spiritually. Jesus tells them to choose whom they are going to serve and to quit playing games. One definition of poverty is the state of being inferior in quality or insufficient in amount. The degradation of women in ‘Flava of Love,’ blowing millions without counting the cost, and living a life beneath your Christian privilege and heritage all reek of inferiority and insufficiency…
What does it mean to be poor? Afflicted, needy; lowly, humble; low in status. It can refer to the person whose outward condition makes him afflicted or depressed. Psalm 140: 12 states that God is on the side of the afflicted. Isaiah 61: 1 says the Messiah would preach the good news to the poor. The poor can be those who actually live in poverty or slum area, but it can also refer to people who live in the inward ghetto of the soul. (mind, volition & emotions)
When David wrote, “But I am poor and needy” in Psalm 40: 17 he was not referring to being broke. He was talking about humbling himself in the presence of Almighty God! and as you know, David was himself a king! Yet even with his status he, like we, could see and respond to the fact that there was a deprivation - an insufficiency inside of him that alone he could not satisfy. He needed to cry out to God to meet his need. Though he ruled the kingdom of Israel, he understood that there was a greater realm to desire. Jesus said that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who humbly acknowledge this poverty of spirit. Matthew 5:3
To Emote or Not To Emote…that is the Question
March 23, 2009
Why is it so difficult for men to understand…no accept their emotions? We can’t understand something we don’t yet accept. Has society done such a number on us that we would rather be stuck in denial while at the same time frustrated in relationships that don’t seem to meet our needs? You know some of the sayings, “Real men don’t cry, “ or “Never let ‘em see you sweat…” In the movie, “A League of their Own,” an exasperated Tom Hanks exclaimed, “There’s no crying in baseball!” to his all female team. He was mortified that these women did not have the same disposition as men when engaging America’s past time.
We salute the images of “Dirty Harry,” “Rambo,” and John McClain in “Die Hard”, ok so I’m dating myself. How about “The Transporter” or Ethan Hunt in “Mission Impossible,” Jason Bourne in “The Bourne Identity,” or the latest 007, James Bond, in “Quantum of Solace?” Are they what it means to be a real man? What is so hard about putting feelings to words and sharing them?
Well, #1) I don’t have a vast feeling word vocabulary, #2) I’ve learned it’s not very masculine to describe my feelings about my wife’s need to go dancing or quiet walks in the park, while sitting with the guys watching March Madness. I might share a thought but feelings words or my intentions! #3) a game, or some other recreational activity, is really the only time I get together with guys, and then we’re trying to be the best guys we can be!
My feeling words consist largely of good, fine and angry. I broke down one year and went to training at Equipping Ministries on becoming a better listener and I was amazed at the number of feeling words to describe being mad. When I’m mad, I’m mad. I’m not trying to break it down to levels like I’m bothered, ruffled, irritated, displeased, annoyed, steamed, irked, perturbed, frustrated etc. you get my drift. However I find that it does bring a bit more clarity…
Why do we find sitting down with our wives/girl friends listening to their heart felt desires is like nails shrieking down a chalkboard? What is it about our dysfunction that says, “Just get to the point, please?”
Perhaps it is our fixer mentality. We want to solve a problem not dissect it. Especially if we think we already have the answer. We want the sense of accomplishment. Besides, most of the time we process internally in silent mode. Women seem to process outwardly (by talking and talking to us, their mothers, their girlfriends…the stranger on the bus!) while coming to terms along the way to a conclusion. They often need to process and feel as invigorated by detailed analysis as we do by coming to a conclusion and providing our damsel in distress with the right solution.
Consider the Poor
December 15, 2008
What does it mean to “Consider The Poor? To consider means to think carefully about, to show respect for or be thoughtful of somebody’s feelings or position; to examine a problem or discuss it in detail, to examine thoroughly, before making a decision. So when was the last time you considered the poor?
We typically don’t. We actually spend more time averting our eyes. It is difficult to really look and do nothing. Or perhaps we justify the ‘nothing’ we choose to do, with the rationalization that there are enough social service organizations and churches around.
Perhaps you are already doing something. Is it enough to pay 21.95 a month for a child in El Salvador? Is that what Jesus had in mind when he said pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphaned and widows in trouble…? (James 1:27) Is it enough to send your unwanted clothing to the Salvation Army? Is that what Jesus had in mind when he shared the story of the Good Samaritan?(Luke 10:33-37) Is it enough to help out a friend or relative who has fallen upon hard times? Is doing good to someone you already know and love what Jesus had in mind when he said love thy neighbor as thyself? (Luke 10:25-29)
I run a homeless shelter in the heart of inner city America and it is filled with individuals who come from an array of life experiences. We help the hurting. It has been our challenge to take our services, and the volunteers and friends who serve the poor with us, to another level: a level that allows for real life change and not just the opportunity to give a hand out sending people back to their world with little permanent change.
For the majority of our organization’s 85-year existence we have had poor people come through our facility to get a helping hand. But when you stand at a feeding line spooning food onto a tray, drop off some clothing, paint a wall in a homeless shelter, or even send in a check have you really considered the poor? Whose name do you know? Whose story can you retell? Whose life has been radically changed? If we are truly considering the poor shouldn’t some of these challenges come into play?
When we asked the 50 plus churches who help us serve breakfast and dinner 365 days a year to sit with the homeless and serve them at their tables we were met with resistance and disapproval. There was a concern about getting too close to the people they claimed they had come to serve. Some churches pulled out! Imagine that. But we also recruited others who believe in the mission and desire effect change in the lives of hurting people.
In order to “Consider The Poor” you have to look at the culture and systemic issues that affect a person’s decision-making process. It is not enough to suggest to someone in generational poverty to just ‘make better choices.’ “Just get a job and life will be better,” doesn’t acknowledge that fact that 28% of poor families are headed by a full-time working adult, but yet they are still knee deep in poverty.
It requires more than a livable wage for many families to rise above the poverty level. 41.5% of poor people live in single parent families with children. 32% live in married couple families. When you look at the culture of poverty, you’ll see a very different world relationally and psychologically than that of middle or upper class. Not just the obvious issues of crime and safety, but things like a lack of education, the blight of neighborhoods, and resource deprivation make true sustainable change very difficult. It’s time for Christians to invest a little more time in considering the poor - the ranks of whom are swelling daily in our current economic crisis.
“Happy are those who consider the poor, the Lord delivers them in their trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive; they are called happy in the land. Psalm 41: 1-3
Renewing Your Image of Poverty & Wealth
October 27, 2008
Happy are those who consider the poor; the LORD delivers them in the day of trouble. The LORD protects them and keeps them alive; they are called happy in the land. You do not give them up to the will of their enemies. The LORD sustains them on their sickbed; in their illness you heal all their infirmities. Psalm 41:1-3 NRSV
Consider the Poor is the new course we’ve developed and we’re excited that it is being released today at the Christian Association of Youth Mentoring (CAYM) conference in St. Petersburg, Florida and at the National Outreach Convention next week in San Diego. It is a new take on the Understanding Poverty course I have been teaching for years in the Tri-State area.
My wife and I have been serving in the inner city for about 20 years in various capacities and we have a soft spot for the ‘under served’ whether they are homeless, formerly incarcerated, in another country or students at a university. Today, we’d like for you to take a moment to consider the poor. As you can see above, the Lord has a great love for the poor and will defend those who defend them…an interesting insurance policy.
Those who we label ‘less fortunate’ often have a greater appreciation for life, for things, for people. Many hold a great sense of dignity even without all of the trappings of society. There is much that we can learn from association with all types of people, and looking at these economic times, the debt most Americans have, and the fact that many are only a paycheck or two or a layoff away from situational poverty; it would behoove us to consider the poor.
Blessed, happy, to be envied are those who invest time in considering the poor. In a society where we avert our eyes, presume that we’re being taken, or do our civic duty by feeding them once a year; it would be a nice change of pace for us to really consider: which means -to think carefully before making a decision- about the poor. We have seen many ‘rich’ people who are miserable. We would love to share our insights with you, for every person and every church to engage the poor and receive the blessing of the Lord.
If you’ve attended the course, give us your feeback. Or tell us your story of blessing in sharing with, loving and helping the poor and how the Lord has blessed you in return…
Parenting from Afar
May 29, 2008
I just returned from Reading, England a small community 20 minutes south of London in Great Britain where my hotel was located. Newbury, another small town (about 15 minutes train ride further south), was my residence some 20 years ago. I spent 3 years there as a Sgt. in the US Air Force. During my time there, I fostered a child just two months prior to my honorable discharge. She has been born and raised in England.
It has been far too long since my last visit, a few weeks ago as I sat awaiting the appearance of my beautiful child, I was reminded that I was in the moment I had envisioned for so long and prayed about so fervently. I was visiting my soon to be 18 year old daughter, Shaniqua Nicole who I couldn’t wait to see again. She too thought it had been far too long since seeing me.
Shaniqua is in Junior College seeking to find her way as a Fashion major. Her birthday is June 6th. She loves clothing and all aspects of the Fashion industry including fashion photography. She is a bright energetic young woman who has had physical and emotional adversity to overcome in her short stint on Earth because of a spinal surgery from issues found out at birth. Not to mention the emotional pain of having a father who lives thousands of miles away in the United States. I am truly graced by her forgiveness and willingness to attempt to understand a father who had not made the trek across the friendly skies in recent years.
Our meeting was a delight as we shared from A to Z about life. No subject was off limits as we breached sex, marriage, religion, finance, love, drugs, education, children, parenting to name a few. She was very candid, open and honest. It was more than I could have asked for by any stretch of the imagination! One of the amazing things about my daughter is her compassion for others. She frequently spoke of assisting friends with their issues and attempting to get them to see it for themselves. She even encouraged me to work harder on my relationship with her grandfather.
Shaniqua has had to grow up fast living with her single mom and being an only child. I can’t tell you the joy I experienced sitting for 4 hours in a lovely Indian restaurant just discussing life with my child. To see and hear the compassion and insight of a 17 year old for relationship issues was remarkable. I am truly appreciative for the opportunity to travel the miles and spend what was a very short but much needed stay. If you have a strained or even non existent relationship with a child I believe it is paramount that you take the risk and make contact. Keep making contact. Keep seeking connection through whatever means necessary. Even if it is by email, cards, letters or by phone even if it means fighting through adversity and eating crow for previous mistakes or absence!
There is forgiveness and healing awaiting you. If you think no one understands well I do! And if you want to know how important it is to the child? There aren’t words to describe it but write me and I’ll try!
