Just read a humbling statistic in this article from The Tennessean.
17.5% of Nashville’s population lives below the federal poverty line. That means an income of less than $21,834 for a family four.
Stunning.
I spend a considerable amount of mental power figuring out ways our little family of three can save money, and we are privileged to have an income much, much higher than the poverty line.
These thoughts bring to mind several questions for me.
1) How on earth do people make ends meet with an income of less than $21,000? I know that all too often the answer is that the ends just never meet. A lot of these families can’t afford basic food and clothing.
2) Where on earth am I spending all of my money? Sometimes I think my mind is in a permanent state of “there will never be enough,” when really I am richer than I can possibly imagine.
3) What can I/should I do about this? Do I need to examine my own spending habits? How can I help others in my area?
I am really grateful for the perspective this article has given me. Sometimes I pride myself on frugality, gloating that I clip coupons and choose not to subscribe to cable TV. In truth, I’m not particularly frugal, I just prioritize my luxuries. I can’t imagine the daily decisions my fellow Nashvillians must face in trying to provide for their families.
I found some of the comments on this article pretty interesting. Not your point, I know, but still interersting as to some of the stories within the story of Nashville’s poor.
I have had some of the same thoughts. Cold, cold nights, when I’m able to scurry my family inside and turn the heat up and cover my kids when I put them to bed really bring out the gratitude for how much we have. And grandparents that don’t even have to be *asked* are constantly buying coats and shoes for the kids, which in itself eases the burden of our challenging situation. And even then, our “challenges” aren’t poverty. One thing that keeps me away from pangs of guilt is to remember that all gifts come straight from the hand of God. Everything we have, every dime we make, we have because God has given it to us. So, exactly as you said, we ought to be continually humbled and continually thanking God for our blessings, and even our luxuries. The “what can I do” question is so good, and big. And I have the same thoughts about being frugal and clipping coupons–sometimes I look down at my Publix receipt and I’ve saved a third or more of my entire bill and I’m very, very proud. 🙂 Good grief–it’s a PUBLIX receipt–and it includes shrimp! Two luxuries, right there. Anyway, it’s a very good post, and such a serious topic. As my sister puts it, we are supposed to be Christ’s hands and feet on earth. Thanks for the post.
The kids came over and made a snowman with me today. One was wearing socks with ballet flats in the snow. Crazy. This reality is in my face a lot. I know how you feel a little.
That’s why our government has social programs like food stamps – so people won’t go hungry. But, after so many generations on the system, many choose not to work so they can they can keep getting those checks and stamps. They have no life experience to give them a vision of life beyond what they know. Tutoring in the projects in Knoxville and New Orleans really opened my eyes to how important contact with someone outside their daily experience is for all kids.
About our spending. I agree that we should be more conscious. There are many ways to work things into our budget, like getting 1-2 things for the food pantry whenever I go grocery shopping (Amanda buys dog food on sale for shelters, but that’s a different cause). It reminds me that I’m not they only one who needs food and keeps me from buying those extra treats I can do without. – I don’t do that here because I pay 20% sales tax to pay for the government programs to feed, house, clothe and educate people. It’s a very different system.
Interesting insights, ladies! You inspire me to focus on gratitude, not guilt.
I find that I often go overboard in being budget conscious, and spend way too much time worrying about what to spend. I’m trying to be a “good steward” and save money, but then I forget Matthew 6 and start obsessing about it.