Lupton, Robert D., Theirs is the Kingdom: Celebrating the Gospel in Urban America, ed. Barbara R. Thompson (New York, New York: Harper Collins, 1989).
This book was recommended to me by my brother this summer and I tried reading it some before I moved into Keller Park, and quite honestly, I didn't make much sense to me. It just wasn't relevant enough for me. It contains a variety of short stories within the urban context dealing with issues such as poverty, race, giving, grace, forgiveness, etc. After living in the neighborhood for over 3 months now these issues are becoming much more relevant and I can't really get enough of this book. It seems like a lot of these stories have been entirely directed towards me. I just read a story about the how to determine if poor people are truly worthy of your giving. I often find myself stressing over whether or not the person I just gave my money or possessions to really deserved it. Were they really worthy of that? The problem is... I never really find out completely if they took my money or gift and were truly a good steward of it. Why does this bother me? Maybe because I have burned too many times? Maybe because I don't know when to give and when not to? Maybe because I am selfish in my giving and want to feel good about what "I" did for someone else? Something I am wrestling with... but read below to see what the book says (it says it better than I can). Although I found this to be very true, I also found it quite humorous. Here are the potential "worthy" recipients of my giving:
1. A truly worthy poor woman: Is a widow more than sixty-five years old living alone in substandard housing; does not have a family or relatives to care for her. Has no savings and cannot work; has an income inadequate for basic needs. Is a woman of prayer and faith, never asks anyone for anything but only accepts with gratitude what people bring her; is not cranky.
2. A truly worthy poor young man: Is out of school, unemployed but not living off his mother. Diligently applies for jobs every day; accepts gratefully any kind of work for any kind of pay. Does not smoke, drink, or use drugs; attends church regularly. Will not manipulate for gain either for himself or his family; is dependable and morally pure. Does not act "cool" or "hip" like his peers on the street. Has pride in himself and is confident; may sleep in alleys but is always clean and shaved.
3. A truly worthy poor young woman: Lives in public housing (only temporarily) Has illegitimate children conceived prior to Christian conversion; is now celibate. Tithes her welfare check and food stamps; is a high school dropout but manages well with limited resources. Places a high value on education and nutrition for her children. Walks everywhere (grocery store, church, school, welfare office) with her children to save bus fare and keep her sparsely furnished home spotless. Occasionally runs out of food by the end of the month, but will not beg for handouts. Will not accept more than twenty-five dollars per month in help from friends even if her children are hungry because this violates welfare rules.
4. A truly worthy poor family: Is devout, close-knit. Has a responsible father working long hours at minimum wage wherever he can find work. Has a mother who makes the kids obey, washes clothes by hand, and will not by any junk food. Lives in overcrowded housing; will not accept welfare and food stamps even when neither parent can find work. Always pays the bills on time; has no automobile. Has kids that do not whine or tell lies.
I find myself looking for these "worthy" people to give to, but still have not found ONE! My challenge to those who are reading this: During this Christmas season find somebody to give to (money, possessions, food, time) without finding out if they are worthy to receive. Can you do it?
Thanks for the good read Kyle!
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