Quote from a comment on my blog entry thanking those that helped my friend:
"Why not forego your tithing of $130 a month to your church and give it directly to your friend in need? I always thought you tithed to your church so that money could be used to help those less fortunate in the flock or yourself if you came down on hard times."
I am a bit offended by this. Maybe I'm reading it the wrong way, but I feel the commenter is judging me.
Let me tell you why I tithe to my church. Our church is a very small church, average of about 30 adults right now. It is going through hard times and we are just barely keeping the doors open. If I didn't tithe to the church they wouldn't be able to pay the bills on time. Also, as an elder's wife, what kind of an example would it be for me not to support my own church?
The church does have a benevolent fund with which we help out those in our own church and community who are in need. Just last month we supplied a family with groceries whose husband is not able to work because of health problems. My librarian friend is not in our community, but in another town. I did not ask the church to dip into what is left of the benevolent fund because of that. I have talked to individuals in the church who are willing to help her, but have not approached the church itself.
I did not post about my friend here with the thought that anyone here would offer to help. I posted about her in hopes that it would make each of us aware of how greatly we are blessed, even though we take it for granted. I was more than shocked when people wanted to send things to help her out. After all, I was pretty new here myself, and no one had any idea if I was trustworthy or not.
I don't usually take offense easily, and certainly don't usually stand up for myself. But I guess the judgmental and accusatory tone I read in the comment just set me off. I'm sorry if I have misread your intention.
Reply to Joe W
November 18th, 2006 at 04:57 pm
November 18th, 2006 at 05:57 pm 1163872679
November 18th, 2006 at 06:31 pm 1163874678
I actually do that from time to time. Something comes up, someone needs a hand, and instead of giving to the church I help a person out. It's not a regular occurance but I realize that the money is to be spent towards helping others, the church is just one of those others. My church is larger, and as a member I committed to supporting them financially. Our recent growth spurt has really done a number on their budget and they really do need the money even though our congregation is much more than 30. But I just let God impress upon me where the money should go. Most of the time, that's to the church.
Without knowing the background of the commentor, they might not come from a background where tithes and offerings is commonplace so their perception of it is a little different.
Anyway, I will ditto Ima, you are a wonderful person!
November 18th, 2006 at 06:38 pm 1163875118
Could be PMS figuring into it too....LOL!
November 18th, 2006 at 07:41 pm 1163878894
I'm sending you virtual chocolate and wine (or if you want to mix the two, a chocolate martini) . If it is that special time of the month both are medicinal substances rather than indulgences!
November 18th, 2006 at 08:46 pm 1163882816
I wasn't hurt as much as just irritated. I obviously read more into it than I should have.
November 20th, 2006 at 11:51 am 1164023498