sarah masen
Declining & Rising Rates
by the captain on Sat Oct 16 18:24:31 +0000 2004 in The Arsenal
I suppose this would be the point where you and I would agree to disagree. Not sure we will come to terms on the matter, though I can site personal examples of hope found within the system.
1)Mike – Mike is a fellow who has been attending our home church for 2 months or so. Mike is on Social Security/Disability at the moment, and currently doesn’t work. All of us in the church agree that he is fully capable of working, therefore we don’t lend any handouts when he asks (much like Paul to the Thessalonians, "He who doesn’t work, doesn’t eat). We do however welcome him into our home for church, and encourage him to find work. Mike just got his first job working at the local fair. It is a temporary job, but it is a start. I see hope in this.
2) Jim – Jim is 53 year old guy I’ve been working with for over a year and a half. I read his mail to him as he does not read well. I help him pay his bills, etc. Jim is also on Social Security/disability for a number of anxiety disorders. When i first met him he would never leave the house, due to being scared and nervous. At one point, he lost hope and his will to live, and while i was on vacation for 4 weeks, he tried to fall asleep on his bed never to wake, starving himself to death. Fortunately, i caught him just as i returned, and before it was too late. Jim was nursed back to health at the local hospital. Something changed within him after this though. He found hope again. Now Jim uses his new opportunity at life to help others as well. He drives friends to local AA meetings. He buys and hosts lunch for some of his buddies who are also in need. He’s not so reclusive anymore. It’s rather quite beautiful. I am thankful to be witness to such a resurrection. I’m glad the system exists for guys like Jim. And I see no hopelessness in this.
the captain
