Call it what you may, but I am going to call it "Divine Speak"

While doing some shopping (Yeesss) I heard two seperate messages on the radio concerning the Salvation Army. The first was on Paul Harvey's radio commentary. It was perhaps one of the most beautifully elocuted dissertations I have ever heard. I wish I could get a transcript of it to share with you. If it could not pull at your heart strings, you probably don't have one. My personal experience with help agencies concur fully with his assesment. They do more, and seek less praise or recogintion than any other organization out there. Not to say that there aren't a lot of good ones.

Now that the reality of Y2K is dawning on those most in need, what will they do? What will you and I do?... I challenge everyone within distance of my writ, to do what you can. I know you will! God love you all! God Bless the Salvation Army!!

Respectfully;

Michael

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), November 27, 1999

Answers

And clarify for me, if you will: What does this have to do with AFDC recipents?

-- Big D (ddac@yahoo.com), November 27, 1999.

Sorry BigD, look here

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=001s1Z

I was a bit overwhelmed with emotion for a moment and lost track of the process.

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), November 27, 1999.

I have already donated money to FEMA. Are you one of those bell ringers that I see at the entrances to grocery stores and Wally World? That's a thankless job, but I know your happy to be doing it, bless you, bless you. They say nothing to anyone, they just stand there smiling and ringing the bell. Sorta like the Hare Krishna selling flowers at the airport and spreading goodwill and happiness everywhere. It takes fortitude, faith and stamina to be a bell ringer and a petal pusher. Bless you, bless you.

-- blessings abound (blessingsabound@blessingsss.xcom), November 27, 1999.

Not recently blessings, I guess I forgot that hunger never takes a holiday. I have spent more than a few hours cooking, and doing dishes at some shelters, but I'm guilty of letting someone else do it for too long. It does, BTW, give me personally one of the most rewarding feelings of a life time of experiences. "Try it, you'll like it" says Mikey ~~X`{^*)

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), November 27, 1999.

Been there, done that, it's someone else's turn.

-- blessings abound (blessingsabound@blessingsss.xcom), November 27, 1999.

Considering I bring home $7/hr, Starbuck counter help make $10, and a friend's wife gets $16/hr and free childcare to answer phones for the united way, I think I'll pass on donations. I have one org I support which I trust given the testimony of a friend working there. Sorry to be pessimistic, but my taxes support freeloaders at a higher standard of living than I have achieved.

-- Bitter (In@va.com), November 27, 1999.

Bitter, don't feel too bad about your situation, they're millions of people like you and me out there making a living and paying taxes so the "have nots" have. And you and I don't have a choice where our tax money goes. Just figure that 30-50% of it goes to government charity and there's nothing left beyond that. Saw a bumper sticker that said "Work harder, those on welfare are depending on you."

-- blessings abound (blessingsabound@blessinggss.xcom), November 28, 1999.

I think the people collecting money for the Salvation Army purposely stand quiet and smile. They don't beg you or try to make you feel guilty for not giving. I think it's good. I am much more likely to want to give if I'm not rushed at the door on my way out. They leave it to you to decide if you want to go over and make a donation. I don't see anything wrong with that.

-- Desiree Wilson (wdesiree@aol.com), November 28, 1999.

There are some people helped by the Salvation Army who are not on AFDC --myself and my then seven-year old son, for instance, many years ago. I was part of "the working poor," qualifying for partial food stamps (about $45 per month) but nothing else. That memorable Christmas, the Salvation Army gave me a grocery voucher, some personal care items, and a lovely toy for my son--one of two he got that meager Christmas. Those kind souls never once mentioned religion. I have paid back many times over but have never reduced the happy obligation I feel to the Salvation Army. When I feel I don't owe them any more, I shall know I need to kick myself in the butt. Even if it's only 25c, please toss it in that red bucket.

Warmest wishes to you all.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), November 28, 1999.

Worked for the Salvation Army when I was 20 years old as a secretary in small office w/child-care center attached. Eye opening experience. Ever see where the husband and wife in those uniforms that run the office live -- small 1-bedroom apartment w/the cheapest rental furniture ever saw. They never complained and were available 24-h a day to anyone needing help. Was recently married at the time and ran into some massive problems, they sent husband and I away on a marriage retreat weekend -- no preaching, just invaluable counseling. Credit them w/now having a marriage of 25 years. Should see what the people wear and drive after dropping off the buckets each evening before Christmas, they really need the small dollars that they make ringing those bells. Worked long hours for a couple of years before Christmas and didn't make huge sums of money, honest their overhead is not large.

Adopted our 2nd child through Family Service Agency, found the same to be true. Incredibly modest building w/most staff having been there over 20 years. Used worn furniture in the lobby, much out of date equipment in the offices, but people that would do anything for you.

Don't know about United Way as a whole, but those 2 agencies are run so efficiently w/so much caring w/never a gripe, I've never had a problem turning over extra cash knowing it will go to the right people.

-- claurann (claurann@aol.com), November 28, 1999.

Clurann--

Seems to me the most logical way to help now. They are set up to provide the most help for the many needs. Since I will not be able to give (mono y mono) to those in need, it only makes sense (for those of a mindset and persuasion to want to extend kindness) to support the entities prepared to do so with the utmost efficiency.

Since our government has already told us that it will not be prepared to provide for the masses on a scale that "MAY" become evident, churches, shelters and organizations such as the Salvation Army are the logical outlet for our extension of brotherly love, IMHO

Thanks for your inspiring post

Respectfully

Michael

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), November 28, 1999.

salvation army is a very responsible and good organization. they recently picked up the ball from what i understand when fema and red cross had to drop it for one reason or another during the floods. i also appreciate the fortitude of the bell ringers these days (In this politically correct and skeptical society) and always comment on it to them.

-- tt (cuddluppy@nowhere.com), November 28, 1999.