As some are just sure raising the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour will repair this broken economy, others are flying to the other extreme, just sure it will collapse the economy. The economy is already collapsing under the printing presses. Increased minimum wage will only reduce the buying power of what's left of the Middle Class. I've been in ministry long enough to hear folks' various economic struggles and it's really not about the income, it's about management and priorities. Scripture says we are to be faithful in the little things and we'll be given much. I know for a fact and have shared with others, G-d will not give us more of what we already cannot handle . . . and that includes money!
Consider this, in regard to raising the minimum wage. There are already people making between $14.00 and 18.00 an hour that still can't make ends meet. There were people making that wage back when minimum wage was $5 something and they were still going upside down in cars and houses. And that is not about distribution of wealth, that's simply a choice of lifestyle. If there were to be a redistribution of wealth, within a matter of months, the wealthy would once again be holding the majority of the money and the people now crying for redistribution would once again have empty pockets. When someone chooses to live beyond their means, they are going to be behind, all the time, with an excuse every time; regardless of how much they make. We've all read about real estate moguls and millionaires filing bankruptcy. It's possible to live beyond one's means on every level of income, and it is also possible to live within one's means on even low income levels, as long as one is willing to work and prioritize responsibly.
I remember my days of being poor, and that's certainly not to say I'm wealthy now, but my days of not being able to make ends meet was a clear case of not being right with G-d and not being responsible with my income. I wasn't a partier, I just simply lived with poor priorities and kept company with folks who did the same. Americans make choices, then try to create an image of success or victimhood, but the choices are made. Many simply choose other priorities and indulgences knowing, yes knowing, someone will provide their basic needs. There's no reason on earth, someone making $12.00 an hour cannot afford their own groceries, but there are many. If the family is large, then assistance is available on that income, but management is still the key that makes the difference between independence and need.
Whether it's SNAP cards, automatic deposit, food pantries and community services, taking the shame out of begging has created an atmosphere of impoverished indulgence and entitlement.
Consider this, in regard to raising the minimum wage. There are already people making between $14.00 and 18.00 an hour that still can't make ends meet. There were people making that wage back when minimum wage was $5 something and they were still going upside down in cars and houses. And that is not about distribution of wealth, that's simply a choice of lifestyle. If there were to be a redistribution of wealth, within a matter of months, the wealthy would once again be holding the majority of the money and the people now crying for redistribution would once again have empty pockets. When someone chooses to live beyond their means, they are going to be behind, all the time, with an excuse every time; regardless of how much they make. We've all read about real estate moguls and millionaires filing bankruptcy. It's possible to live beyond one's means on every level of income, and it is also possible to live within one's means on even low income levels, as long as one is willing to work and prioritize responsibly.
I remember my days of being poor, and that's certainly not to say I'm wealthy now, but my days of not being able to make ends meet was a clear case of not being right with G-d and not being responsible with my income. I wasn't a partier, I just simply lived with poor priorities and kept company with folks who did the same. Americans make choices, then try to create an image of success or victimhood, but the choices are made. Many simply choose other priorities and indulgences knowing, yes knowing, someone will provide their basic needs. There's no reason on earth, someone making $12.00 an hour cannot afford their own groceries, but there are many. If the family is large, then assistance is available on that income, but management is still the key that makes the difference between independence and need.
Whether it's SNAP cards, automatic deposit, food pantries and community services, taking the shame out of begging has created an atmosphere of impoverished indulgence and entitlement.
WOW! I cannot believe how 'timely' this post is!!! THANK YOU! I feel it is confirmation for us to proceed in downsizing.....NOW. Isn't it just amazing how Yah speaks to us in various and sundry ways in order to get out attention. :)
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