I don't feel that kind of guilt.
I have neglected my personal blog for a few weeks. But I have been on a big internet ride lately. Twitter has sucked me in.
MommyGossip-GNO has taken off .....and wow?
A great idea about 2 weeks ago... Became a full fledged fundraiser this week. $1400 was raised for FeedingAmerica.org. More than 10 people donated auction items and door prizes, and over 50 people donated cash. I was still getting requests to donate items DURING the twitter #GNO event on Tuesday night! I have truly met some amazing, caring, giving people.
So instead of guilt I give you forgiveness.
Have you read this book?The author describes a current day husband and wife who are struggling with their relationship. He uses the story of Abigail and Nabal from 1 Samuel in the Bible, to help explain why forgiveness is important for YOU the reader.
Okay. Now to explain.
A few posts down (I intend to remove the post so look now) I wrote about a current financial frustration we are dealing with. And my internet pals came out of the woodwork to wish me better luck and some even have been doing a search themselves to help with the problem! (see I told you, amazing people.)
Not that I didn't want some sympathy and help even. It's just that, after writing and then answering some questions from folks about our situation. I began to feel really sick about it all.
See.
My husband has a terrific job. He makes plenty of money to cover our very normal lifestyle. Both of us have college degrees and I am confident should we go under a certain point financially I will simply go out and get a job and the problem will literally be solved. My children are healthy (yes I'm knocking on wood). My husband loves me very much, he tells me every day. I have a gigantic extended family who I am also confident would help us out in any way they could.
An aside: While we lived in NYC I often walked around homeless people, I sometimes gave change sometimes not. I often thought, what if that were me? But I could never really imagine it, because I knew if I were ever so down and out I could always call 2 sets of parents, 9 siblings, and over 60 cousins. Talk about a safety net.
Back to my point.
There is an unbelievable amount of people out there who are so much worse off than we are. Yes I have gripes and complaints and even fears. But I am safe. And warm. And well fed. And well loved. And this Thanksgiving, I am grateful for my home.
The worst of it-- is when asked point blank. "Are you guys going to be okay?" I realized I had really screwed up. My biggest fear with the whole can't sell our house?
What if we won't be able to fully fund our 401K next year? Isn't that awful?
Please forgive me.
We just found out our little town here sponsors an 'adopt a family' at Christmas time. I am so on board. Are you?
12 comments:
Hey Nice Lady!
I think we can all be forgiven for the occasional obsessiveness over our own problems...You are a very lucky (and wonderful} person. Thanks for the reminder about what's important...(friends, dude!) :)
love ya
yay!!!!! i heart church chat! glad you're back to your own blog... but your absence was indeed for a wonderful cause. you are an amazing person.
please try to avoid going out and getting a real job!! i'd miss you around here. how's a girl going to cope without her blog mentor around 24/7?
I think that many things offer perspective in our lives. Because other people may be in a worse situation, doesn't mean that your situation isn't important or stressful. I think it's OK to say that you are worried about something going on.
With that being said, I'm so impressed with all the work you have been doing for others. $1,400 is amazing! Keep up the great work!
Hey, girl: Don't feel bad about being worried or concerned about challenges in your life. That's a legit thing... We all do it. Yes, others less fortunate than us need a hand; but you are reaching out in that direction in a big way, too. Just give a little sigh, put on a smile, give yourself a hug for the good soul you are, because YOU ARE A GOOD SOUL, and I am proud and privileged to be your friend!
Take care!
Hey Carissa.
I hear you on this one. And no, it's not awful. It's human.
Everything is relative, don't you think? The prospect of possibly having to sell your house or lose a chunk of your 401K is freaking SCARY. Sure you won't be homeless and yes you'll still have an income. But that doesn't mean it's a nothing problem, you know?
We all struggle but many of us also realize that we have it better than many. But that doesn't take away from the fear or pain of our situations. You know?
I think what's important is to understand that there is always others in more need (which clearly you do) and take steps to make sure you help those people as best you can (which you have in a BIG way with GNO... and also in ways that we probably don't know about!) That, my pal, makes you a good person.
Keep on keepin' on. Wishing you all the best!
Robin
Great post!! And, a great reminder to just be thankful.
I joined Twitter recently, but I just don't get it?!?!
Do I have your twitter addy? I'm at Paize_Fiddler. And yes, I'm on board. I live in a house with 5 young men from broken homes and troubled lives whom I mentor and counsel in the ways of truth and light and the love of Jesus. And when I pass a homeless panhandler on the city streets I give what I can. Will they buy drugs with the dough? Not for me to judge. That's between them and God. Mine is to give as God has given to me.
Great post.
Don't be too hard on yourself! Change is hard and money is scary these days...even if you have some. I totally get you, though! You have a lot to be thankful for!
Thanks for your comment...and I agree, Utah Ute's all the way!
Nice post... It is not easy to leave our comfort zone. It's even worse when it's forced on us.
I will check out the book when I get a chance. :-) Have a great Thanksgiving!
I completely understand where you are coming from! Peter and I are very blessed, we have nothing to worry about financially. Sometimes I start feeling guilty for being well off when others are struggling. But then I ask myself, why feel guilty? Use the money God has blessed us with to help those who need help. So I do. :-) I might just have to post about this.
Great review above, even better post today.
I'm like you. I stress about financial matters, but when it comes down to it, we are incredibly blessed......sometimes I think about others less fortunate, but many times, I just think of me. A little reminder how blessed/lucky I am is always in order. :)
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