Comments on: Money Is Not the Answer

By: Donna Frank

Donna Frank — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:18:48 +0000

Great article, Carole.

I used to give money to the homeless all the time when I lived in Toronto. Then a friend of mine (who had lived on the streets for almost a decade) told me that I wasn’t helping when I handed out money. He suggested that I buy them what they said they needed, whether it was food or a bus ticket. I started doing that and was quickly discouraged when I watched people take what I had given them and throw it away.

The key, like you said, is in building relationships. They greatest thing I have to offer is the hope I’ve found in Jesus…but its the relationship that opens the door to share that hope.

By: Linda

Linda — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:02:01 +0000

Great Article. Well said.

By: Niche Marketing Man

Niche Marketing Man — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:28:14 +0000

I love it! This is very informative, and very well said.

By: Greg J

Greg J — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:09:42 +0000

I do agree with the Carol that throwing money at this problem (or any problem) is rarely effective, primarily because it does not deal with the core issue. But the odd thing is that sometimes money is the catalist. In our ministry we rarely were able to be involved in an ongoing way with the homeless, partly because they rarely came to a function where we could be involved in a give and take. And we rarely had anyone willing to dive in to muck (and sometimes danger) that is peoples lives. We had a short period of time to evaluate. We tried, we prayed, we hoped that our giving helped, or our refusal to help accomplished the same. Balance is sometimes very illusive, but you work hard to try to keep it. Ever mindful of the passages used to guide us which revolve around those not willing to work and being a good steward, with those passages that talk about forsacking widows and orphans, it was not always easy or clear. Many times we would try to call family to find out what was really going on. All the time praying for God’s guidence.
We did not want to error on either side, just wanted to do what the Lord would do if He were there. I don’t believe he would give money or time to every single person. It was hard, and at times painful. It was never easy to say no. And anyone who believes they have a pipeline to God that helps them make every decision (correctly) is delusional.
My prayer is as much for the helpers as for those in need of help, because that is where I believe the real test, the learning, the growth comes. I admire anyone who works hard in these types of ministers. It is hard to keep your head above water, walk secure in Christ, and heart pure. The war is as much within as without. Nice article Carol.

By: Something more important… « Faithrants.com

Something more important… « Faithrants.com — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:52:35 +0000

[...] was going to post a new blog today, but after reading this over on the Burnside Writer’s Collective, I felt like what Carole Turner had to say was way [...]

By: Nathan Bubna

Nathan Bubna — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:28:48 +0000

When asked for money, i used to go to the nearest store (taking them with me when they would go) and return with lunch or groceries or simply refuse if i couldn’t (or wouldn’t) drop my agenda to serve those needy hands held out to me. I never gave money, for all the reasons you list. About five years ago, i was convicted that i should always give to those who ask. It’s a pretty straightforward biblical command, after all. So i changed, and now i give, if i have anything to do so, even money.

I still don’t like giving money. I know how regularly it is abused. So, we keep granola bars, bottled water, and/or socks in the car. The goal is to always be ready to give in all seasons. We’re not perfect about it. Sometimes we still end up giving money. Sometimes we’re caught totally unprepared. Most of those times i pile up lame excuses in my head for not going to get something to bring back. I confess i lack the courage to lead my family in that pattern i used to walk in alone. It’s always easier to inconvenience just myself than a tired wife or impatient kids that are with me. I know that’s no excuse, because the conviction that started back when i was alone still remains.

Anyway, in part because of my failures to consistently respond to this conviction, i’m not really inclined to push it at others. But i also can’t say that i think it’s completely a personal thing. I guess i’m trying to say that i really believe, as crucial as it is that we give good gifts, the giving itself is more important in the end. So, if i have nothing but money to give, i still give it and pray that it is wisely used.

By: JamesW

JamesW — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:10:47 +0000

OK, I misread your post. Apologies and thanks for the clarification.

By: dd

dd — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:58:32 +0000

I’m not sure the spirit of your comment was “helpfully pointing out possiblities” so much, but my comment wasn’t pointed at you at any rate.

Being encouraged to help out in more ways than giving money isn’t an all-or-nothing thing. Any stated opinion ignores plenty of possibilities, but I don’t think a discussion of every other possibility is necessary to appreciate this article. And I did appreciate it, and said so

By: JamesW

JamesW — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:33:04 +0000

Is it defensive if you simply point out that a blanket statement ignores some possibilities?

By: dd

dd — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:44:35 +0000

It’s easy to get defensive about what’s been written, but it does hit home. I’ve certainly given money rather than time (either relational time or time spent shopping for goods to give) and I agree that model isn’t the “Good Samaritan” model that is expected of us.

Thanks for the reminder, Carole.