Let's Share

Chapter
Many people have the idea that people living in poverty are always begging for something.  When I was growing up, I experienced this with one of my aunts.   She lived in the inner city and worked a low paying job.  She was a wonderful, loving woman, but it seemed like whenever she visited, she asked for something. For example, if my mom had a new performance tape, my aunt would ask for a copy. (They both sang in church.)  She seemed to think that whatever we had that she did not should be split with her.  It wasn't until years later that I began to understand this mindset.

The light went on when I read a book about a woman who worked in California picking crops.  She discovered that it was the other workers who would teach her how to harvest the food correctly and even share their portion with her when she was first learning.  Neighbors showed up at her door with food when they had extra.  They shared rides and information with her.  This group of strangers bonded together because it was the best way for the whole group to survive.  From this story I began to realize that many poor people  are more than willing to give you whatever you need and they are confused when someone else does not do the same for them.  This sharing mentality is very different from the independent, take care of yourself mindset I grew up with.  I'm not saying either one is better than the other, but I think it helps to see things from someone else's perspective. 

I saw this sharing concept in my own life when a friend of mine got her food stamps for the month.  She went out that day and bought food for herself, for a church breakfast, for a sick neighbor, and a treat for me.  These gifts were given with no strings attached.  She was simply sharing her own blessings.

Maybe my selective memory only recalls the times my aunt asked for help.  Maybe I've forgotten all the times she brought food for us or gave me little gifts.  Maybe living on the boundary between middle class and poverty caused me to cling to whatever I had and fear losing it.  Maybe I can still learn to share.