Christians and WIC
The WIC program has always rubbed me the wrong way. You know what I'm talking about, were pregnant folks get "free" milk, eggs and other stuff at taxpayers expense. American Christians long ago quit looking to the Lord and His bride to provide them with food and have in large numbers turned, in faith, to America's new god.......the State. I once had grand plans to provide milk and eggs to our poor brothers and sisters, a localized Christian alternative. I still would like provide them free to anyone in my area that NEEDED them. In my research, however, I found that most people on such programs are not needy, just selfish. When you have 2 cars, cable tv, investment accounts, cell phones, eat out weekly, rent videos, and such; I have a hard time believing you can't afford to buy a dozen eggs or a jug of milk. It truly amazes and saddens me to see so many believers latched on to the levithians teat. Part of the blame lies with the churches lack of helping the needy(thus the welfare state) and part goes to the clergy for not teaching that this violates the 8th and 10th comandments(thus the sucking noise from those who are not needy). God save our people.
posted by Scott M Terry @ 6:11 AM
8 comments
8 Comments:
I understand where you are coming from. However, we went through a period where the Lord used WIC to get us through a rough patch. At one point we were actually living with other people who couldn't afford to feed extra people, but this allowed us to help out. There are people who abuse it, but churches these days just aren't stepping up to help those who need it. Now don't get me started on food stamps. While WIC only provides milk, eggs, juice, cheese and peanut butter, you can get anything you want on food stamps...even papa murphy's pizza and Schwans. I think WIC has the better idea nutritionally. We aren't on WIC anymore, but to afford eggs we got chickens. We don't drink milk anymore because we can't afford it. My family of 5 survives on 1/2 gallon of milk a week, and that includes cooking. We drink water, and that's it. We are at poverty level, but get no assistance from the state OR the church. I wish that more christians were willing to step up and help those that needed it. And I do agree that churches should be helping people out, but I haven't seen that happen in a long time.
As Americans I have found that we are spoiled. You are right on about people having all the 'extras'.
Good post Scott. Maybe you should consider putting some of this stuff in church bullentins.
I have to agree with Kimberly here. Food stamps are one thing, but WIC at least provides nutritionally sound food for pregnant women and young children. You can get WIC, if you qualify, until your child is 5. Some of those moms wouldn't or couldn't buy 100% juice, cheese, etc for their children without WIC. Some of them wouldn't realize there was a nutritional difference, or that it mattered, without WIC.
I've never been on WIC, but I teach a breastfeeding class to WIC recipients. Some of them clearly are using their money for other things. Many of them are embarrassed to need the help, though. It would be nice if they could get some assistance and mentoring through local families, churches, etc. Once you get in "the system" it seems to be harder to get out. They seem to encourage families to apply for more and more programs and aid.
Unfortunately, people are just as willing to misuse the church in this way as they are to misuse the state. Christians and non-christians alike.
Hello Ladies.....and Matt
Church Bulletins would be great, though I fear they would be quite unpopular. Might make my veggie tale critique look tame :)
A few additional thoughts.
By the church, I don't only refer to the deacons. They do bear a good share of the responcibility, but the church here also means the layperson-members. When we, as individuals, see a need we should step up to the plate and take care of it. It is simply part of being a Christian.
Those in need should ask for help. It is the responcibility of the saints to help, your not putting anyone out and you should not be ashamed. It is far to easy to run to big daddy government (dare I say god government) so that we don't have to admit our need to our brothers.
The bible clearly explains the proper roles of each God ordained institution. The State is given the task of punishing evil doers. I should point out here that building a house without a permit or draining a wet spot in your pasture is not what the scriptures refer to. Doing Evil would best be defined by breaking Gods Law. The church is given the task of what we now call "Welfare".
Taking money or goods from the Gov is stealing from your neighbors.
Not being happy with what God has given us and taking it from someone else is also breaking the Tenth Commandment against covetness.
The bible defines tyranacle taxation in the book of Samuel. Ten persent is considered outragous! When Christians gladly pay the state, what some claim is on average 65% of their income, yet fail to tithe at least 10% to Creator and Ruler of the universe-something is wrong. We have a crisis in America. We have ignored how the bible tells us to operate.....and have in the process begun to worship the state.
Off to the barn I go. I'll have more latter.
Hey Rebecca
I think we were commenting at the same time,I didn't see yours.
Of course, you make a good point. The problem has gone on so long that there is no easy fix. Christians that acted like a redeemed people would be a good start, wouldn't it!
Ooooh! We missed the Veggie Tale critique. Now, I am intrigued!
I think all you people are sick. WIC doesn't just give money to anyone who comes in, you have to apply for it and meet certain standards. WIC is for people who really are poor not people using the system. Maybe they aren't going to sleep starving, but they are needy all the same or else they wouldn't have been approved. You want people to become absolutely destitute before offering them any help. You shouldn't to go through life with absolutely nothing before you can apply for WIC. Get off your high horse and stop judging people. That is what God would really want. He is the only one who can judge our hearts.
I hope you all end up on WIC one day so you know the embarrassment of having to ask for help. People don't LOVE being on WIC, they just need the extra help.
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