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I am poor (in money). That does not make me less of a person.
I am soon to be homeless. That does not mean I don’t have hopes and dreams and feelings just like you.
If I walk into your office to ask for help, please know that it took me hours of crying and praying and discussion before I could finally get the courage to set up the appointment, let alone walk in. Please don’t treat me like just another number, or worse, like I am a criminal just because I am asking for your help.
If you see me in line at the food bank, don’t assume that I’m lazy. I am currently working three jobs, while still trying to hold together a marriage and co-parent two children, both of whom have emotional problems.
If you run into me at the movies or a restaurant, don’t assume I am wasting money and no wonder I’m poor. I have become the queen of coupons, special deals and promoting. I could be mystery shopping or doing a review for a sponsor.
Believe it or not, I have a life, a very satisfying one, that has nothing to do with being poor, or nearly homeless. I have friends and family whom I love and enjoy spending time with. I have a career I am proud of and sometimes I want to pinch myself for how lucky I am. Being poor is just one small part of me. It does not make me less of a person.
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9 Responses to Poor Does Not Equal Less
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WOW! I am tearing up as I read this. It’s like we’re the same person. We are also needing help (financially) and it takes all the courage in the world every time I need to send proof of our income in to our “case worker”.
I am a very proud mom of 4, and married to the most wonderful man in the world. But we just need help, and I feel the stares of everyone too. My family doesn’t know how “poor” we are, and when they ask us to help purchase something (like a professional family portrait session!!) they look at us and wonder why the he** we can’t help pay.
It’s embarrassing. And it’s stressful when those you think are your friends treat you differently because you can’t go out or just purchase what you want.
So I feel your pain. I feel your frustration. People need to get their heads out of their butts and see us as real; as people with feelings; as EQUAL!
Samantha – thank you for your comment!! I’m sorry you are going through this too. Don’t be too proud to tell your family. The support of our family and friends (financially or spiritually) is one of the reasons we have been able to get through this. We will survive!!
My husbands family knows. Each of my 3 brothers have their own business and they are VERY well off. It would be embarrassing to tell them, especially since each of their wives are kind of “snooty.” My husbands family, on the other hand, knows and they try to help where they can. But they are from a farming community, and there’s the big difference. Yes, we will survive, but like you put it, being poor (financially) does not make us less of a person. I’d rather have my wonderful kids and hubby and be “poor” than have all the money in the world and be “rich”. My definition of being rich is having my family by my side with God watching over us. We are here for each other!!
Been there. Big hugs to you Teressa ((hugs)) We send you and your situation some positive energy/ prayers
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Thank you Mandie!! It always helps to know that someone else has made it through to the other side. Hopefully we’ll be there soon!!
Teressa, this is very touching. Especially when times are tough, we need diversion in the form of entertainment to keep up morale.
Anyone who treats you unkindly is likely feeling guilty about some aspect of their own lives.
Take care and keep writing. It’s wonderful therapy and your insights are appreciated.
Thank you Micol!! I always enjoy reading your blog!!
You are so true, it doesn’t equal less. It’s sad that sometimes society makes us feel less. I can tell you’re a strong woman. But take it from one strong woman to the next, it’s also OK to be weak too!
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I am totally agree with this thoughts, but we need to prove our self in order that we can compete with the judgement of our society.. There’s no poor and less to a person who are to work for greatness…
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