I don't remember all the specifics, but my mom befriended a younger lady at church who was married and had at least four kids. I think it was tough making ends meet, and several people at church felt like maybe the husband wasn't such a nice person. I think people thought maybe they were a little "backwards" by the way they lived. Someone was going out to their house that aftn, and my mom sent two suits (skirt, blouse and jacket) for this lady.
Knowing my mom, she probably paid in the neighborhood of 80.00 apiece for these suits. She worked at the city hall for 30 years before retiring. I don't think she ever wore any of her work clothes out. She might wear something 10 years, and give clothes away or take them to the second hand shop. Anyway, the friend who gave these suits to the other lady told my mom the next week not to give them any more clothes. After she left, the woman's husband burned the clothing because they didn't take handouts.
In my opinion that isn't being proud, that's being mean. All he had to do is say "no thanks". But he certainly had no problem with the church helping them with groceries. I just don't understand people like that. If I had any say so, if it weren't for the wife and kids, I would have been reluctant to help with groceries. Help is help, I can't see one being okay, and the other being "a handout".
Maybe more people feel like that than I would think, but it sounds awfully petty to me. If somebody gives me something, I'm always appreciative, and if I find out it doesn't fit, I"'ll find someone who can use it.
Amauet1, it sounds like you had to struggle growing up, and you're in a better place emotionally, and are enjoying a better life we all deserve.
