Do you ever feel guilty...

[mhopset]

when you buy something new or go on vacation, and you know there are people who are struggling to feed their familys, and may never have the chance to go on vacation or have anything new.

The reason I say this is because, a couple of weeks ago on 60 minutes there was a segment done on the working poor in southeast Ohio. I live in the heart of southeast Ohio. The towns that were interviewed were Marietta, and McArthur Ohio which is about 45 minutes from where I live. It was so sad to see some of these familys who earn $7.00 per hour and trying to feed their kids. Most of the familys interviewed rely on the school lunch program to feed their kids! They also rely on food banks, and food stamps.

I just recently bought a new car, and felt really guilty sigining the papers after seeing this program. It also seems like I am going on vacation at least 2-3 times per year. I know my wife and I have worked for these items, but I still feel guilty sometimes.

I think once spring rolls around I may try and volnteer at the food bank or something. Just makes me sad to know there are kids in America going hungry at night.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

I don't feel guilty when I travel or buy new things because I work hard for the money. I DO feel guilty when I start to have a pity party because of things I can't do or when things aren't going perfectly. I realize how lucky I am and if things were perfect all of the time maybe I would be less thankful.

 

[Lucky4me]

I don't know about guilty but I do feel bad when I see others struggling. That's why I donate to the food banks and the Salvation Army and volunteer to adopt a family at Christmas.

 

[Dream]

Do I feel guilty? No. Do I feel very thankful for the many blessings in my life? Yes. Do I try, every day, to help those in need? Yes. I don't believe that God intends us to feel bad about the blessings he showers on us, but I do believe it is up to each of us to "give back" in whatever ways we can, every day. Be it monetarily, emotionally or materially. If each of us...every day...did something nice for one person....the world would be a much brighter place for all...and a much better use of our time and energies than feeling guilty. JMHO

 

[JAP]

I feel bad too when I see others struggling. My mom lives in SE Ohio. The things she sees and what I have seen are pitiful. The other side is how many of those folks that take advantage of the system and refuse to work.

My Granny and Mom still own the family farm. The always tried to give work to the poorer neighbors. It was difficult for my mom after her breast cancer so they tried to hire out to do some of the chores around the yard and house. A couple had agreements and were paid for about 2 weeks and then never showed up again. It is sad.