23 August 2008

What does Needy look like?

I was reading through the free list of items on craigslist today and read one very interesting comment.

A lady is giving away a free baby toy item and was saying that she wants to give it to someone needy. She said "shame" on the people that come to pick up free items while driving a nice car and "not looking needy".

hm?
What does needy look like?

If you are poor- must you have dirty hair? must you drive a filthy car? I think it is beautiful to be poor and clean. Many needy moms keep their babes freshly washed, changed and likewise care for themselves.


When I went to Africa, I saw a whole lot of poverty but I also saw a whole lot of beauty! It doesnt take much for them to sweep out their shack. It was clean! They didn't look "needy" while walking down the streets with their beautiful smiles!



your thoughts?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very good question. My grandmother became a widow at age 44. She was a seamstress who raised eleven children on her own in a day and age when there was no social security or government subsidies. She often told my mother, "Even if you are poor, soap doesn't cost that much. There's no reason to be dirty or for clothes to be unmended."
There are some very wealthy people who don't flaunt their riches; and there are also some needy but proud people who don't flaunt their poverty. Both are to be commended.

Katie Barker said...

That's ridiculous! I'm upset with her - a nice car says nothing of your need. Maybe somebody gave them the car too! Or--- what if you aren't needy and just thrifty? This is ridiculous!

Julie said...

Good thought. All I know is what your driving doesn't really classify your position. I know my mom was unemployed for 6 months, living on nothing, but she had a leased Honda that was nice. But if anyone needed money, it was her.

BTW, how'd your party go last night? I really wanted to come, but I had Sam. Hope you had a great time.

LindaSue said...

I think we have to look to someone's heart rather than their awkward words - I know I'm often guilty of engaging my keyboard or mouth a tiny bit before my brain! You are right that needy doesn't mean rundown or dirty - the underemployed person trying to make it without a safety net is still needy. DH and I live a very nice life - but don't have health insurance so we ask the doctor for samples of medications (hate to spend big money on something that doesn't work or has bad side effects). Jumping to conclusions can often be a dangerous leap! interesting post Miz Rachel!

Anonymous said...

my mom always said, you may have to be poor, but you don't have to be nasty!

Lora @ my blessed life said...

Good thoughts! It's so important not to judge by the outward appearance. I know this personally because my husband drives a very nice truck, one that's not at all in our budget--it was a gift! Truly a blessing! There's just no way to be a good judge simply by the way things may appear.

Michelle Llena said...

yeah, who's to judge whether we're needy or content? even the wealthiest people in the world lack something somehow. sometimes, those people with flashy things and nice cars are working 2+ jobs behind the scenes or are living on credit to make their lifestyle work ...

if you were to ask me, i'd say i'm OK: not poor, not rich. definitely humble. always grateful. i try best to be fair.

without love, there is nothing.

Ronnica said...

If you are advertising something as free, then you shouldn't be able to be picky on who gets it. If you care, then you should just find someone on your own (maybe that you know) that fits your criteria, don't you think?

annieology said...

If there is ever a time that you may be needy it is also, a lot of the time, the time you need a baby toy item. Two incomes turning into one and another mouth to feed, or in my case three more mouths.

We put any items we no longer use out on the curb, we don't care who takes it. Even if they turn around and sell it on Craigslist or Ebay. We don't need the money or the item, and if they can sell our changing table and buy food then good for them.