Do you give when times are tough?
By angela_allen
@angela_allen (406)
United States
March 13, 2009 6:34am CST
My husband and I are going through a financial rough patch. I must preface this discussion by saying we live in Egypt which has a different cost of living than the US.
My husband is in the Egyptian army and gets a whopping $20 USD a month salary...I kid you not. The army in Egypt is by force, not choice. The army takes up most of his time so a second job is not an option. Luckily his parents are able to send us about $400 a month to support us. I thank God for this. Also we live rent free in their flat.
The increase costs of living has effected us big time, 2 years ago we could live on that $400 comfortably, now we barely scrape by. I am currently out of work. After I flew home for the holidays I came back and was not able to find a job. Once I found out I was pregnant I stopped looking since I will be leaving here soon (mid May). I am always looking online for ways to earn money...but not much luck so far.
Today my husband's uncle stopped by. He asked for money and my husband gave him our last $20. We will not get money again until April. I was brought to tears by his generosity and I remembered why I married him. Btw I don't want anyone to feel bad for me times are a lot worse for many others and I am thankful for what I do have.
Do you still give to the needy even though times are hard? Do you believe that when you give it will come back to you? Please share your stories and thoughts.
4 responses
@GADHISUNU (2162)
• India
13 Mar 09
The gift made in such a time is more valuable than at any other time. There is so much of divinity attached to it. I would say you are a blessed couple.
@rymebristol (1808)
• Philippines
13 Mar 09
i had been into that situation before in my life or should i say that i am still in that situation, a situation of being broke but still i can share whatever that i have not for my family but for my relatives...i feel that in an instant i had a family of 10...they are broke, i am not, but i need to work hard for them, it's my way of returning the favor when times that i needed their help and support.
@Ted3_uk (114)
•
13 Mar 09
I know what you mean, It is red nose day today in UK, or Children in need charity day. Every one trys to collect money and to give to the less well off, but even myself in full time work and feeling bad that i cannot afford to give more..
My house rent, food, car cost have all gone sky high and we earn no more, there are people worse of than me, but i am truly watching every single penny along with so many right now.
How can we be expected to give generously right now... Personally i would have kept the $20 my self.... As is so often the case people prefer to look after number 1. But this is not selfish nor un-nice or evil, sometimes its the simple fact of servival or self preservation?
We all need to eat, wear clothes hopfully have shelter, maybe even love, but every thing else is a bonus to life, cars, music, drink, fun, holidays ect..
@whittenk (20)
• United States
13 Mar 09
I go through the same thing with my husband..I feel in love with him for his generosity, but i would be lyeing if I said there were times i was in tears and so mad because he gave away our last pennies to help someone out.
I would think how can he put our family last just to make sure someone else was taken care of, after all he married me not them right?.
Right now, we both lost our jobs due to the economy and them not being able to afford to keep us on, and finding work is not going so good. We have worked since we have been together -6 years now, and this is new to us, but he still gives money from our saveings to the church and helps others as well.
Over the years he has taught me that it is better to give than to receieve and it will come back to you...we hardly have anything left now, talking in the hundreds only to live on until we can find a job, but you better believe we will help someone if they need it. Now there is a difference, helping someone who needs it is one thing, helping someone who seems to never want to help themselves is another, than in that sintauation i would not do it. But trust me, you will get paid back 10 fold eventually, maybe not now, but when you least expect it!
