Today when I was shopping. . . .
 

Sorhors and Friends,

Today when I was coming out of the Staples/Safeway shopping complex in Falls Church, VA. there were these two young African American teens asking for financial support for their youth church group. And of course, they asked me for a donation; however, I didn't give the donation for several reasons. Number one that local church should set aside funds to support that particular ministry. I just feel that if the members paid their tithes and gave God from their first fruits those teens wouldn't have to stand out and beg for a helping hand from the local community.
My other problem with these young brothers was their appearance. I can't believe that they would represent God looking like the biggest thugs. What a horrible misrepresentation of Christianity and God. I know that a popular church saying is "Who so ever will let him come," however, I don't think that He wants us to represent Him looking like America's Most Wanted.

If this offends some folks I'm not sorry for the way that I feel about fellow believers that misrepresent God and the body of Christ.

I just had to get that off my mind!
Serioussigma22:cool:

I have a general policy of not giving money to kids asking for a handout. This includes kids who try to sell candy on public transportation. Usually they're by themselves and I don't think it's teaching them anything, other than begging. I would rather see kids doing a car wash, or something more constructive to raise money.

WE have them alot in NY. They all say they raising money for their senior trip or the basketball team. Its ridiculous to me.

When I needed money for my senior trip, I got a part time job. Not beg for money.

SoRHOr SS22,

I am with you all the way. It's bad enough seeing these teens in their standard uniform (jeans and white tees) all week long, but it ticks me off when they are soliciting for funds. Sometimes, I feel that some of these kids are trying to run a hustle because they've seen other people give to other organizations that are on the up and up. So frankly, I don't trust all of these kids.

What takes all is when these kids are dressed like they're going to the mall and soliciting for a "young businessman's organization for up and coming entrepreneurs". :rolleyes: I actually want to find their sponsors/advisors so I can give them a few choice words about not doing better by their charges.

Actually, the "young entrepreneurs" thing is one of the biggest scams going. These slimy management types run kids all over the country selling magazine subscriptions, candy, etc.

I don't know. I have seen schools pimping little kids as young as kindergarten to sell stuff for PTA. I don't see anything wrong with the car washes or part time jobs, but unless you have some legitimate printed material and identification, I am not giving to anything.

Kids need to learn to work at home, first, though. Nothing ticks me off like a kid coming over offering to mow my lawn when I know doggone well that he doesn't mow his mama's.

Sorhor TRSimons,

That's a shame!

Serioussigma22:(

My husband tells a story of the worst whipping he got as a child.

He and a friend put on their Boy Scout uniforms (from the year before--he wasn't even a Boy Scout any more!) and went door to door collecting money. After they collected so much they went to the store and bought little toys and cars. One of th neighbors mentioned the "Boy Scout" project to his mom and busted him out. She tore his behind up, of course and as a result I am not married to a excon today! LOL :D

Good for mom! My mother would have done the SAME THING to me - I would probably still shiver at the site of a scout uniform.

:p