I just got glasses. All these years I never knew I needed the stupid things. Never knew how expensive they are either! Anyway, I actually got my glasses for free through a Christian program for low income people. First off, I'm not a Christian. Second, although it would have been a bit of a stretch, I could have bought them. I told the lady both of these things. She said that it is for whoever needs it, and just because I could pay for them doesn't mean it would be right (based on my disability income). I feel that I've made use of a good program, to make my life easier. How many of you think that what I did was wrong? Apparently the lady who runs the program, and the optometrist don't see a problem, but I'd bet someone will.
2007-09-03 03:33:44 · 24 answers · asked by Enigma®Ragnarökin' 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
UFO: It'd take to long to go into details, but I have cardio-vascular disease, advanced degenerative disk disease, and several rather irritating orthopedic problems dealing with both shoulders, left elbow, both hands, left hip, and both knees. I think that would qualify as at least marginally disabled. Kinda sucks, because I'd rather be back working in surgery.
2007-09-03 03:43:55 · update #1
Somebody missed the point: I don't feel any guilt whatsoever. One particular holier than thou has already accused me of taking advantage of a religious program. I wanted other opinions.
2007-09-03 03:46:51 · update #2
If you are on disability income, be thankful for their gift and use your money for other things or save it for later on.
I see no problem here and bless those good people.
2007-09-03 03:40:43 · answer #1 · answered by Jeancommunicates 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
If you qualified and received, there should be no problems in your mind whether you desrved the help or not. Some people are unable to receive "free gifts", because they are taught that if they need something They have to get it themselves, or that nothing is free, or that they are undeserving of a free gift. This is pride. Taking advantage would be having the money to buy yourself and your friends all a set of eyeware, but going through the program instead. Using that program to steal a free gift from someone who really needs the help. Receiving the gift of eternal life through Jesus is kind of the same thing. Everyone is qualified but some people just have to much pride or guilt to receive it.
2007-09-03 11:04:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, thats what these programs are for to help people rather you need it or not. So what if you could afford those glasses the program is for the taking. You have probably helped out a lot of people in your life time now it's time some one helps you. Go see the world now with your new glasses and let it rest! God Bless!
2007-09-03 10:40:42 · answer #3 · answered by nthernlites40 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian Pastor, and I see nothing wrong with it. That is what it is there for.
And besides Churches or church organizations that provide public service and are tax exempt can not discriminate against Christian or non-Christian.
You met the guide lines of income for the free glasses just by being on disability. You and I both know how small that is.
2007-09-03 10:42:57 · answer #4 · answered by Stupid Me 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not wrong. That's what Christians do (most of them anyway). They try to help others as that program was established for.Doesn't mater your religion, race, gender or sexual preference. You needed help and the program helped you. A great thing for you to do now is, since you are thankful, do something nice for someone else some day. Good luck and enjoy those glasses!
2007-09-03 10:40:49 · answer #5 · answered by jovet218 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is absolutely nothing wrong with what you have done. Donations are made to all kinds of organizations for all kinds of uses. Think of yours as a recycling issue. If you were to not take part in this, those glasses could end up in a land fill and instead they are helping you see. Most who need things because of financial reasons never take advantage of these programs. I say, "At-a-boy", good job.
2007-09-03 10:40:44 · answer #6 · answered by apple juice 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
For some reason people seem to think that Christian based charity organizations are only intended to help Christians. Not so. Many of us believe in helping anyone who needs it, not matter what their faith or circumstances. The people you met are true Christians who live the life rather than just speak it. I think that if you needed the help and the help was there, there is nothing wrong with you taking it.
2007-09-03 10:39:20 · answer #7 · answered by Aimee J 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
What a difference eyesight makes, no? Congratulations.
And, no, I can't see that you've done anything wrong. Staliaoftheknife makes a good point -- being able to scrape together the cost of the glasses is different from being able to afford them, especially on a fixed income. You have nothing to feel guilty about. Take good care of your glasses and enjoy what they add to your life.
2007-09-03 10:44:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The program was there for those who need it, and you said yourself that it would be a bit of a strech. Personally I think you did good by using the program and not trying to prove that you could do it alone. Everyone needs help sometimes thats why the programs are there.
2007-09-03 10:39:40 · answer #9 · answered by T W 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, I don't. It isn't as though you lied--the people giving the glasses away knew the entire situation, and considered you a good candidate for the program. Don't feel bad about accepting help when you need it. Just be sure to help others when you're capable :-).
2007-09-03 10:38:53 · answer #10 · answered by N 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋