I belong to a book club (we post on blog "Been There Read That") and I had to pick the book for this month. I chose "Without a Net" by Michelle Kennedy. It's a true story about the author's encounter with homelessness. Through a serious of unfortunate events (no pun intended) she finds herself living with her three small children in a small Subaru wagon.
The entire story was sad and I felt sorry for both her and her children. Much of what caused the situation I felt was truly preventable but after reading Suzy Q's review I realize that I have lived a life relatively free of serious problems and now I sit here sad because I think I may not be as Christlike as I thought. Somehow I've forgotten to "think the best and overlook the worst" in people. From the beginning of the book I didn't like the author because she used language I can't stand.....very judgemental on my part, I know not everyone has been taught the things I have, nor have they had opportunities to be taught those things.
I have been very blessed in my life, this is not because I have deserved to be, it is because I live with people who deserve it.....lucky me I get the fallout! I have many many faults and each night when I kneel to say my prayers I feel deeply my own inadequacies. I am just ashamed that I could have been so judgemental about this poor woman when I have certainly had many mercies extended to me.
I think I had better take some "humble pills" before I find myself in the midst of a hard lesson that I don't want to learn. I hereby apologize to the world for being so darned full of myself! : )
If you care to visit our book club site and read the reviews of the book feel free www.beentherereadthat.blogspot.com
Another good book along those lines is "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich
3 comments:
I think that is a book I will have to pick up and read.
Please don't feel ashamed. Her language bothered me as well. I hate the "F" word. Your initial reaction was totally valid...we all look at things differently because of the experiences we've had in life. I for one am glad that you picked the book.
"Think the best and overlook the worst". What a great philosophy. Thank you for sharing it. I think occasionally we all need to be reminded of that. ("Language" bothers me, too. Maybe that shows that we haven't been entirely desensitized yet.)
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