The situation that my adult son and I find ourselves in is desperate at times. He has no medical insurance, thanks to the short sighted refusal of a Republican Governor to expand Medicaid in our state. If he were well, he could work, and afford insurance. If he had insurance, and could have his stump modified and his worn out prostetic replaced, and then he could go back to work. It is a viscious cycle, one that I have been unable to interupt, yet. My income, a small Social Security Disability check each month, barely covers our medical expenses, rent at a run down motel, and a bit of food each day. We do not qualify for food stamps because we don't have a TN address that we can use. Mail is not delivered to us at the actual address where we live. I often go months without my medications, so that we can afford food. My son's illness is life threatening. He can never miss a Doctor's appointment, or be without his medications.
Since this problem is beyond what I can deal with on my own, I decided to ask for a prayer circle to pray for me and my son. See below the fold for the surprise I got after filling out the request form.
The webform asked a series of questions about how important my request was. It sounds like a salesman asking "yes" questions as he closes a sale. It sets the supplicant up for what comes next, a request for money. In fact, it is worded so as to make the supplicant feel guilty and selfish if they are unable to make a donation. I attempted to submit my request without making a donation, and this dialogue box popped up, stating that only requests from those willing to make a donation could be submitted.
I felt like someone had slapped my face, hard.
My son and I have had some bad experiences with people claiming to be Christians. Mostly they critique my budget, and advise me to "change my life," so "good things can come my way." One gentleman was praying with us daily for a bit, then he borrowed our vehicle and never returned it. We tried to get the police to help us, but they dismissed our theft as a "civil matter." I guess only rich folks get police help when a vehicle is stolen.
Since when does any religion charge money for prayer? I am horrified. I am not surprised. I have seen so many predatory behaviors by professed Christians, that nothing surprises me any more.