Poverty Simulation

It was called a simulation, and we all knew it was pretend, but emotions and reactions were real world. Our community hosted a poverty simulation and at the end all I could think was the old saying, "there but by the grace of God, go I."

In the simulation, I was the father with 2 young children. I learned that despite being fortunate to have a full time job in this simulation, I couldn't feed my family for half the month, I lost my children to the state for a week, and couldn't pay all my bills. I was frustrated that they didn't give us better instructions in the beginning, but someone pointed out that when we fall into the 'system,' there is no instruction book.

Others in the simulation were less fortunate. Some had no jobs, others had sick children, no food stamps, etc. I thought how fortunate I was to not be one of those families. Some resorted to crime, drugs, and lying, just to survive.

It all made me think about what we must do to survive, and how pious I get thinking how honest I am when someone gives me the wrong change in the store. I've never had to choose a lie vs. physical survival, or worse, survival for my children. I need to re-evaluate my absolute values when it comes to a system that traps people from the outset.

I thought about people who think they are helping those "less fortunate" when in reality they don't have a clue. I want all the people in my church who are involved with compassion ministries to go through this type of simulation. It wouldn't take long to figure out which ones are truly called. The simulation makes you realize it's more than just writing a check, though I believe there are those on earth that are given that desire and ability.

The event ended by handing out a sheet showing the actual poverty level in our community. I looked at my category (household of one) and looked at the needed income in relation to expenses. The expenses included housing subsidies, energy assistance, food stamps and the like. The minimum income was what I made last year. I managed to live on that amount of money without any public or private assistance. Again I thought, "there but by the grace of God...."

I don't share this to brag or draw sympathy, but to point out that it truly is only the grace of God that some people live by. What a privilege for me to have experienced that. The simulation was an affirmation of what I've felt drawn to do and the people I'm called to help.