Living in my Suburban really isn't all that bad, just when it gets cold I have to idle it all night long for heat.
This has been a spiritual eye-opener for sure. My sister claims to be some kind of Christian, maybe she is, I don't know. But all of the non-Mormons I know are asking me the same thing- where is the Mormon church? Well, the Bishop helped me with a motel room for a month and a half, which I appreciate. Sadly, he has expectations that are unrealistic. I'm disabled & indigent, only rentals I can afford are subsidized, and right now I'm on a wait list. He doesn't understand that if they are full and no one is moving out or dying, there is nothing I can do. Well, I asked him for help with fuel the other night because it has dipped down below zero a few times at night, and his reply was "NO. We are trying to teach you self-reliance Brother..." Ok. That next morning a Relief Society 2nd Counselor from another stake was at Walmart when I was there, we talked and she gave me $20. That $20 covered the fuel that night. Thankfully.
What I'm getting at is since Pres. Nelson became our prophet, he has made a number of changes that a number of members, myself included, are questioning. It's hard to explain unless you're Mormon. Even then it can be tough. We're not as generous as we once were, to members, non-members, and internationally. Spending less time in church worshipping. There's other stuff, but that's the gist of it.
In the end it offends me, being in need for help or not, to have to fill out a financial statement/"Self-Reliance" form when I join a ward. Who cares where my money comes from or how much it is? If I ask for help, it's realistic to ask. But back months before the fire...? Understand what I'm talking about?
