give until it hurts

it shouldn't bug

me,

but it does. which in turn

adds

to a long

list of things to feel guilty about,

but just the same,

it bothers me.

i don't mind giving,

tithing on occasion,

but to a point.

working hard

for my

money,

it often troubles me that every

church,

ministry, religion,

tv evangelist and free lance

religious

group

is always, and constantly asking

for money.

there's always a letter in the mail,

someone ringing

a bell on the corner,

or knocking at the door.

it's a 24/7 endeavor, twelve

months a year.

i get it. hopefully,

most of the money goes to the poor,

to the needy,

to food kitchens,

for clothing

and shelter,

hospitals, etc.

but after a while, when you

see these church people

on cruise ships, traveling to France

and Italy,

when you see the gold chandeliers

and chalices,

the priceless

artwork,

the shark skin suits,

and silk dresses,

the statues and buildings that the church

owns,

you get a little antsy about it all.