My view
and factual distortions unbefitting a Christian publication. The radicals, who have taken charge in the ELCA, are relentlessly driving their social agenda and further alienating church membership. The wolves have now
taken control of the chicken coop. Glenn Kaijala New Bern, N.C.
On the other hand … Bravo to Marty for “Talking about homosexuality” for its biblical focus and identification of ways to fol- low Jesus’ commandment to love our neighbor.
Eldora Pederson Port Angeles, Wash.
… and a third view I am over-inputted on this worry, trou- blesome sinning that everyone seems to have about me and my partner of 37 years. I failed to understand how being a good person, spiritual, faithful, honest and loving was really affect- ing anyone else’s marriage. We self- segregated to California where people would accept/judge us for who we are as people in our deeds and actions. But somewhere in little old Davenport, Iowa, a heterosexual man has summed it all up for all of us. Believe me, I never saw that coming. Bravo on your article. Now let’s go to the basement and have some of our favorite Lutheran
lemon bars to celebrate. Jo Ann Koch San Diego
Send “Letters” to: Letters to the Editor, The Lutheran, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631-4183; fax: 773-380- 2409; email
lutheran@thelutheran.org. Please include your name, city and state. Your letter will be considered for publication unless you state otherwise. The Lutheran publishes letters representa- tive of those received on a given subject. Be brief and limit your letter to a single topic. Letters may be edited for space and clarity. Letters must be signed, but a re- quest for anonymity will be honored if the subject matter is personally sensitive.
Girod of Three Lakes, Wis., is an ELCA pas- tor on leave from call who, along with her part-time job, teaches at the lay school in her confer- ence and does supply preaching. She’s also undertaken speaking engagements on economic injustice.
By Barbara L. Girod
Changed by A
minimum wage Compassion for poor demands advocacy
lmost a year ago I found myself working part time for minimum wage. It has been an eye-opening, spirit- churning and humbling experience. The last time I
worked in a minimum wage, no benefits position was dur- ing my seminary years when I expected to be getting by on bare minimum. During the first month I went home with my feet aching from walking for hours on end. Even now, nine months later, I may still go home with my back and hands hurting from the work that I do. And, with all of that, my two-week paycheck can’t cover rent or a utility bill. A month’s wages don’t cover health insurance.
As the months have passed, we have been abundantly blessed with the generosity of others. As much as we have been helped by these offerings, it isn’t a sustainable way of life. Not for me or my family or for my co-workers and the countless others who labor in the service industry. I am a bit unsettled as I think about the future and what
life will look like when I return to full-time ministry. I don’t want to feel guilty for having a comfortable life. Nor do I want to apologize for expecting and receiving a pro- fessional compensation and benefit package. Yet something isn’t right here. How is it that my time
“My view” submis- sions should be 400 words on a societal event or issue or on issues in the life of the ELCA. All submis- sions are subject to editing. Send to: “My view, ” The Lutheran, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631; email: lutheran@
thelutheran.org; fax: 773-380-2409.
and effort are worth more as a pastor than at other labor? Does some labor deserve the wages and benefits that go beyond what is necessary while other work won’t even provide for housing, food, insurance and transportation? These are questions that cause me unrest, and I will con- tinue to struggle with them.
I am hesitant to admit that it took this unintended “sab-
batical” to have my eyes and heart open to the realities of our economy and dependence on the part-time, low pay, no benefits workforce. It took this journey for me to truly realize that my compassion for the poor is vanity unless it is partnered with advocacy for change. I am uneasy about the future. Will I go back to my com- placent life? Oh God, I hope not. If not, then how will I become part of the change necessary in the church and society? My hope is that the spirit that has sustained me during this time will guide me toward meaningful change.
November 2013 69
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