Late to the Party

Hello internet! Ironhammerstew here. Sorry I haven't posted yet. Things have been really busy, with last fall semester of college. But, now I am here and ready to meet you all. Hopefully, my two-cents wont be too dull ;).

Happy Columbus Day......

To be honest, I'm not sure what to make of this holiday. Of course, as a Catholic of Italian descent, people tell me that it's a holiday worth celebrating. It is true, the age of exploration brought the beginnings of globalization, exposed us to different kinds of people and brought about our country. I am often told what a devout Catholic Columbus was and how he was almost made a saint. Why shouldn't we celebrate?

Yet, the facts remain that Columbus governed these new places with brutality, that even those who loved him were willing to speak to his use of torture. He set the precedent for his successors, who annihilated populations via slavery and smallpox. While he certainly was not the first to use such brutality (by this point, the Portuguese were already participating in the slave trade), it was through his example that our native populations have nearly died out. Is this someone I want to honor as a hero, in either my religion or my culture?

Let's thank God that the age of exploration did come. Let's thank God for different points of view, different opportunities, and a shaping of our values. However, let's also remember the lives that were lost in the name of greed. Let us remember the people who lost everything. And let us pray for justice in the way we approach different nations today.

Financial Sense = Stewardship

People toss the phrase, "Protestant work ethic," around quite a bit. Historically, it makes sense. In the Middle Ages, Catholics worked, but the idea of saving money wasn't around likely because it was a feudal system anyway. In addition, the Church honored so many feast days that we became pioneers of partying. However, post-Industrial Revolution, people realized that making life better for future generations was not only important, it was a possibility. In fact, most Christian denominations would agree that stewardship of resources is important. Financial responsibility not only makes one's life easier, it aids us in building the Kingdom of God.

Unfortunately, fiscal responsibility is not a strong suit for most Americans. Our society glorifies materialism and I could name several who live in luxury apartments and drive cars that demand two jobs to support their habits. We work hard, so we feel we "deserve" that new product, the nights at the bar, the latte every morning, the hair treatments that cost half a month's rent. I'll admit, as an urbanite, I know that problem all too well. How many times have I come out of a late night, wanting nothing more than a couple $10 drinks and overpriced food? Or those $5 pumpkin spice lattes? At the same time, we're afraid of looking at our bills, of checking our bank statements, as they might show us something we're not ready to see. We're burning ourselves into the ground.

Something tells me that this is not what God had in mind. Yes, we are to work to earn our living and save some extra for the future. Yes, we should support our church communities (hey, I don't agree with political advocacy against gay marriage, but I want my church to turn its lights on). Yes, we should give money to organizations that help lift people out of poverty and fight for all of our rights. Yes, we should be able to treat ourselves occasionally, with good coffee, good wine, and times with our friends. However, working seven days a week to afford an apartment in Dupont Circle? What kind of Kool-Aid are you drinkin'?

As a young couple, we don't have much in between us right now. Right now, our goal is to contribute a little bit each month to our future savings and to be as generous as we can without dipping into necessary funds. Maybe that means giving time to our church instead of giving cash, right now. Maybe that means we eat at Subway instead of at the nice restaurant. Maybe it means we rarely go out but chill at each other's houses. Maybe it means we take a Saturday and hang out at the free museums while bringing lunches. It's hard but it doesn't have to be impossible or boring. Besides, if we can make do with a little bit of cash, it'll be easier for us to manage our money in the future. All we know is that, right now, spending all we have harms ourselves more than it helps the world. Contrary to popular belief, harming oneself does not glorify God.