The Bible says ask and ye shall receive.
The Bible also says you have not because you ask not.

Perhaps it is something to this asking. But, as an African-American female I have realized that I am raised to be independent and self-controlled, master of all situations. As a Christian, I have learned that this individuality is not always an issue of gender or ethnicity, though I do find an exaggeration of such ideal from within oppressed people's attempt to reconcile who they are over and against what they have been villainized as.

Irregardless, individuality is a myth. We are not called to be individuals. We are not called to be self-sufficient. We are not called to be independent- we are called to be co-dependents. No, this is not advocating the mythological "welfare queen" (which, by the way, is a LIE, just as is the thought that only blacks get welfare). What I am advocating is personal accountability and culpability to the whole of creation. From the air of the breeze, to the bees in the trees, to the homeless woman or man on the street - we are accountable to each other. There should be no want in this world- not to the extreme our poverty exists- but God has given enough for all. He has also given us the means and the Spirit to steward the goods of the earth. We have not because we ask not. What is it that we do not ask- we do not ask the right question. It is not how can I get more, but rather how can I give more.

Please Lord, help me to learn to ask the right questions, to seek your face daily, to teach my son your ways, to model your ways in my life, to receive blessings and give that in return. Bless me in order that I may bless. I am asking Lord, and by your Word of faith I know that you will answer. I love you. Thank you. Amen.

Man may judge all day long; however, man cannot condemn. Do not be overly concerned with other's expectations and rash judgments. Take sincere judgments as grace. Remember, however, that irregardless of the judgment, there can be no condemnation from man despite how our circumstances may appear. To God is all glory and power. There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus! The only one with the authority to condemn frees us from condemnation, offering hope, life, love - His joy and peace.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr