“The Safety Net.” We hear the term often, or at least during election season we do. Congressional Hearings too evoke the conversation. Safety Net? What is that and why do we need it?

This week Conservative Congressman Paul Ryan asked these questions. He had his answer, although, his as most are, was a bit abstract. He compared the Safety Net to sedimentary rock forgetting that these stones are the necessary foundation that supports life as we know it on the surface of this planet. Perhaps, that is the problem. As we age we overlook the past. We do not recollect the lessons we learned and how we came upon them. We readily recall our resentments, as Representative Reid Ribble of Wisconsin did during “The War on Poverty: A Progress Report.” Hearing. Given the opportunity to query a nun, the noteworthy do-gooder, Sister Simone, of “Nuns on the Bus”, the Congressman gleefully chortled that he welcomed a chance to challenge the Church, a nun or persons who had “authority” over him when he attended Catholic school.

For persons such as these two Wisconsin lawmakers, vengeance or the exertion of power acquired in adulthood may be so sweet. However, in these hearings, and for society as a whole the broader question remains, what of the poor? There is talk about charity, justice, and what we think fairness. Perchance, just as the Safety Net; these constructs are too abstract.

Thus, let us ponder the issue of poverty and programs available to assist those who struggle in a more concrete manner. Do you recollect your experience of riding a bike? You may relate to this analogy more so than the persons impoverished. You know the ones. The so called “scant few” who do not have “the “tools” to meet their needs. Are they lazy or looking for a handout? Several Conservative Congressman seem to support these conclusions. Possibly you believe the poor do not try when in school. If a unfortunate person had a great job, a phenomenal education, and a wide swath of powerful friends then, perhaps, he or she would be more independent. Networking and grit; is that all that is needed to pull yourself up by your bootstraps? What if you have no straps nay boots? That is another question.

In many cases, people who were once prominent have fallen on hard times. Surely, you think, these individuals, will come back. They have those survival skills. Is that sufficient? After all, we each could fall when the economy is difficult, when our chronological age is thought to be less than attractive. Illness, injury, a lay-off, or downsizing too takes a toll. Life changes instantly in ways we cannot predict. I offer an example. Reflect on those bike rides. Even as an adult did you take a tumble, one that placed you in the hospital, with bills to pay, and an ability to go to work? It happens.

Remember when you were but a child. Stumble fall. Get up again only to trip further. Ultimately you did learn to walk and even ride a bike, a two-wheeler no less. Those were the days, the days when the concept of sedimentary rock might have made sense.

Let us look back. At four or five, did you yearn to learn how to ride a road bicycle? Did you wish to race or run free with the speed two wheels provide? You likely had some fear, and also a tinge of fearlessness. As confident as you were, as athletic as you might have been there were likely roadblocks to your dream. Might it be that financially destitute or dependent as you were, you had the best, parents, otherwise known as a safety net. Mom and Dad believed in you. They wanted you to grow, to feel free, to fly, later from the nest, but in your youth, at least down the street. The two understood the need to provide support, training wheels, a hand to hold, lessons…lots of redundancy. Redundancy may best be explained through the parable of a “net.”

A net is made up of many twisted twines of thread. The fibers twirled together strengthen the weave of any one filament alone. Consider the sense of security a child feels when he or she has only training wheels. “Mom, what if I fall?” Dad, will you be there to hold the bike loosely until I feel stable?” Training wheels have no voice; nor are these able to comfort in the way a human can. Support? Well, a wheel is still shaky, at least until you learn to hold your balance. This is why a single strand of string or a support program, short-staffed, is inadequate.

On our own, we, just as a string, fray easily. Then there is the element of time, or better stated, practice. No one of us picked up a bike and just rode, at least not for long. Falls are frequent especially in those early stages. Wheels, Moms, Dads, brothers, sisters, an extended family and also the congregation at our place of worship, now that is support – or the redundancy of a Safety Net for those impoverished.

Bring each element together and you have a concerted effort, a church of sorts, or a chorus singing in tune. Yes, my son. Surely my daughter, trust that we are all here for you, to teach, to compassionately preach, should you need us. ‘Tis not charity, but clarity; we too have been there, dependent and in need. We know what is necessary for flight. First, we need guidance, gifts from a caregiver. Then, slowly we come to realize what we need to take flight.

All we need is a little love, some help from our friends, fellow human beings to catch us when we fall, and the assurance that we are not alone as a single thread might be. A bike is good. Training wheels are better. Desire is not enough. It is the safety net that counts. Those conjoined threads, woven into a solid cord, them lashed together, that is true strength. So please, place the redundant secure netting under a child, Mister Ryan. Representative Reid Ribble provide the support for persons in need. Remember that child was once you. Then you will have ensured the necessary safety needed to learn and grow.