Lesson in Humility

During this entire pregnancy, one of Erik and I's biggest concerns was finances (how are we going to afford TWO more kids). We've heard all sorts of comments on how we shouldn't be having kids if we can't afford them and have had to remind people that we didn't plan on having TWO at the same time (BUT we are so excited that the Lord has given us this privileged/blessing). Recently, after much thought, research and prayers, we decided too go and apply for WIC, (we were approved and very grateful for this assistance and consider it a blessing). Anyhow, some people we know, found out about this assistance we are now receiving and have made very negative comments about it. They've made it very obvious that they don't agree with us asking for help, and even seem to look down on us for needing help in the first place, and it hurts. I know that there are many of our acquaintances that don't agree with me being a stay at home mom, and I've heard negative comments about it since I quit working after J was born. I've been told that I've wasted my education, and that I'd be much more help to my family (and society) if I'd go get a job. Trust me, it's hard for me to see how much Erik has to work to support our family, and see to see that all that hard work isn't quite enough to cover the needs of our growing family. I wish I could help out, but first off, NO ONE would hire me right now, and second off, we've had several LONG discussions and heartfelt prayers about this and know that I need to stay home with our kids (besides after the twins come if I were to go to work, my entire salary would most likely go towards daycare for 3 kids so what's the point?). Trust me, Erik and I both HATE the fact that we have have to ask for help, but we know it is what is best for our growing family at this time. My point in this post isn't to announce that we need help, it's to point out that you never know what someones situation is, so don't judge. Just because someone needs help doesn't make them less of a person, actually I've finding it to be the opposite. Quite often, it takes a lot of humility to be able to ask for help. Erik and I have taken pride in being independent, self-sufficient people, and have taken it very hard that we can't do this on our own. I'm still struggling with letting others help me (thus the continual refusals to let others watch J so I can rest or the frequent offers to help me clean my house). I greatly appreciate all those who have offered (non-judgingly) to help, and I'm slowly getting to the point where I may be able to accept those offers, but it's not easy. This is why is hurts that someone whom we considered close to our family would so hastily (and negatively) judge us on asking for help.