Turn on the news on any TV channel or radio station, morning, noon or night and chances are good that you will hear something about the economy. We have heard and seen a substantial level of downtrend in the US economy, especially in the latter months of 2007 continuing through all of 2008. The housing market has literally fallen apart, with many either losing their homes to foreclosure or experiencing huge drops in their home's market value. This alone has substantially weakened the overall wealth report of the masses in the US. The worst case scenarios involve the loss of family homes, forcing people (often entire families) to live in their vehicles, with relatives or in homeless shelters, if not altogether homeless. When you add in the other elements that have been a big part of the overall picture, including: the stock market wildly swinging in all directions with record breaking lows and then occasionally hitting a huge surge upward, national and personal debt badly deplete, and unemployment is reported the highest since the depression days of the 1920s, all fueling a huge decrease in consumer spending, the forecast looks bleak. Hardest hit is discretionary spending including the automotive industry, much of the retail market, as well as shutting down many restaurants. It's not only an eye-opening time for the American people but also many other countries that are literally suffering a defraying of the fiber of their economic structure as well.
Should we all just get depressed, give up and lay around on the couch waiting for the world to fall apart? Of course not! First, let's look at the real statistics: In December 2009 the unemployment rate is at 10.3% and some economists predict it will hit 11% in 2009. Even if it hits 11% that still means that 89% of the adult Americans able to work, in fact are working. They may not all be earning as much as they would in better economic times but they are working and at least paying for their family's basic needs. 89%! The housing market, the stock market and consumer debt are all in terribly badly shape. That said, we are still a far more affluent country than over 75% of the world. In fact if you have any kind of roof over your head (including your vehicle) and any kind of food to eat, you are very very blessed. We have grown so used to excess in this country that we have lost sight of all we do have.
It is wisdom to take note of what is happening around us and get our lives, hearts and minds in order. It is the fool who continues as if nothing is changing around him. But with that enlightened wisdom, also must come the ability to see into the upside of the downtrends. During our country's most difficult times have come the most inventions that have continued to become the mainstays of America. Ergo the saying: "Necessity is the mother of invention." Once again, our mind set will tell each of our tales. How we choose to feel and deal with what is happening can propel us into greater things or allow us to fall into a pit fueled by fear. We make the choice between the two, you and I. Can we choose if we lose our home or job? Sometimes yes, but most of the time I would say no. However we CAN all choose if we are going to respond or react to the changes we continue to see and hear about here in the USA. Reaction can be anything from an emotional outburst to a slow emotional shut down. But there is usually some kind of non contained emotional energy that takes place when things are left to simply reaction. But response, that is a whole different story. Response comes from forethought and using rational decision making skills. To respond most often means a positive result, whereas to to react is general the adverse bring on the negative.
Should we all just get depressed, give up and lay around on the couch waiting for the world to fall apart? Of course not! First, let's look at the real statistics: In December 2009 the unemployment rate is at 10.3% and some economists predict it will hit 11% in 2009. Even if it hits 11% that still means that 89% of the adult Americans able to work, in fact are working. They may not all be earning as much as they would in better economic times but they are working and at least paying for their family's basic needs. 89%! The housing market, the stock market and consumer debt are all in terribly badly shape. That said, we are still a far more affluent country than over 75% of the world. In fact if you have any kind of roof over your head (including your vehicle) and any kind of food to eat, you are very very blessed. We have grown so used to excess in this country that we have lost sight of all we do have.
It is wisdom to take note of what is happening around us and get our lives, hearts and minds in order. It is the fool who continues as if nothing is changing around him. But with that enlightened wisdom, also must come the ability to see into the upside of the downtrends. During our country's most difficult times have come the most inventions that have continued to become the mainstays of America. Ergo the saying: "Necessity is the mother of invention." Once again, our mind set will tell each of our tales. How we choose to feel and deal with what is happening can propel us into greater things or allow us to fall into a pit fueled by fear. We make the choice between the two, you and I. Can we choose if we lose our home or job? Sometimes yes, but most of the time I would say no. However we CAN all choose if we are going to respond or react to the changes we continue to see and hear about here in the USA. Reaction can be anything from an emotional outburst to a slow emotional shut down. But there is usually some kind of non contained emotional energy that takes place when things are left to simply reaction. But response, that is a whole different story. Response comes from forethought and using rational decision making skills. To respond most often means a positive result, whereas to to react is general the adverse bring on the negative.
Let's choose how we "see". Is the glass half full or half empty? Actually it is over 89% full and less than 11% empty. We are Americans. We are a nation of creative, inventive, forward moving people of all ages, sizes, races and religions. It is time to take up our swords and plunge forward into whatever may come. I would rather move forward and fight the good battle than sit in a dark hole and watch everyone walk by me. Welfare and subsidies of all times are meant to be a help to those needing help, not an enabler to do nothing. Take up the good fight for yourself and those that you love. Don't give up, don't give in. Respond, create, keep moving forward. As in most of life's challenges if handled well, you have little to lose and so very much to gain. We inspire when we continue to move forward, we shine the light without even realizing it, so that others can keep moving forward too. Let's shine ladies and gentlemen... In good times or tough... let's shine...
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~GOD (Jeremiah 29:11)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~GOD (Jeremiah 29:11)
1 comment:
I really enjoy this blog, particularly because you embrace God so whole heartedly. Reading about vandwelling has given me a peace that I haven't been feeling since the economy turned. I have always known I wouldn't be totally 'homeless' as long as I have a tent, which I do. But given the climate we face, a tent is hardly a secure place to live. Keep writing. You really are giving me a project to work on instead of a cliff to jump off of.
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