“Challenging economic times can yield great advancements and ultimately unleash new, innovative thinking.” ~ Ruppert Murdoch<\/p>\n
History is such a powerful teacher. Given our current financial crisis,
\nperhaps it is time to reflect on the past to learn how those before us
\nmanaged their economic storms.<\/p>\n
This is not the first economic hardship this country has ever
\nexperienced. In fact, our country and the world have survived many great
\nfinancial challenges and as a people, we have always used these
\nchallenges to become stronger, more capable, creative and resourceful.<\/p>\n
It is also during these hard times that people have rallied together to
\nhelp one another in powerful ways. One of our readers, Jennifer, caused
\nme to reflect on this when she asked this question last week:
\n
“I wonder if your readers might be willing to tell stories of ways they
\nhave experienced God’s love through the help or care of others,
\nparticularly because of these economic times. I have heard that in the
\nGreat Depression, if someone came to the door looking for food, he would
\nnot be turned away. Has that kind of giving sprung up in our current
\nclimate? Or is it every person for him or herself?”<\/p>\n
Stories from the Depression are actually very inspiring and offer us
\ninsight about how we can more ably respond to our challenges today. It’s
\ntrue that during the Depression things were very hard, but it also
\nbrought forth the natural goodness in people and with that, a spirit of
\nkindness and charity unlike any other time.<\/p>\n
For example, in smaller towns and communities, those in need of food or
\nshelter, could knock on the doors of their neighbors and ask for work
\nfor a meal or shelter. To the extent that people could, they helped out.
\nIn the larger cities, there were daily soup kitchens everywhere that
\nwere staffed by volunteers. Food baskets, cash and coal was provided to
\nthe neediest and people worked together to support their neighbors and
\nloved ones, however they could.<\/p>\n
Since their was little money for housing, people often lived together in
\nco-housing and spent evenings together playing cards, listening to the
\nradio or playing music. Many people say that in spite of their financial
\nhardship, they have fond memories of the togetherness it brought them.
\nThey didn’t have much, but they had each other and they were grateful
\nfor whatever they did have…a warm meal, shelter, friendship, good
\ncompany, and a sense of community.<\/p>\n
When you really think about it, isn’t that really all that any of us
\nneeds.at all any of us really needs?<\/p>\n
How can we each find a way to use this experience to create more
\ntogetherness and community in our lives and in the lives of others?<\/p>\n
What are you doing that’s helping you to cope during this time?<\/p>\n
What are you doing to reach out to others in need that has been
\nenriching oyur life?
\n
I’d love to hear your stories.<\/p>\n
How can we each find a way to use this experience to create more
\ntogetherness and community in our lives and in the lives of others?<\/p>\n
What are you doing that’s helping you to cope during this time?<\/p>\n
What are you doing to reach out to others that has been enriching your life?<\/p>\n