“Challenging economic times can yield great advancements and ultimately unleash new, innovative thinking.”  ~ Ruppert Murdoch

History is such a powerful teacher. Given our current financial crisis,
perhaps it is time to reflect on the past to learn how those before us
managed their economic storms.

This is not the first economic hardship this country has ever
experienced. In fact, our country and the world have survived many great
financial challenges and as a people, we have always used these
challenges to become stronger, more capable, creative and resourceful.

It is also during these hard times that people have rallied together to
help one another in powerful ways. One of our readers, Jennifer, caused
me to reflect on this when she asked this question last week:

“I wonder if your readers might be willing to tell stories of ways they
have experienced God’s love through the help or care of others,
particularly because of these economic times. I have heard that in the
Great Depression, if someone came to the door looking for food, he would
not be turned away. Has that kind of giving sprung up in our current
climate? Or is it every person for him or herself?”

Stories from the Depression are actually very inspiring and offer us
insight about how we can more ably respond to our challenges today. It’s
true that during the Depression things were very hard, but it also
brought forth the natural goodness in people and with that, a spirit of
kindness and charity unlike any other time.

For example, in smaller towns and communities, those in need of food or
shelter, could knock on the doors of their neighbors and ask for work
for a meal or shelter. To the extent that people could, they helped out.
In the larger cities, there were daily soup kitchens everywhere that
were staffed by volunteers. Food baskets, cash and coal was provided to
the neediest and people worked together to support their neighbors and
loved ones, however they could.

Since their was little money for housing, people often lived together in
co-housing and spent evenings together playing cards, listening to the
radio or playing music. Many people say that in spite of their financial
hardship, they have fond memories of the togetherness it brought them.
They didn’t have much, but they had each other and they were grateful
for whatever they did have…a warm meal, shelter, friendship, good
company, and a sense of community.

When you really think about it, isn’t that really all that any of us
needs.at all any of us really needs?

How can we each find a way to use this experience to create more
togetherness and community in our lives and in the lives of others?

What are you doing that’s helping you to cope during this time?

What are you doing to reach out to others in need that has been
enriching oyur life?

I’d love to hear your stories.

How can we each find a way to use this experience to create more
togetherness and community in our lives and in the lives of others?

What are you doing that’s helping you to cope during this time?

What are you doing to reach out to others that has been enriching your life?

Enjoy this encouraging video, “Another Great Generation,” by Touched by
an Angel’s Martha Williamson.

I’d love to hear your stories.

Peace and Blessings!