Your Money or Your Life?

My friend recently found out that her 39-yr-old friend from high school took the lives of his wife and 2 year old son prior to taking his own life. Why - you ask? Since the economic crisis began, this man was laid off of work and was not able to find another job. His family thinks that, although he loved his wife and child, he couldn't bear to see them struggle. Even worse, he couldn't bear to see them struggle without him! So, assuming this was his thought (because he didn't leave a note), he made the decision to take himself and his family out of their misery. Are we so selfish and so consumed with money that we'd rather die than to focus on making things better?

I understand that money is a source that is needed in our lives today; however, to look at money as your own sense of survival is disheartening. It's seems like it's all or nothing. Well, it's not. Realize that this crisis will pass! The economy will bounce back, stocks will grow, and the people, will once again, survive another day. Yes, we have a great new President-Elect taking office in January, but understand that Barack Obama is not going to create a miracle come January 2009. It's a timely process. Listen, I'm not going to sit here and tell you that everything is great because it's not. I will tell you this is the time to stop looking at what's in front of us and start looking at what's within us. We are a strong country! What makes this country strong, beautiful, and resourceful are the people. There is a way to survive this crisis without taking a life. Let's continue to strive for the better and achieve outstanding goals, especially in this time of financial distress.

There's a common phrase that says, "Money makes the world go round." If you take money out of the equation - you know, green paper with numbers, guess what, the earth still moves round. Interesting, isn't it?

Comments

[Crystal Smith - Huffpost Blogger]

I agree that my friend's family will never be able to see the historical changes that we are making in this country. My hope is that others won't become that impatient? What I love about this country is that we can make changes for the better. We have the courage and the strength to overcome any obstacle. You're right when you say that things will get worse before they get better. But, the chosen words in that statement that are encouraging are, "they WILL get better". Thank you for that statement. Thank you for your comment...

[WASanford]

There was a time when this was a joke. The comedian, Jack Benny, who, strangely enough always claimed to be 39 years old, would encounter a robber who demanded "Your money or your life." After a moment of silence, the robber would ask "well." Benny would respond "I'm thinking, I'm thinking!" It's not that funny anymore. Things will get much worse for us before they get better, but get better, they will.

This economic slump gives us the opportunity to remake our economy and ourselves, changing both for the better. You are right to point out that we must look inside ourselves for the fortitude and courage to accomplish it. This just may turn out to be one of the most exhilarating times in history for us and our country. It’s a shame your friend and his family won’t be here to see it.