Depression settles over America.
No, not simply an economic depression, but an emotional one too. America is being stripped down to reveal what is at its core....stripped by daily news of stocks diving and job losses. Bleak forecasters have colored this holiday season in shades of gray for consumers, and red for retailers. The emotional toll is being taken because there seems to be no relief in sight - no bailout is fixing the trouble, no solution seems to be arising. Regrets are abounding over impulse purchases, maxed out mortgages, credit card risk, and foolishness of every type. Panic is now setting in as friends are losing jobs on a daily basis. Crisis meetings are taking place in offices, churches, and at the family dinner table.
In the spirit of it all, I went to the library a few weeks ago and checked out a bunch of books on the Great Depression. "When the Banks Closed, We Opened Our Hearts" was one, "A Nickel's Worth of Skim Milk" another. I wanted to gain a perspective on how a generation went through a similar season. What lessons did they learn that we can glean from? What wisdom do they have now about economics, hardship and perseverance?
I learned about hobos - knocking on doors and being fed along their way....along their way where? To the train tracks where they could ride the rails to....where? Supposed land of opportunity? Or just ride the rails because it provided a dry roof over their heads?
I read about soup kitchens and the long lines of humble, hungry families.
I read about brave housewives who fed hobos (brave!) and who converted their homes to boardinghouses...or who simply sucked it up and let their in-laws come live with them. No, not just their parents in-law but also their uncles, aunts and cousins. Not simply "every bed filled" but also filled to overflowing. These same housewives grew gardens and created simple meals off the proverbial shoestring.
I read about kids who put cardboard in their shoes to cover the holes. Who didn't finish their education so they could work and contribute to the family budget.
I read about dads who jumped out windows because they felt overwhelmed by the stock market crash, and that their self-worth only amounted to their net worth.
As I reflect on these readings - before I return them to the library - I think about where America is now, and that core to which it is being stripped. I hope the core is not one of miscalculated self worth. Nor that money is the root of our joy and our security. I think, though, if we find ourselves left with a core like that, it's the perfect time for God to step in and readjust our focus. We're probably easier to work with when we aren't shackled by greed and fear!
As we approach Thanksgiving, it's my personal prayer that when I am stripped of everything else, there is a core that is built on solid faith in the Lord. Layers wrap around that core - I choose hope and humor and generosity and prudence and perseverance! I will choose to limit Depression to one of economics, not emotion.
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