The New Depression – Does it get better?

Hungry in America

I spoke last time about unemployment and the foreclosure crisis hitting America. These are terrible life altering events that are shaping our nation today. We have hunger in our nation, families that sleep on back porches, and their only means of survival at this point are the wonderful people that have stepped up to the plate to help. This is what makes America the great country she once was, an exceptional example of freedom and humanity in the world.

Not many of us remember the “The Great Depression”. This time helped to bring about the greatest generation America has had in recent history. The time also covered the Dust Bowl, when many farmers were driven from their homes by drought and farming techniques that left the ground vulnerable.

It was a time of great bonding as American’s. Neighbor helping neighbor. It was a time of great suffering and great glory. Men traveled long distances from their family looking for work. They rode rail cars traveling from town to town searching for anything that paid. Many family’s spent months and even years apart in a desperate attempt to survive.

It was not public works, or great projects such as dam building that brought about an end to the Great Depression. It was one of the most awful events in human history, World War 2. A time of yet more suffering, and even greater loss. But with it’s victory came our own as a nation over evil and desperation.

Hardship has a way of tempering people, driving them to do greater things than they believed they could. Men with the help of God did many amazing things then. And families, men, women and children all banded together to succeed and to save their way of life. Women took on new roles in America while men were off to war. Kids would recycle anything, and they learned responsibility and had respect for what was earned, not such a bad thing to learn. Those kids dreamed big, brought us to outer-space, and cyber-space. So hardship can be a good thing for a people, and a nation. As the saying goes, what don’t kill you only makes you stronger.

It also has an effect on the moral compass of a nation. When things are tough, people turn towards God. They search for reasoning to something they don’t understand. History shows this to be a normal reaction over time. Hardship also helps those that have the ability develop compassion for their fellow man. Greed takes a back seat to the compassion once they see the huge hardship some face, and it helps people realize how good they have it.

Many of us can’t imagine going hungry. But today, there are many people right here, just blocks from where you sleep in your warm bed, and full stomach. Others with less might be cooking over an open campfire, having a can of beans, or other food they may have found during the day.

Thankfully, many great and wonderful people are stepping up and helping our fellow man during this national crisis. Business and individuals have been doing many things to help provide food, shelter and needed medical care to those that have nothing. Iowan’s should be proud of the way they have given to others, and we can do more. This time will not pass quickly for us as a nation. We are in period where the need to help your fellow man may go on for years to come.

So, as the cold weather starts to set in, maybe think about a new coat for someone you don’t know. The United Way locally has a coat drive on. The local student council will be doing a food drive for the local Ecumenical Cupboard. There are drop boxes for the pantry at some local grocery stores. Cablevey in Oskaloosa is one of many to have special events to help raise money for this effort as well as the benevolence of churches, I know there are so many others. The list goes on and on and it’s wonderful. I thank everyone that works, donates or helps in any way to these special programs to help feed and shelter people locally.

We have the Samaritan Inn, a place where those without can rest. So many things in our community to be proud of the support and generosity of our neighbors. I encourage everyone to thank that person who donates of themselves or the money. Help in any way you can during these winter months, and you may find that special warmth that can only come from caring for your fellow man can, and not provided by any fire.

I am going to write on the simple pleasures soon. When life gets rough, we go back to basic’s and the simple things in life really are the best!