Not 5 minutes later, I was watching the leading news story on The Today Show as I sipped my strong-brewed Sumatra with half & half and a dash of Toffee Nut syrup. Bernie Madoff was showing up in court today to face the music. They interviewed a heartbroken couple whose money had been swindled. It was reported that they had lost a couple hundred thousand dollars thanks to old Bernie. "We lost EVERYTHING!" the poor woman sobbed, as the camera zoomed in on her crestfallen face.
Her Botoxed, professionally-cared-for-hair, pearl-earrings-clad face. Perched atop her body adorned in a cashmere turtleneck. With an antique armoire behind her, as well as a suede sectional couch, a stained glass lamp, and other comfortable items in her luxury home. She lost everything.
Now, I'm not necessarily trying to make light of everyone's hardship in the midst of this economy. But hasn't something shifted in the American standard of living if "losing everything" means that's what you're left with?
A few stories later, it was reported that the city of Sacramento is "shutting down" a tent city filled with city residents who have found themselves homeless over the past year. (It is threat to public health and safety, apparently.)
Losing everything.
Having nothing.
Being poor.
It's all about perspective.
5 comments:
VERY good point. I have been saying for a while now (whilst feeling a bit cramped in our house with no. 3 on the way...) that people live in half the space of our home in manhattan and other parts of the world with more kids! its crazy. and then I decided to organize EVERYTHING in my house to make it work, because we WILL be here for a while and there is nothing wrong with that! I am kind of thankful for the economy right now (because I have no option BUT to be) because in a bitter sweet way, I think its really causing people much like myself to refocus on what really is important.
and talk about craigs list sucking...try MONTGOMERY. UGH.
just had to throw in my amen.
OH, Jesse, SO TRUE!!! I have been taught my whole life that when I leave, I won't be taking anything with me....and somehow I have a great feeling I will be unbelievably happy through the pearly gates.
Thanks for the post.
I have had the exact same thought about my apartment vs. an apartment in NYC...too funny, but so true! I agree with Ashley--I think God can use the current condition of our economy to help us reevaluate what are NEEDS are...versus our WANTS. Live simply is my new motto!
hey... come look in those trash bags if you'd like!
Well said and so true!
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