We need to work together in these troubling times

By Judy Miller Gerard

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 | 4:23 p.m.

We are living in troubled, uncertain times. A number of people have lost their jobs, others have lost their homes; some have lost both. The lifetime savings of others acquired over a period of many years is gone, and they approach retirement with the fearsome question of how they are going to get along. There is fear, anger and confusion.

Our government is looking for ways to provide financial help and housing to those in need, and beginning the huge task of replacing the many jobs that have simply disappeared through the loss of business.

The political world seems to become more divided and vocally vociferous than ever. We have a president who is very popular and a Congress moving into a place of one-party majority which can bring into being the programs the president needs to implement his plan. A huge amount of money will be needed and is being authorized. When you put it all together, it is more than a little scary.

And yet there is hope. We are a "can-do" people and many of us are already looking for ways of helping ourselves and each other. Although politically we are divided, when the chips are down we come together to do what is necessary to help.

A house divided against itself falls, taking everyone with it, so we can begin by first identifying and focusing on what unites rather than what divides, and build on those strengths. Then we can deal with those areas in which we are not in agreement, and earnestly look for solutions on which we can work together.

We can help by giving up the need to place the blame for what has happened. Blaming is a total waste of time and energy.

We can help by being mindful of the power of the spoken word and always speak only the truth as best we can discern it, It is especially important to be disciplined in what we say about other people, never mindlessly repeating anything we do not personally know to be true.

We can help by being part of a local group that works to promote programs that have a positive focus, are concerned with looking for answers and are willing to work to implement those answers.

We can help by living our lives responsibly, spending wisely, taking care of our family, our home, our work, and being willing to make necessary changes in our lifestyle as we go along, so we are in a stable position.

We can reach out to others in need. Ask yourself "What can I share that would be helpful?" It might be money, it might be shelter. It might be a ride somewhere or a ticket to visit ailing friends or family. It might be making it possible to get needed medication. It might be prayer or another form of support.

This is a time when we can and must support and encourage each other, helping in whatever way is most needful, and finding our way together.

Judy Miller Gerard is a Henderson resident and can be reached c/o the Home News, 2360 Corporate Circle, Third Floor, Henderson, NV 89074; by fax at 434-3527 or e-mail at [email protected].