by Ronnie Dauber

Created on: March 24, 2009   Last Updated: December 14, 2009

For many us, it’s not until the state of the economy hits home that we begin to realize that our country and every country around us is facing an economic crisis. It’s one thing to read in the newspaper about how it’s affecting others, but it’s another to realize that it’s affecting our home, our life style and our health, as well.

All of a sudden, we get a realization that there is a global economic problem and that we are part of it. It’s not news any more. It’s real.  It’s not about the people around us or the communities affected by dramatic changes in lifestyle any more.  Now it’s about us and our ability to care for our family.

Panic thoughts strike out like darts and nothing seems amusing or interesting.  Our thoughts are focused.  How do we pay the mortgage?  Will we lose your home?  And the kids, how will we feed them? Clothe them? Give them Christmas?

We become solemnly aware of how valuable life really is, of how precious every member of our family is, and how much we need to fight for our home.  It’s not a house any more; it’s our home and we know that we can’t let it be taken away.

But we look at all the “for sale” signs that are springing up around us and our heart pounds in our chest.  Suddenly it feels like there is a perilous river flowing towards us, ready to strike and wash away all that we’ve worked for and everything that we hold dear.  We know what happens next, so we hang our head in sorrow and wait for it to grab us because our mind has been programmed to accept that this is the end.

But it’s not the end at all.  It’s another challenge in life that we can overcome if we will allow ourselves to step back and meet it as a challenge and not a defeat.  How do we do that when we’re out of work and have no money to pay for anything?

The first thing we have to do is understand and accept that our "home" is not just a building, but it’s the love and security that we share with our family.  It’s the people who make our lives worth living and whose spirit turns a house into a home. It’s the unconditional love that doesn’t change with the economy.   

There are some things we can do to try and save our home, like both spouses working at whatever part time jobs are available, going online and finding all the places that offer free coupons for groceries

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