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It's one thing to read about it in the newspaper, but it's a harsh realty when the state of the economy hits home. Your thoughts are kind and compassionate towards the kids down the street when they tell you their dad lost his job. But when it happens to you, your thoughts scramble and you're left trying to catch your heart before the neighbours hear it smash to the ground.

All of a sudden, it's not news any more. It's real. It's not about the people around you or the communities affected by dramatic changes in lifestyle. Now it's about you and your ability to care for your family.

Panic thoughts strike at you like darts and nothing seems amusing or interesting. Your thoughts are focussed. How do you pay your mortgage? Will you lose your home? And the kids, how will you feed them?

You become solemnly aware of how valuable life really is, of how precious every member of your family is to you, and how much you need to fight for your home. It's not a house any more; it's your home and you know that you can't let it wash away.

But you look at all the "for sale" signs that are springing up around you and your heart pounds in your chest. Suddenly it feels like there is a perilous river flowing towards you, ready to strike and wash away all that you've worked for and everything that you hold dear. You know what happens next, so you hang your head in sorrow and wait for it to grab you because your 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 can be overcome if you will allow yourself to step back and meet it as a challenge and not as a defeat. How do you do that when you're out of work and have no money to pay for anything?

The first thing you have to do is understand and accept that your home is the love and security that you share with your family. The building you live in may be awesome, but the body of people that live there is where the spirit of home lies. No lack of money or belongings can take that away.

There are some things you can do to try and save your home, like both you and your spouse working at part time jobs, going online and finding all the places that offer free coupons for groceries and personal needs, cutting back on living expenses to the bare bone or searching until you find every available agency that can help you get through this challenge. But the true victory comes when you focus on positive answers and don't dwell on the situation.

If fate has it that you will lose your home, then encourage your family to see that it's time to move on, not time to move down. Sometimes change can be a good thing even though going through it is horrific. It hits home when you have to walk away and lose everything you worked for. But just remember why you worked for it. Convenience, lifestyle and prosperity are encouraging goals.

But nothing in this world lasts forever, and that includes material possessions. It hurts to lose them and it's defaming to have to move down and start over. But one thing about life is sure.

The love that binds your family together is the most precious thing that will carry you throughout your life. Love doesn't bear grudges or entertain anger or hurt. Love keeps a joy inside you so that you can rise up above the trials of this world. And in time, with patience and love to direct you, you will regain your material loss. But you will never lose being loved.

Learn more about this author, Ronnie Dauber.
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