Dancing in the Dark

okay...so I'm starting to get a little tired of all the bad news. It took the mainstream media forever to recognize the severity of our economic downturn, and how it is affecting everyday people, but now it seems they won't stop until they depress the hell out of Americans. The headlines on our economic malaise are staggering and can make one wonder why we bother to get out of the bed in the morning. Don't get me wrong...the reality IS bad...but sometimes we've got to DANCE IN THE DARK!

Dancing in the dark means we keep going...we keep laughing, we keep sharing, we keep moving...with ATTITUDE-- even though we can't see what's ahead. It means keeping that stupid smile on your face in spite of obstacles and challenges -- that's what I do -- ask my friends.

When is the last time you've danced? Get moving! Find some dance mates...inspirational people who won't bog you down with their drama or negativity. Get moving! Put on an old tune or find a dance song on the radio or video channel. Get moving! Dance like nobody's watching...dance in the dark!

Coming Soon to a Neighborhood Near You -- A Tent City

I pray this frightening prospect -- tent cities all over America -- doesn't come to pass. A recent story in the British national daily newspaper The Daily Mail reported on: The credit crunch tent city which has returned to haunt America.

Has it come to this in America? We know there are people living in cars and shelters. And...a rung up...there are many, many more living with family or friends. To these people, affordable housing means more than affording the mortgage on a 3000 square foot house. They are in survival mode...hustling for food, shelter, and transportation.

Now granted, we have always had a 'tent' city population of substance abusers, the mentally ill, and chronically unemployed.... but today we are seeing more working-class, AND middle-class families join their ranks. No doubt some of the people in these situations are too proud to request help from loved ones.

I sincerely believe the country will move past these hard times...we always do. However, there will be some painful lessons along the way. There will also be numerous opportunities to GIVE to those in need -- whether they ask us or not.

Homeless Students

A current MSNBC.com story 'Tidal wave' of homeless students hits schools discusses a plight I was first made aware of by a Jr. High administrator a couple of years ago. This person told me that there were a number of homeless kids at the school and that the numbers were growing.

At the local elementary school, which is in a neighborhood that for many years was considered upper middle-class, a teacher recently told me she has never seen such 'upheaval' among the students in the neighborhood....families who have been at the school for years moving out, others moving in, enrolling their children, and then taking them out a few months later when they leave the friend or relative they were staying with.

This is where we are in many communities across the country because of the dismal economy. There are no easy solutions. The problem is compounded by the fact that many who are struggling are quiet about it. I'm not sure government alone can solve this problem. Our local communities and residents will have to get involved. The problem is...in many cases....these are the very people who are struggling...

Hallelujah Anyway

Lesson One: “Hallelujah Anyway”

"....for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. "

Philippians 4:11-13

Paul tells us we can find joy regardless of the circumstances. We learn thankfulness by holding on to Christ.

Whatever challenges or concerns we may have, if we examine our circumstance we will find related blessings. Use the Hallelujah Anyway chart below to document your blessings.

For example....perhaps you are having problems on the job. Of course, given today's economic turmoil, a related blessing is that you HAVE a job.

Hallelujah Anyway Chart (pdf)

Yes Virginia...People Really Are Homeless

People are discussing the older woman at the President's Florida town hall who spoke of living in her vehicle. CNN reports the Ft. Myers woman, Henrietta Hughes, has received offers of support after publicly disclosing her plight. A website, HenriettaHughes.com -- has been established to coordinate efforts to help her and her son, who reportedly lost his job and their home.

Some Republican pundits and bloggers are accusing her of being a plant, which is funny considering their own use of 'Joe the Plumber.' The really scary thing is there are still people in this country who don't understand the growing problem of homelessness in America. They don't understand that many middle-class Americans are one payday away from living in their car.

They just don't get it.

Witnessing the Unbelievable

The monuments along the National Mall seemed to be bigger and brighter during Inauguration Week. As a matter of fact, everything in D.C. shone brighter. I’ve spent a lot of time in the city over the years – I lived there for a decade and visit often. I’ve also spent untold hours in the mall area at the monuments and the museums. However, I must say…this last week was different…dare I say special!

There was a buzz everywhere—people of all ages and races were excited about our new President—Barack Obama. I first noticed the buzz at Ontario Airport. It followed me to Denver and Newark Airports. It was also with me on a train from Newark to D.C. There was joy on the faces of the many travelers going to D.C. for the Inauguration. Complete strangers spoke of their excitement at witnessing history. And…when my daughter and I arrived at Union Station in D.C., the halls were ablaze with decorations and travelers from all over the country. Walking out of the door and seeing the lit Capitol Dome was a sight I will never forget.

The buzz continued the next few days through parties, presentations, concerts, dances, and the main event itself. Everywhere there was pride, joy, and hope. And, in one of the most surprising statistics I have ever heard….with over two million on the mall on Inauguration Day….there were ZERO arrests!

One of the most precious parts of my journey was traveling with my ten-year-old daughter and being with her as we witnessed history. In addition to the ceremonies, I will never forget our visit to the Smithsonian’s American History Museum. There were three exhibits where my emotions got the best of me and I ‘lost it.’

The first was the slavery exhibit…seeing pictures of black men with lashes brought it home for me. The second was the Nelson Mandela exhibit, and I was glad that he lived to see this after all he endured. Finally, we visited the ‘First Lady Ball Gowns’ section and at the end there are photographs of every first lady. I wasn’t expecting it because this was before the swearing-in day, but the last picture was of Michelle Obama! My tears flowed.

I still can’t believe it! Every time I hear a newscaster stay ‘President Obama' I stop dead in my tracks and thank the Lord. I remember getting caught in the crowds when leaving the swearing-in. We were lodged near a fence and some of the people suggested tearing the fence down…”No!” shouted many of the young people in the crowd. “That’s not Barack’s way!” It’s a new day America.

What a time…what a time…

Andria Hall -- Rest in Peace

It was with great personal sadness that I learned of the passing of Andria Hall. Although Andria and I pursued different paths the past few years, my memories of her are dear and lasting.

We shared many good times and laughed often...and this is what I will remember. And then there is This Far by Faith...the book that was the culmination of our friendship! I could not have written that book with anyone else but her, and I am glad God brought us together for that project and the Circle of Seven Prayer organization which continues.

The one thing I am sure of is...Andria's faith was strong....always has been. I also know she was welcomed with open arms into His kingdom. She was talented, passionate, and creative. She will be remembered....

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Sizemore and Hall families.