I recently read a disturbing report revealing that unemployment in the USA currently tops 13.9 million people. Perhaps that's a bad choice of wording "tops". (if you're unfamiliar with the colloquial term it can also mean to commit suicide i.e. top yourself) Because in another article on CNBC, reearch shows similar levels of alcohol consumption, poor mental health, unemployment and violent crimes in the worst of the 50 cities. Suicide is also a telling factor. See http://www.cnbc.com/id/46043926?slide=1 if you want to read the full article. (I was also disturbed because I've personally visited several of these cities.)
What prompted more thought was that 13.9 million is a relatively 'small' percentage of the population of the US, but is HALF the Australian population. Imagine if every second person walking our streets was unemployed. Not only would there be huge financial consequences for families, there would be even great 'hidden' consequences like lack of self-esteem, depression, increased rates of domestic violence and quite likely suicides too. We truly are the lucky country. So, what have I resolved to do? Well, firstly pray for wisdom about what I can do that will make a different, plus make a mental note about not navel gazing or being caught up in the stresses of my day that I miss opportunities to smile at a stranger, have a quick dialogue with an elderly person who is travelling in my train carriage and forget to be grateful for my blessings. Of which there are many...
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