4.19.2005

Epidemic of American Affluenza

This TIME article highlights the major epidemic facing our culture: Affluenza. I was also reading this excerpt from a book I think my dad had mentioned before, The Millionaire Next Door.
The concept of wealth and poverty is one that Josh & I have discussed- where do we want to be? how much 'stuff' do we realy need? what 'toys' don't we need? what size house do we want to end up in? where do we want to live? We come from very different economic backgrounds, and I've seen that both have lessons to teach us.
As the first article talks about, debt is dangerous. I want to avoid it as much as possible. As the second talks about, there's nothing wrong with living below your means, if possible. I just care about 1) being safe and 2) being healthy. If we can live in a decent house in a safe neighborhood and have good health insurance and enough income to be able to provide healthy food and not worry about doctor's bills for the family, I will be content.
I shouldn't put an 'if' on 'content'. Paul can be content in every situation by looking to Jesus. I can too. I'd just feel more at ease if the above were true.
There's more I could say here, but I'm not.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Joanna,

i'm a single mother who is working hard to put herself through school so that sometime, hopefully, i might achieve the situation which you seem to be describing as the bare minimum for you to be content. in fact it sounds like considerable security and luxury to me.

any thoughts?

Joanna said...

Bobbe-
I don't know what to say. I really respect the way you work hard and are passionate about what you do. I wouldn't have courage to do what you're doing.
I didn't mean to sound like I'm seeking luxury- not at all. Admittedly, I would like security.
I do know, I say this, but I really will be content anywhere, and I expect to struggle, because all young couples do. And I really am ok with that.

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