Thoughts.com Blogs - Is there an answer for our economic stress?

Now, more than ever, we are feeling a severe financial crunch. I listened to a television broadcast last week that said within 3-4 years, gas prices will be $7.00 gallon. As I type, the UK is already looking at between $7 and $8. With soaring gas and grocery prices, many people are finding it hard just to make ends meet - and some are no longer able to do even that. Who is going to help us? The government? The oil companies? Is there a political Messiah in Obama, Hillary or McCain. Probably not.

On top of that, thousands are in foreclosure, even thoroughbred racehorses are being left on the side of the road because their owners cannot afford to feed them thanks to the drought last year. And, have you heard about the rice shortage? What about the wheat shortage or the crop failures of fruit because of the lack of bees needed to pollinate the plants? I'm not kidding! Do an internet search. This comes from reliable sources! Many are predicting a famine! Unbelievable for the United States!

If, back in 2004, someone had told you that in three years gas prices would be over $3 per gallon would you have believed them? I know I wouldn't have. Now, gas is just one of MANY problems. So tell me, if things can change this much in three years, could we actually be facing famine or astronomical homelessness as is being predicted?

After much contemplation and prayer (yes, prayer!), I came to this conclusion: Man cannot solve the problems he has caused but God can!

In the New Testament, Christians held "all things in common" - in other words, there was one big pot that everyone drew out of to have their needs met. It worked great back then but it wasn't really feasible for today's world - until now. We are able to network thousands of people together via the internet!

Now, let's bring it up to a "realtime" scenario. Christian "A" is barely making it from payday to payday when, let's say, his cordless phone quits working. Hmmm, he needs a phone but he also needs the $40 it's gonna cost to replace it for gas to go to work this week. Meanwhile, Christian "B" may also have limited funds but he DOES have a cordless phone sitting in the closet that he doesn't use. This is where GodVine comes in. Christian "A" lists his need online where Christian "B" sees it and GIVES NOT SELLS his unused phone. Then, Christian "B" lists his own need online and so on and so on.

Now, I know this is a "christian" idea but it should work for everyone. So, I started GodVine. GodVine is a non-profit organization that seeks to network people together to help meet needs. There is NO selling involved, no comissions to be paid; just a simple "helping thy neighbor" whether they are in New York, California or anywhere in between.

All you have to do is visit the website http://godvine.webs.com and go to the message board. If you have a need, post it. If you can meet someone else's need, post it. See? It's that simple.

I don't propose to solve the world's problems; I am not running for a political office. I just simply think that if I can solve one problem, I have served a purpose here on earth. God bless you!