Where are my bell bottom Levi’s? It feels like 1972. Insane gas prices. Overseas war. Volatile market. Political mud wrestling. Levi’s may call them “Flood Jeans” now, but bell bottoms are back baby. I can’t explain fashion, but this edition takes a hard look at one reason people are yelling about skyrocketing prices and rates.
To balance harsh economic realities, I also want to share a refreshing take on Christian generosity. Both generosity articles are contrarian and provoked me to rethink the concept as a Jesus Follower.
Finally, if air travel’s current “inefficiencies” bum you out, you can hit the road with my favorite mix tapes. Oops, I mean playlists.
Journey On,
~Mark
Mark King
Mark@BruisedCamels.com | LinkedIn
Investing – The Economy
Doomsayers Might Be Right
Have you seen what a Pumpkin Spice Latte costs? Entire generations are seeing real inflation for the first time and appreciating our parents’ pain back in the early 70s. To fuel your bonfire of economic angst, here’s an article with historical context on how we got here and what might happen if history repeats itself. Sorry, but it’s time to get real.
The Fed’s Doomsday Prophet Has a Dire Warning About Where We’re Headed by Christopher Leonard provides an historical analysis of why Ben Bernanke’s quantitative easing policy was likely one of the greatest sugar highs in U.S. economic history. Now, like a toddler after a Big Gulp Slurpee, we’re crashing. Leonard’s stellar comparison of current events with 70’s era inflation is worth the read.
Leonard also provides insight into how easy money deepens the wealth divide in America. Many factors contribute to the gap between rich and poor. Leonard digs into why long-term loose monetary policy amplifies that divide. As a Jesus follower seeking justice, you’ll want to understand this.
Leonard’s book The Lords of Easy Money examines this topic in detail. It’s on my reading list, so no recommendation yet. If you’ve read it, email me your thoughts.
Jesus – Stewardship aka Generosity
Generosity’s Branding Problem
When I was a kid, “Stewardship Sunday” was the weekend you thought about sleeping in. You certainly didn’t invite friends that week. “Stewardship” developed a branding problem. It became synonymous with obligation. So, somebody came up with a better idea: “Generosity Sunday.” Generosity isn’t an obligation like tithing (which has an even worse brand image.) It’s an opportunity. Hurray! We all feel better now.
Except now “Generosity” has become the overworked buzzword preceding church and non-profit fundraising pitches. But the fact remains, Jesus said some crazy stuff about generosity: “Don’t stress, live like the flowers and birds. Give away your extra coat. Donate like the widow with her mite.” This video from The Bible Project is five refreshing minutes that uproots “Generosity” from marketing and replants it in the teachings of the Old Testament and Jesus’ life. If you want to go deeper, Bible Project also created a five-part podcast series on what Jesus meant by generosity.
The video and podcast were an excellent antidote for my cynicism. Invest five minutes if you struggle with the same thing.
If you want a longer, more challenging message, listen to Andy Stanley on how to Live Generous.
The Kitchen Drawer – Music
Road Trip Playlists
Weekend road trip? Driving to parent’s weekend at your kid’s college? Here are some Spotify playlists that may ease the pain of gas prices. Your kids will no doubt have alternatives, but these are my Gen X favorites. Buckle-up and safe travels!
