Holiday message for 2010: in times of trouble, look for words of wisdom.

If the title sounds like a song, you’re right. Never before have the words hit so hard, as people suffering look for any sort of relief. Since 2000, our country and its people have gone from exuberance, celebrating the new millennium, to the inevitable slowdown that follows such an event. But no one could foresee what would happen in late 2001 and the lasting effects years later .

Since that time, the country has never fully recovered. In fact, many designate their lives “before and post 9/11”. Some feel life has changed forever and have resolved to the idea. But the current economic events of the past year are threatening the very essence of America and our capitalistic basis, showing a deterioration of net worth that is hitting every income level. Some say they feel the pressures leading to the acceptance of a new structure of government, leading down paths that are inconsistent with what our founding fathers had in mind when they structured this great nation.

Our thoughts turn to the common man and the rapidly growing population that is falling behind, as technology and a new set of standards separate those that are in the know and those that just know they want a simpler life. Even our interaction with companies shows the growing disparity and makes it clear, most will not survive.

Today we focus on the word hope; a word that has no negative meaning, even when times seem bleak and answers illusive. With hope comes the challenge of hard work; to persevere until the outcomes we want in our lives are finally achieved. But in order to achieve our final goals, we must first know what they are.

For us, the messages of life are delivered through music.  Songs like the theme from Mahogany, where Diana Ross asked, “Do you know where you’re going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you?” make you stop to think, do we? And if not, what are we doing to change them?

In life, it’s always good to question but, at some point, we must find the answers. In our favorite song, Let It Be, we listen to Paul clearly say he finds solace in Mother Mary standing right in front of him. For you non-believers keep reading—it was his mother; her name was Mary. For Paul, his mother stood right in front of him, speaking words of wisdom and delivered the message we still seek today, forty years later.

The song structures around the dreamlike state where much of the world’s plight are generalized. Mc Cartney then interjects the feeling of hope when he says, “Although they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see—there will be an answer.” The hope continues when he wakes up to the sound of music and no, not Julie Andrews, but (his) Mother Mary comes to him.

In these troubled times, we continue to do what’s necessary in our lives to rebuild financial states and shattered dreams. But there can be no dreams of renewal without the hope that guides us. Please join us in making 2010 a time of hope, new adventure and a change: to “live” life and not remain stuck in one.

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