Positive thinking may lead to a revitalized economy

This is the beginning of a new year. It is time to release the past and look toward the future. It is important not to allow past failures and disappointments to hinder future success. Rather than reflect on what has gone wrong with our economy in the past, we need to reflect on what can go right with our economy in the future.

The Apostle Paul says in the fourth chapter of Philippians, “think on those things that are true, honest and just.”

Positive thinking is a powerful resource. Paul suffered a lot of hardships and disappointments but was victorious because he was a positive thinker and believed in God.

America needs to follow the lead of the Apostle Paul if the economy is to recover. When enough hard-working American citizens regain trust in the economic system, things will get better. Positive thinking can work wonders in a world that is looking for hope. It is going to take a lot of positive thinking to turn our economy around.

One bad economic year does not mean the next year will follow suit and be the same. It is hoped the new administration will provide the leadership and know-how to turn the economy around. We have learned from the world of sports that leadership makes a difference.

The Miami Dolphins under new leadership went from a one-win team to a division champion within a year. The Boston Celtics added two new players and went from a 20-win season to a national basketball championship the following year.

Leadership makes a difference. Perhaps the new administration will lead the way in regaining the confidence of the American people. America is looking for strong, honest leadership in these difficult economic times.

Our economy is in trouble because numerous hard-working people put their trust and faith in men who they thought were honest and trustworthy, only to find out they were dishonest and untrustworthy. Trust will be earned one step at a time if America is to reinvest in Wall Street. Some analysts believe there is more than a trillion dollars waiting on the sidelines to be reinvested in the stock market. Investors are simply waiting for trust to be restored to our financial institutions.

It would be great if all major corporations voluntarily restructured their salary and bonus systems to reduce unreasonable compensations. If corporate America takes the lead in reforming itself, it would lead to a revitalized economy. Corporate America needs to regain the confidence and trust of America.

Workers who live on Main Street and make an average of $30,000 and below do not understand why some executives on Wall Street make more than $50 million in salaries and bonuses.

The disconnect between Main Street and Wall Street has to be addressed if the economy is to recover. Labor and management have to compromise during these economic hard times. America underwent a major political and moralistic change during 9/11, and it has undergone a major economic shift since November 2008.

It is going to take bold, innovative leadership coupled with faith in an all-wise God to return America to a feeling of confidence and well-being. The crises we face require people of faith to join together in united prayer for the spiritual, economic and moralistic survival of our nation.

America must return to its roots that are embedded in the theme, “In God We Trust.”