“There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
For those who see God in the form of bread, God is getting more and more expensive.
The price of bread has gone up 36% in the last year. Beef prices have increased by 30% and coffee futures are up 76%. So, that $4 cup of joe at Starbucks is probably going to hit $6 or $7 soon. Gas prices are up 70% from their low just months ago, and the price has actually gone down a few cents lately, because people can’t afford to use their cars.
One expert advises that since the price of used cars has gone up 46%, you should consider selling your vehicle and walking everywhere. (Gee, thanks for that.) I saw a man lose his mind at Lowes over a $7 credit he believed he should have, but didn’t get. I felt for the guy. Seven bucks is dinner. Seven bucks matter.
All this difficulty is thought to be fueling a resurgence of church attendance, which is maybe the one good thing. When times are tough, He who is strong within us, kicks it up a notch and we get through. Sure, there are bigger problems in the world. But, to pretend rampant inflation doesn’t matter is to dishonor our neighbors who are suffering.
I know people who have always worked and saved, but now they go without prescribed drugs, they visit food pantries, and of course they don’t drive anywhere unless absolutely necessary. Nobody I know has received a 35% raise to cover the across-the-board increases in expenses. As usual, it is the poor, the aged, and low income working families who are bearing the brunt.
God help us,
Jim
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