Dave’s Prescription of Hope

I was one of the many who participated in the national webcast of Dave Ramsey’s Town Hall For Hope on Thursday, April 23. I believe a rebroadcast of the event is becoming possible, and I encourage you to watch it by going to www.townhallforhope.com for details.

Dave opened with some personal thoughts about the recent economic crisis and gave a historical perspective of what shaped America’s economy. This was followed by a Q&A session of Dave taking questions from an array of communication sources including Twitter, Facebook, email, phone and from the audience.

I thought the questions were of the typical financial advice-seeking inquiries. Personally, I would have liked for more skeptics to have posed questions, those who aren’t sold on Dave’s approach, because I know there are a lot of hurting people who are relying on the theory that government will turn the ship and right the wrongs of these economic ills.

One question did come through that almost met this perspective. A woman whose husband lost his job expressed her concern. Dave handled her question in an excellent fashion, and it was a great lead to the final part of the event, Dave’s three points of how to maintain hope in the midst of an economic crisis:

1. Be Active. Dave encouraged listeners to be involved in activities. He believes that good things are more than likely to happen to those who are doing something over those who are doing nothing. 

2. Don’t listen to ”loser” talk. Stay clear of those who have a negative perspective. Maintain a positive outlook.

3. Be a giver. People who give of their money, their abilities and their time to others have greater fulfillment in life over those who only focus on themselves.