CA’s Story:
I was laid off from my job of two years 8 weeks ago and due to some glitch at EDD, I still have not received any unemployment. I have been forced to sell personal belongings online and have completely depleated my savings account. I have applied for 30-40 jobs and am still unemployed. These are are definately the hardest times I have ever been through.

Cara Suppa’s Story:
Finding inner peace within myself and marveling the wonders of the world instead of the materialistic things has helped me to this day.... and no matter what happens, you must carry optimism over to each new day, afterall, that is why there is a sunrise and a sunset...be happy with what you have already and what helped get you to those things! You're going to be okay, just believe.

Carol Wesley’s Story:
I was downsized on August 25, 2008. I am a single family home-owner. I went back to school to finish my BS degree. I will graduate December 17, 2009. I pray there will jobs for me and other Americans.

Carolyn Greig’s Story:
Makes me proud to be an American. This is what America is about.

Carolyn Miller’s Story:
We as citizens must join tgether and make all of our voices heard where it matters. I decided that it is going to take a grass-roots revolution by the common men and women who still believe in this country and in our constitution. We must get their attention because those in control have no idea how the common American is struggling every day to provide just the basics for their family. I want my grandchildren to grow up in the American where I grew up and respect and responsibility mattered

Cat Callahan’s Story:
My husband and I are retired so we aren't concerned with finding a job or things that younger folks are worried about. Yet we are worried about where this country is going. As a kid growing up in Iowa(myhusband in Nebraska) it was never a big deal to have tons of money and things with which to 'lord' over those less fortunate. Our nation has become far too materialistic and mammon-worshiping and this recession is forcing all of us to step back and consider what's truly important!

Charlie Adams’s Story:
I lost my Job, started running out of my 401K started wondering how will we make our House payment & utilities, most of my retirement went to House and Car payments. Came back Home and had an e-mail from a former co-worker to call him. I called & found out I still had a sizable retirement coming from where I had been laid off. Was able to pay off the Truck, get a new Furnance for the House as the old one was dieing. Wife started drawing S.S. it was more then we then we expected. God is Good! CA

chas’s Story:
18 yrs ago I lost a hip and went thru SSDI and W/C then went partial blind and lost Drvs Lisc,wife now is in same synerio as stenosis of spine forced her to retire in 2007 which we filed same,but comp was denied as being PT..we have filed and now appealing the SSDI discission we hope this will go thru as after the 18 yrs putting kid thru college and now we have a 10 mo grandson to raise as kid must work...Im lucky wife can still drive but as cataracs now..

Cheryl Cano’s Story:
My husband has been laid off since the fall. Can't make ends meet anymore. Things just escalate and you never seem to catch up. Filing for bankrupcy now. I don't seem to see the silver lining. Most people on state help live better than we do. I work 6 days a week and longer hours. Doesn't seem right.

Cheryl M.’s Story:
We certainly are enduring difficult times, and my family is no exception. I am divorced, with a twelve year old son. His father and I share custody. My ex-husband is a mortgage broker, and I am disabled. You can imagine the finacial stress that we are under. I cannot work, and no one wants to hire brokers. At present, even though we are divorced, we are sharing meals in an effort to save money. We are lucky that we can relate well with one another under such stressful conditions.

Chris’s Story:
The economy has not hit us hard as other folks, you see my husband and I live in our Heavenly Fathers economy which is never broke or never falters or never fails. We put our trust in him. We give to those in need although we don't have much ourselves. We don't sell things we give them to those who need them. God always provides our needs. God gives HOPE when there seems to be none. You can't out give God. I hope this will help others.

Claudia Kelly’s Story:
My husband suffered a brain injury while working as a paramedic for a semi-quasi governmental agency. Workmen's compensation has denied helping him-and he will never work again. He cannot collect social security because he did not pay into it for the last 7 1/2 years of his working career, even though he paid into it for the previous 30 years. He cannot collect SSI because I make too much (1876.00 per month). This system is corrupt, and very unfair. I was told if we divorced he'll get Medicaid!!

Colleen Lemkuil’s Story:
I wish you all well. The songs were great. Share with your friends and family. Share books, videos, food, clothes, and entertainment. Do not let your clothes wear out-keep them repaired. Eat less and healthy! Take a friend to the grocery store and car pool. Walk and ride your bike. Conserve energy. Recycle. Go to church every Sunday and attend the classes and activities your church provides. I was there today and it was great! Best to you all.

connie Davis’s Story:
I lost my job March 08 and my insurance at the same time, I have a few medical problems, heart problems and cancer, but I have taken on the thought if my need is not meant by my Father than it must not be a need, but I am just thankful that I am a free American and a Free born again American. This too will pass, if we just wait on God, we can do this together. Connie

Conrad W Ware’s Story:
My wife and I are angry as hell at the Conservative Party letting our country go to hell the past 8 years they held office. All for trying to take oil away from the Iraqi people. They should all stand responsible.

Courtney Rogers’s Story:
Graduated college with a BA. I've been out of work for almost a year. I even moved to Oregon from Oklahoma to try and find work. No luck. I'm not sure how I will make ends meet.

Crystal’s Story:
Everyone knows that times are tough right now. More than ever before. The important thing is to find will and faith. My husband and I (before we knew what happened) found ourselves with 2 kids and $45,000 of credit card debt alone. Our bills were $600 more than our income. We've cut back on everything. Our income tax return goes to credit cards. In one year though (being very stingy with everything) our debt is now half of that. Will and Faith. God provides.

Curtis Dornath’s Story:
I am a retired Oregon State Policeman of nearly 30 years. My IRA is 1/2 of what it was, and my medical insurance and costs are about $ 600 a month just for myself with good health. I run a BnB in Oregon and in October of 2007 when the gas prices went up my business dropped and is now 50% of what it was. If I didn't have retirement income my doors would be closed. I need to go back to work to survive, but I did enjoy semi-retirement from 50 to 58. God Bless the USA

cyndee’s Story:
hubby and i are nearing retirement, and the economy squashed our business, ruined our credit and flipped us upside down. Work is almost at a standstill, we are losing ground. we stopped paying our morgage. I've accepted the fact i will be walking away from my possessions..and will be homeless soon. Im scared. Im sick and my husband is sick, no medical insurance. America is dead and dying....so shall it be with hubby and me :(

Cynthia Hale’s Story:
The economy is tough. We like many used the credit cards, borrowed againt our home to nearly 100% value. Alot of you like us, right? We, my husband and I have declared war on debt. Now, it's less about enjoying the money that comes in. My husband is disabled. So except for a small part time job for me, we are on a fixed income. But we are determined to fight and fight more until we become debt free from the credit cards and then the home mortgage, and we by God's grace will win.