Some of you may have read the July 6, 2008 article in the New York Times "Ancient Tablet Ignites Debate On Messiah and Resurrection."

Very few men and women are "self-made" individuals. We all have had the help of many people as we have traveled along life's road. Perhaps it was our parents, a friend or a teacher, who gave us the love, help and guidance we needed to become who we are today. Without these caring individuals, our lives would be markedly different. Many people may offer us their help. But how we react to their offers of aid can make all the difference between success and failure in our lives.

Have you ever been at the edge of a deep canyon, or the observation deck atop a tall skyscraper? Do you recall the sense of uneasiness you felt when you peered down into the abyss below?

Have you been affected by escalating food prices? Are you worried how you will pay your bills and feed your family, if the price of basics like milk reach $10 a gallon, or if bread reaches $8 a loaf?

In the realm of economics, as the United States goes, so goes the world. America has long been considered the economic engine that has driven global finance. However, that engine has been running on credit.