The Merriam-Webster on line dictionary defines desperation as a loss of hope and surrender to despair and a state of hopelessness leading to rashness.
The word dates back to the 14th century.
An article entitled "The Disastrous 14th Century" on the university of Wisconsin website says "the 14th Century was a time of turmoil, diminished expectations, loss of confidence in institutions, and feelings of helplessness".
For most people born in the mid to late 20th century, desperation was something associated with housewives.
It's impact and true meaning diminished.
It was not a part of everyday life.
As we move further into the 21st century desperation in America can be seen, it has a face.
It can be seen on a sign written by a man trying to keep his pride, his mobile home and feed his family.
This is a man who yearly offered firewood for sale on the side of the road.
In 2008 his firewood for sale sign ended with "PLEASE" painted in huge red letters.
It can be seen in the sallow looking young employee politely and repeatedly asking "are you finished with your food".
Secretly living in his car he had little to eat spending any money he had on gas to get to work.
The face of desperation can be seen in a wife who secretly took over $40000 worth of cash advances on joint credit cards and the once respected branch manager who was charging personal food, clothing and gas on the company credit card.
It can be seen on the faces of children all across America, desperately trying to understand why they don't have a home to live in anymore or why they have to leave their school and move somewhere so that their parents can find work.
Pastors in the pulpit looking into their congregation see it.
People looking in the mirror see it.
It crosses all ages and income levels.
For most in the 21st century struggling to meet basic needs is uncharted territory.
The face of desperation has an unspoken question mark on it.
How did this happen? What do I do? Psychologists agree that in the face of desperation the first step is to ask for help.
In the United States there are state agencies such as the Department of Human Resources that provide assistance.
As an example, the website for the Georgia Department of Human Resources includes a guide on how to get help for people who have been laid off, need assistance with food, health care of other social services.
Most phone books have a state section with telephone numbers to call for help or any county office of Family and Children's Services can provide direction.
If you see the face of desperation, help.
If you are the face of desperation, ask for help.
The word dates back to the 14th century.
An article entitled "The Disastrous 14th Century" on the university of Wisconsin website says "the 14th Century was a time of turmoil, diminished expectations, loss of confidence in institutions, and feelings of helplessness".
For most people born in the mid to late 20th century, desperation was something associated with housewives.
It's impact and true meaning diminished.
It was not a part of everyday life.
As we move further into the 21st century desperation in America can be seen, it has a face.
It can be seen on a sign written by a man trying to keep his pride, his mobile home and feed his family.
This is a man who yearly offered firewood for sale on the side of the road.
In 2008 his firewood for sale sign ended with "PLEASE" painted in huge red letters.
It can be seen in the sallow looking young employee politely and repeatedly asking "are you finished with your food".
Secretly living in his car he had little to eat spending any money he had on gas to get to work.
The face of desperation can be seen in a wife who secretly took over $40000 worth of cash advances on joint credit cards and the once respected branch manager who was charging personal food, clothing and gas on the company credit card.
It can be seen on the faces of children all across America, desperately trying to understand why they don't have a home to live in anymore or why they have to leave their school and move somewhere so that their parents can find work.
Pastors in the pulpit looking into their congregation see it.
People looking in the mirror see it.
It crosses all ages and income levels.
For most in the 21st century struggling to meet basic needs is uncharted territory.
The face of desperation has an unspoken question mark on it.
How did this happen? What do I do? Psychologists agree that in the face of desperation the first step is to ask for help.
In the United States there are state agencies such as the Department of Human Resources that provide assistance.
As an example, the website for the Georgia Department of Human Resources includes a guide on how to get help for people who have been laid off, need assistance with food, health care of other social services.
Most phone books have a state section with telephone numbers to call for help or any county office of Family and Children's Services can provide direction.
If you see the face of desperation, help.
If you are the face of desperation, ask for help.
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