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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
A Guidebook to Get Through This Economy Jan 22, 2009
Been there, done that!
Patrick Morley is a veteran of surviving economically hard times. In the 1980's he was living the American Dream - a successful executive with a beautiful family, shiny new cars and a burgeoning business in real estate. Then came the Tax Reform Act of 1986. The downfall of car dealerships, rental rates and insurance companies quickly followed. Morley was in a mess. For the next seven years, he did not know if he was going to get out of it or not. He was about to lose his house!
Because of his convictions, Morley did not declare bankruptcy, although, he was on the edge of bankruptcy daily for seven years. In one chapter, "Financial Survival Strategies," he tells readers, "In a hospital Emergency Room, the first step is to stabilize the patient, the second step is to correct the problem (e.g., surgery), and the third step is rehabilitation." Throughout the book, he shares with readers how got back on track and into "rehab."
In addition to sharing tangible steps to restore financial well-being, Morley affirms and encourages readers that they too will get through this struggle. Meeting spiritual needs, he guides readers to thrive in the midst of turbulence. Morley gives spiritual strategies and insights to conquer financial problems.
The final chapter serves as an aid for readers to apply principles and strategies into a personal action plan. Workbook style, each reader can personalize the strategies to meet their own situation and need. Morley helps each reader identify the problems that led people to financial crisis, and then guides them through methods they can use to solve each problem.
"How to Survive the Economic Meltdown" is both a spiritual and practical guidebook to get all of us through this year of belt tightening and an unsure financial future.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Pleasantly Surprised Jan 19, 2009
"It is easy to look at the data and come to the wrong conclusion" (p. 49). This quote from Patrick Morley's new book How to Survive the Economic Meltdown proves true in more ways than one. The 89-page book is a thin, easy read, but to assume that its size is equal to its depth would be coming to the wrong conclusion. Morley's blend of practical strategies for financial recovery and spiritual direction for growth is a powerful mixture.
My initial expectations prior to reading the book consisted of some shallow spiritual advice coupled with financial tips catered to wealthy business owners. Instead, I found myself absorbing deep biblical truths and challenges weaved seamlessly into sound financial advice for people of all economic backgrounds. Whether the reader is the CEO of a medium-sized business unable to pay creditors, an auto salesman facing bleak sales, or a recently laid-off custodian, the wisdom offered will make a heavy impact.
Just as the book caters to a varied economic audience, it also caters to a spiritually diverse audience. Morley addresses what he refers to as Biblical Christians, Cultural Christians, and Seekers, presenting advice that is specific to each group as well as broader advice to all. He calls all readers to a higher level of integrity when dealing with financial crises and demonstrates opportunities to reflect the character of Christ, such as not showing partiality to creditors, being proactive about returning dreaded creditor calls and letters, and keeping one's word.
Never does Morley come across as chastising or condescending. Instead, he writes from a unique place of both authority and vulnerability. Once on the edge of bankruptcy himself, Morley tells about a particular bout with weariness:
One day I was driving down a divided highway that curved in the distance. A huge bolt of lightening struck in a place that, because of the way the road curved, gave the optical illusion that it struck the middle of the road. I remember thinking, Oh, how I wish I could have been under that bolt! (p. 6)
By relating his own economic crisis during the 1980s real-estate meltdown with startling candidness, he invites readers into his deepest struggles regarding bankruptcy and failure, and brings them along for his journey of intense spiritual growth and financial repair.
Morley capitalizes on the potential impact of the content by including practical questions for group discussion or personal reflection at the end of each chapter. From there, all of the book's primary concepts roll together to produce a substantive action plan in Chapter 10, complete with an itemized checklist. By the time this list is complete, the reader will have recognized, assessed, and dealt with much more than an "economic meltdown". In terms of consequence, the book will have been, in effect, re-titled: "How to Survive Life."
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
A Great Book for Tough Times! Dec 17, 2008
Anything Pat Morley's ever written is a profitable read, including his seminal best-selling, award-winning "Man in the Mirror" in 1989 and his most recent "Pastoring Men". Given the deepening financial crisis, "How to Survive the Economic Meltdown: Practical and Spiritual Strategies for You and Your Friends" is perhaps Pat's most providential project. For thousands of men who are struggling through job loss, financial hardship, spiritual warfare and a growing sense of helplessness, it is spot on -- concise, practical and encouraging. Grounded in solid biblical principles, "Meltdown" offers men useful advice and strategies to get through these tough, challenging times. This is not academic stuff or even a "feel good" treatment for hurting men and their families. Pat draws on his over thirty years of "down in the trenches" experience in ministering to men. It issues from his own personal battles with economic meltdown. In chapter one, Pat recalls that every day for seven years "I woke up not knowing whether I would be forced into bankruptcy". Pat serves up over thirty practical and spiritual strategies that you can turn into a Personal Action Plan, that is outlined in the final chapter. There's also twenty-six questions throughout the book that are suitable for personal reflection or small group study. If you or someone you know needs good practical help and solid spiritual guidance, this may be one of the few places these days where your investment will pay real tangible dividends.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
How to Survive the Economic Meltdown Dec 10, 2008
In his previous books Patrick Morley has always been in tune to the challenges that affect men and as they search for "true" success.
His book "The Man in the Mirror" identifies the problems and pursuits common to most men and offers the Solution. And in addition gives practical advice on how to get on the right track.
"How to Survive the Economic Meltdown" is a similar read yet is more precise in its focus on how men can deal with these very difficult times.
Obviously written in a direct and timely response to what is going on in our economy right now(Fall/Winter 2008-2009), it is of particular value to men who are success minded businessmen who have been ambushed by the myriad of economic woes in our country today. It gives insightful advice to men who need to find strength and perseverence to face the future in these uncertain times. Thanks to Patrick Morley for giving me a tool to help me with my daily "to do" list and to chip away at the barriers to real lasting success.
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