Four Growth Industries

Submission for Solutions to The Sentinel
by Andrew Cromwell

I have heard it said that there are four things that go up during sour economic times: candy sales (particularly chocolate), movie attendance, bar attendance (although I don't think they really take "attendance" at bars) and church attendance. When people go through tough times, they look for coping mechanisms to help them get through.

If this were a financial investment piece, I would suggest you evaluate the merits of the big candy makers to see whether this would be a good time to invest in their stock. You might also take a look at some of the big brewing companies and movie houses.

But I am not a stock picker (or at least not one you would want to follow!) and my financial investment advice is spotty at best. But I do know certain principles that if followed, will help you growth healthy relationships, strengthen your character and build a solid foundation for the future. So with your permission, let me give you a few observations about these four growth industries that we are drawn towards during difficult times.

Chocolate
This wonderful confectionary concoction can bring great joy. Served up in a multitude of iterations—dark, light, milky, white, with caramel, with a hard candy exterior, with nuts, with cherries, smothered over strawberries and the list goes on—this delightful delectable is said to be a mild mood elevator, an antioxidant, and an appetite suppressant among other things. Contrary to popular belief it does not cause acne, is not addictive and does not raise your bad cholesterol. On the other hand, it makes you fat.

Movies
There's nothing quite like a good movie, especially if it is enjoyed with friends and family. Good film can transport you to parts of the world you've never been, fill you with laughter, give you a new understanding of love and open your heart to the need of the world. The best movies provide guilt-free escapes filled with adrenaline and the occasional tear. On the other hand, the soda, popcorn and candy you eat while watching these celluloid cinematics will make you fat.

Bars
According to the oft quoted TV show Cheers, a bar can be a place where "everyone knows your name." I am told that sitting down with a frothy cold one as you enjoy fresh and salty nuts can really bring your heart great joy. A good bar can give you a sense of community and be a place where you can unwind with friends. Important conversations happen in bars all across the world, you can meet new people and rekindle old friendships. On the other hand, alcohol will make you fat.

It is clear that each of these three favorite American pastimes have their place. When undertaken in moderation, they can be downright enjoyable. But they don't call them growth industries for nothing. These enjoyable endeavors can make your waistline grow quicker then the treasury can inject cash into our sinking economy.

But there is one growth industry that won't effect your waist but it just might change your heart—church. It may have its detractors, but church can elevate your mood, help you develop significant friendships and refocus your life purpose. Good churches lift you out of the doldrums and give you a place to serve the community, they help you talk to your kids and spouse effectively and get your financial house in order.

So let me suggest that during these trying economic times, the best growth industry to invest in, is the one that is calorie free and can alter the trajectory of your life for the better (just stay way from those church potlucks—they WILL make you fat).