Between 2005 and 2010, the American big three automobile companies had to receive billions of dollars in bailout money from the government. Japanese were building less expensive compact cars that were more economical to run and maintain. America was still building large gas guzzlers that were expensive and expensive to maintain. The consumers made a choice. The American auto industry wasn’t listening to them and their desires, so they changed to Japan’s line of choices.

Many of us come to the point of crashing and burning because we hold on to something that isn’t working for far too long. The example of the American auto industry can be applied across the board to life. You can hold on to a bad set of dietary choices until the doctor finally has to give you the bad news about your weight and the accompanying diseases, like diabetes. Humans pay a high price to ignore the truth in a failed effort to protect their comfort, however they define comfort.

Listening is far better than ignoring. The auto industry had lots of fair warning before their excesses caught up with them. All of us can say the same. There are people and organizations around us that provide ample warnings that we are moving in a bad or destructive direction. All marriage partners are warned before a divorce becomes a necessity, but they ignore. Businesses receive warnings before bankruptcy becomes necessary. Organizations are given warnings before they fail. People’s perspectives and life styles are given warnings before they bring destruction. Why hold on to ignore when it is obviously so expensive. Not everyone ignores. Many are rescued because they listen.

Ignoring is fueled by fear. Facing fear requires hope and courage. We need extra sources of hope and courage when our own is not enough to face the truth that will cause us to face ourselves with a willingness to change. Faith and healthy friends are two primary sources of hope and courage. They are worth finding. Jesus is alive and available to anyone looking. He has many who serve Him who are ready to help. Find hope and courage. Face the truth. Change the things that need changing so you can be healthy and joyful. The people around you will be glad you did. Most importantly, you will be glad you did.