Oil

The Star: Oil prices have hit $70 per barrel. Najib says, "we can't afford to subsidize the price of oil." Analysts, "prices may rise to $100."

Oil. I don't drive in KL. The rise does not directly hit my purse, though it may erode it when prices of food, transport and the cost of living increases. A lot of us, (me included) will complain about the rise because we would have less to spend. There would be less for entertainment, mamaking or shopping (for identitial clothes, jk Cindy).

Yet, I'm even more worried for those who are barely surviving to eke out a living. For us (who have the time, resources and education to read blogs), it'll be more of tightening our belts. Yet for many others, it would be akin to a noose tightening around their necks.

If petrol really rises to RM 2, and the restriction of taxi fare increase remains, how would the father explain to his son he can't pay his school fees despite driving all day in the hot sun?

And yet if the fares increase, how would the young, single mother go to work when it's cheaper to stay at home than travel?

Parents who can't afford rising school bus fares?
Pensioners whose income is stagnant?
Workers who cannot get a raise to match the rise?
Families burdened by increasing costs?

When will the breaking point be? When will the economy collapses under the weight of inflation?

Of course, I'm no business expert.

Yet, I'm reminded that such circumstances force us to reflect on our system of trust.
Sometimes it's tragically sad that we place more trust in a piece of paper with the name of a bank printed on it than on the Living God.
For what is secure in this world? Money can burn, diamonds can be lost, cars can get hijacked (in KL at least), houses may devalue (sorry, reading too much on American economy right now) and everything we think gurantees our security can be lost in the blink of an eye.

Of course, I'm not naively "spiritual" to think that money does not matter at all. Yes, I do need money and diamonds (hint, hint..haha).

But at the end of the day, what matters more?

"For I consider all things worthless to the incomparable riches of knowing Jesus as my Lord and saviour. " The words of the man who had it all and gave it all to gain more than all.

teach me Lord.