If I haven't lived through it, I've probably been close friends with someone who has. I can speak comfortably with all walks of life - ours and others ;-) And have walked on the plains of Karma. I am a Christian, and deeply respect the views of everyone (within reason I mean, I don't think murderers and pediophiles should walk beyond the getgo, but, hey, that's just me...)
I've loved and been loved. I've seen death and was nearly killed. I've lived in huge mansions and tiny two bedroom apartments. I've earned more money than I've ever had since spending it. I've owned land, been abandoned (the divorced parents syndrome), given birth to children and raised geniuses. I've worked as a statistical analyst for a multi-national corporation and I've sat in the backyard listening to the birds sing for an entire day.
And when, during the past fourty years that I've been capable of putting thought into word and onto paper and had the time to do so, I've written, and written and written. We still have our life altering adventures, for instance we nearly got our little selves killed when our cottage was hit full in the face with a tornado on July 29/02 - sure was a wake up call - even got interviewed as an almost 'late' top ranking writer/graphic artist - cool! I think....
I'm happily married to a wonderful man, have two great children, a kitty cat, a whole gaggle of guppy fish and a snail named Teckie and life is great!
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13