Don’t Ignore Gray Swans

Are you ignoring gray swans?

In 2020, Chuck wrote a small book entitled Seven Gray Swans. It was a year of great uncertainty. We had a limited vision of navigating a global pandemic and its economic consequences. His intent was to help others see obvious threats and make plans to avert their impact bringing hope from a Biblical perspective. The Bible advises us to do scenario analysis and take reasoned action. Proverbs 27:12 makes this very clear: “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”

In his book Virtues Work, Alexander Cummings helps us grasp the importance of prudence. He defines it as choosing the best path to a worthy goal. It’s putting reason and reality in charge of decision-making, not emotions or wishful thinking. Prudence avoids impulsivity, shallow thinking, and quick decisions, which are foolhardiness. It avoids the paralysis of indecisiveness, which leaves you at the mercy of your circumstances. Few expected the level of sustained inflation brought about by the economic impact of COVID-19. Some were prepared, but others ignored warnings and are still suffering.

A gray swan is a term used to describe a potentially significant event that’s unlikely to happen but is still possible. If there’s a slight chance that the event will occur, it should be anticipated. It could shake up the world, the economy, and the stock market. It could greatly impact our personal economics or the direction of our lives. Don’t ignore gray swans!

Have gray swans led to credit card debt? Let Christian Credit Counselors help. They can create a debt management plan specifically for you. For more information call the Crown Helpline at 800-722-1976 or visit online at crown.org/ccc.