The United States economy is one of the most developed economies in the world, and the nation also has one of the world’s most advanced financial systems to cater for their fast-paced economy. The U.S. economy has major significance on a global scale, since it is one of the richest nations, thus, a decline in their economic stability creates a global effect that is usually evident. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused economic tension globally, but the U.S. managed to create ways to adapt, and improve its economy (Amedeo, 2021). Furthermore, their government deals with all issues affecting the economy, from the superficial to the underlying factors, which refers to inflation, increase in unemployment and interest rates that are unfavorable to the citizens. Despite the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic forced economists to adapt, thus leading to a highly competitive market that is dynamic in nature. Still, there are many challenges that the U.S. is facing that have an indirect or direct effect on the economy. These challenges include job mismatches, low number of qualified workers and the unpredictability of the pandemic.
First, the U.S. is dealing with job mismatches, whereby employees are assigned work above their skill level and experience. There has been a rising case of people seeking employment in the workforce, but coming short with regard to matching the high demands, and standards set forth by corporations (Saint Joseph University, 2022). The COVID-19 pandemic led to companies being forced into prioritizing profits to cope, and keep their workforce intact. Also, corporations have to prioritize profits for sustainability, making the issue of job mismatches a loss to the employers and employees. This predicament has led to decreased urgency for job seekers, while others fail to capitalize on potential business opportunities. The issue of job mismatch has long term implications on the U.S. economy, because as much as their is integration of technology in the economy, it is still dependent on human labor.
Labor shortage has been reported to being on an increase in the U.S, which is ironic considering the high demand for human resources in some corporations. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in multiple workers being fired, and the older generation forced into retirement (OECD, 2022). Corporations used performance as a criteria for firing employees, and due to the pandemic, the criteria were strict. Thus, it is crucial that employees receive compensation for their losses in adjustment to the pandemic. It is important to note that working at home has affected many businesses that are dependent on the corporate sector workers.
The uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic makes it difficult for the economy to regain stability. Issues such as the emergence of new coronavirus variants lead to inevitable restrictions, which have put businesses and corporations in unpredictable patterns, forcing some businesses to close. Families, job seekers, and formerly employed people have faced challenges, which the U.S. government has been trying to resolve (Saint Joseph University, 2022). The government has collaborated with the corporate sector and its citizens to deal with these issues, but have been facing inconsistencies as a result of the pandemic. Until a definite solution is found, the inconsistencies created by the COVID-19 pandemic will remain a persistent issue.
In summary, the U.S. economy, despite its dominance, has been facing challenges that include job mismatch, low number of potential employees and the inconsistencies created by the COVID-pandemic. The federal government has developed strategies and incentives to support the many citizens facing poverty due to the pandemic. This has been through providing citizens with cheques for basic needs, for instance. Amongst all the factors negatively affecting the United States economy, the COVID-19 pandemic creates a more complex problem, as the other issues can be resolved gradually under positive strategies.
References
Amadeo, K. (2021, October 6). US economic outlook for 2021 and Beyond. The Balance. Retrieved January 22, 2022, from https://www.thebalance.com/us-economic-outlook-3305669
OECD. (2022). The Conference Board Economic Forecast for the US economy. United States Economic Snapshot. Retrieved January 22, 2022, from https://www.conference-board.org/research/us-forecast
Saint Joseph University. (2022). 3 Major Issues Facing the U.S. Economy. https://www.sju.edu/news/3-major-issues-facing-us-economy
Essay On Palliative Care Essay Sample For College
Introduction
Quality of living and quality of death both depend on several factors. This essay is focused on analysing various factors which impact the quality of life and quality of dying. Through the analysis, how each factor impacting on death and life will also be evaluated. The impact of other factors such as legal, culture and religion in life will be explored and its contribution to life and death will be evaluated.
Part 1: Reflection
a) Factors affecting the concept of quality of life
Psychological condition: Psychological condition of a person is really important when it comes to getting a better life. Quality of life completely depends on the health condition of the person and psychology is an integral part of health. If a person has a good mental health condition, then it will definitely ensure a better quality of life. The person will be free from different mental disorders such as depression, dementia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others due to better psychological conditions (Kaur & Sharma, 2019). As a result, the person will be happier while living.
Health: Health here refers to the physical health of the person, health plays an immense role in providing a better quality of life. According to the studies, it has been found that multiple diseases gradually occur by increasing age (Dumurgier & Tzourio, 2020). For example, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and others are the most prominent observations among people with growing age. If the person is free from these diseases, then it will help the person to get a better life.
Economical condition: The economy is the main factor that helps people to get security in their life. For example, if a person is diagnosed with any major disease, then having a good economic condition ensures treatment for these diseases. Similarly, a person with a good economic condition is able to get all the desires in their life. Hence, having a strong economic condition always ensures a better quality of life.
Education: Some of the studies have shown a positive correlation between the economic condition of a person and the educational qualification they are having (Stenberg et al. 2018). More precisely, if the person is educated then the economic condition of the person is more stable. An educated person knows about hygiene, maintaining a healthy environment, healthy food, and others. Educated people apply this knowledge in their life as a result, they can lead a quality life than others. Due to the maintenance of these factors, educated people are able to live longer than others.
Housing: Housing offers an environment for living, depending on the living environment quality of life highly influences. For example, people who are living in a house get a better quality of life than homeless people. If a house is designed in such a way so that it offers a proper vacuum system, and sun rays then the inside environment of the house ensures a better atmosphere for living. Vitamin D is consistent in the Sunshine and it’s really healthy for the skin (Hanel & Carlberg, 2020). A person can get better skin by maintaining a good housing environment itself.
b) Domains that contribute to the quality of dying
Family: Family plays a vital role in the quality of dying. The presence of family during bad times is highly preferred however, due to cultural characteristics most of the time, it has been found that people try to start their life separate from the family. Having family members around ensures a significant boost in psychology. People feel better when family members are around. Loneliness is one of the major reasons behind psychological disorders. Hence, spending time with family members ensures better mental health. The presence of family members during a deathbed help a person to fulfil all their desires as a result, the quality of death gets maintained.
Religiosity: Every religion and community have a certain belief when it comes to death. There are a number of rituals that need to be fulfilled once a person dies. Belonging to a region in which rituals are present help the person to get inner satisfaction. Similarly, having family members who will be associated with the ritual programs eventually fulfil the belief of the person with respect to the religion they belong to.
Health and illness: Health and illness is another major factor associated with the quality of dying. If a person is affected with any health issues, then their quality of life will deteriorate, eventually, it will reflect into the quality of death as well (Oliphant et al. 2018). For example, if a person is affected with dementia, then during the death the person will not be happy because he/she will be a victim of dementia. A person always needs to maintain good health in order to maintain the quality during death.
c) Gibb’s reflection cycle
Gibbs Reflection Cycle has six different stages, in this section of the essay, a self-reflection based on Gibbs reflective cycle will be presented.
Description: In this essay, I have evaluated a few factors which are associated with quality of life and quality of death.
Feelings: In the quality-of-life section, I have selected psychology, health, economy housing and education. I strongly feel that apart from education, every single factor has a direct impact on quality of life. Education does not ensure better health directly, therefore; I feel that factor does not really impact my quality of life. However, I am really thankful to get an opportunity to get educated.
Evaluation: As earlier mentioned, education is not a direct factor influencing the quality of life. In the quality of dying section, I have mentioned health and illness, religiosity, and family are highly dependent on the quality of death. However, the factor of religiosity is a bit subjective because some of the people might not be so concerned about religious belief at all.
Analysis: Through the discussion, I get to know that every factor is somehow interrelated and it impacts on quality of life and quality of death eventually. For example, if a person is diagnosed with cancer, then it will affect the psychological condition as well. Eventually, it will affect the quality of life.
Conclusion: Through the analysis, I would like to conclude that a person needs to be aware and need to take initiatives towards getting a quality life. If a person perceives his life and death is already destined then it will be very difficult for the person to get a quality life.
Action plan: As I get to know about the factors behind the quality of life and quality of death, therefore, I will be more focused on these factors. I will take care of my health with the highest priority and I will take action to develop my economical condition. Nevertheless, I will try to connect with my family till the end of my life so that I do not leave with any regret.
Part 2: Exploration
a) Legal aspects of quality of life and quality of dying
Euthanasia: Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending life. The practice is also known as assisted suicide; however, the practice has different laws in different countries. Mostly euthanasia is permitted to a person in extreme suffering. Several studies have supported Euthanasia by stating it’s better to end a life if the life is not quality enough for a living (Nie et al. 2021). Most people who are diagnosed with rare diseases and do not have proper treatment for these health issues look for Euthanasia practice. However, the practice is not permissible if the person is in depression due to loneliness and hopelessness. New Zealand has legalized Euthanasia through the End-of-Life Choice Act 2019 (Tsai & Menkes, 2020). The act has been designed in such a way so that it does not promote suicide but it helps people to get out from their extreme suffering.
Advanced care planning: Advanced care planning definitely has a positive impact on quality of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some equipment is being sold commercially for individuals to make sure people get advanced care. Feeding tubes, ventilators and CRPs are some of the major aspects of advanced care planning. Having such opportunities will definitely help people to get better quality in their life.
Legal consent: The consent of the patient is really important while going for treatment. Here consent refers to the approval of the patient after knowing all the risks associated with the treatment (Maiden, Bone, & Fitzpatrick, 2021). Before the treatment, the patient will know about the area of risks. The patient will get the opportunity to choose to continue the treatment or they can easily opt-out from the process. Consent from the patient is also known as an ethical aspect associated with the healthcare sector in New Zealand.
b) Factors impact the concept of living and dying
Asian culture: Asia is highly diversified from the perspective of culture. Every nation in Asia consists of multiple cultural attributes, characteristics, and features. Asia consists of different religions such as Hinduism, Muslim, Buddhism, and others. When it comes to Hindu culture, it can be determined that they have a belief that God decides whether a person will be getting a quality life or not (Ho et al. 2018). However, in recent times, changes in the mindset have taken place. Now they are more focused on doing their work to get a better life rather than depending on the faith. In the case of Islamic culture, the belief that death is the call of God hence, they still do not believe that any factor could help people to get a better quality of death.
Māori culture: Māori culture is quite complicated, however; they are considered as the minor community. To ensure better health, Māori people like to stay with their family for the rest of their life. According to the studies, it has been found that Māori people get limited healthcare facilities from the New Zealand government. However, their belief in spirituality, staying with family and having a natural treatment for getting a better life.
Christian culture: In Cristian culture, quality of life and quality of death is well defined by bible. They believe every action is decided by the Jesus, in other words, sufferings of a person is the outcome of wrong action the person has been involved into. On the other hand, if a person is associated with good works, then quality of life of that person will be better. For example, if a person is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, then the quality of life of that person would be superior. Hence, the Christian culture is quite focused on the principles of bible and they believe the actions have high impact on education, health, economy, and others. real-life activities for getting a quality life (Rhoades, 2019).
c) Examples of religions towards the concept of living and dying
Hinduism: There are many opinions in the Hindu religion when it comes to deciding factors of quality of life and quality of death. The concept of karma is present in Hinduism, which signifies “What goes around comes around”, hence, if a person is associated with wrongful acts, then it will reflect on the person’s life (Back & Conway, 2020). Quality of life and death completely depends on the real-life acts of the people.
Christianity: Principles of the bible are being followed in the Christianity religion. According to the bible, God is the decider of punishment and rewards. Based on the sins and good work, a person gets rewarded and punishment accordingly. The person gets rewards in the form of a better job, lifestyle, and better financial condition. On the other hand, a person might lose health if god decides to give punishment for the sins.
Islam: Islamic people have the concept god’s call when it comes to death. Sickness and poor economic condition are considered as the punishment of God within that Islamic religion. Some actions such as mortem investigation of dead bodies and organ donation are strictly prohibited in the Islamic religion.
Conclusion
Through the above discussion, it can be determined that quality of life and quality of death depends on several variables. These variables are controllable and a person could enhance the quality of their death and life by giving input. The essay also disclosed there are plenty of differences in the belief in different regions which impact on quality of life and death. My understanding has also been reflected through a Gibbs reflective cycle model.
References
Back, A., & Conway, L. (2020). Hinduism and reproductive decision‐making: Karma, Samsara, and the in‐between. Journal of genetic counseling, 29(4), 594-597. Retrieved from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jgc4.1273
Dumurgier, J., & Tzourio, C. (2020). Epidemiology of neurological diseases in older adults. Revue neurologique. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0035378720303908
Hanel, A., & Carlberg, C. (2020). Vitamin D and evolution: Pharmacologic implications. Biochemical pharmacology, 173, 113595. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295219302795
Ho, P. J., Gernaat, S. A., Hartman, M., & Verkooijen, H. M. (2018). Health-related quality of life in Asian patients with breast cancer: a systematic review. BMJ open, 8(4), e020512. Retrieved from: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/8/4/e020512.abstract
Kaur, P., & Sharma, M. (2019). Diagnosis of human psychological disorders using supervised learning and nature-inspired computing techniques: a meta-analysis. Journal of medical systems, 43(7), 1-30. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10916-019-1341-2
Maiden, M. J., Bone, A., & Fitzpatrick, M. (2021). Physical restraint of patients in Australia and New Zealand intensive care units. Intensive Care Medicine, 47(2), 234-236. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-020-06287-w
Nie, L., Smith-Han, K., Iosua, E., & Walker, S. (2021). New Zealand medical students’ views of euthanasia/assisted dying across different year levels. BMC medical education, 21(1), 1-12. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12909-021-02558-2
Oliphant, J., Veale, J., Macdonald, J., Carroll, R., Johnson, R., Harte, M., … & Bullock, J. (2018). Guidelines for gender affirming healthcare for gender diverse and transgender children, young people and adults in Aotearoa New Zealand. Transgender Health Research Lab.
Rhoades, F. (2019). The Origin of Christian Beliefs. Christian Faith Publishing, Inc..
Stenberg, U., Vågan, A., Flink, M., Lynggaard, V., Fredriksen, K., Westermann, K. F., & Gallefoss, F. (2018). Health economic evaluations of patient education interventions a scoping review of the literature. Retrieved from: Patient education and counseling, 101(6), 1006-1035. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738399118300065
Tsai, B. C., & Menkes, D. B. (2020). New Zealand doctors and euthanasia-legal and practical considerations of the end of life choice act. The New Zealand Medical Journal (Online), 133(1522), 149-160. Retrieved from: https://www.proquest.com/openview/a09a8305b6778f568b953cb14c9d6035/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1056335
Paper On The Leadership Themes Of The Old Testament In The Bible Free Writing Sample
Introduction
The contemporary person’s mind is etched with leadership since literature on the subject is available in every bookshop. The reader’s intellect is left looking for the fundamental truth of leadership talent and knowledge amid this avalanche of information (Pettus, 2016). How is it possible for the information source to be so distinct yet varied? Do contemporary Christians have a reliable source from which to build their leadership?
Many persons in the Old Testament developed became great leaders throughout their lifetimes in the Bible. It was a group of ordinary individuals who had been given significant roles to guide God’s people in their time of need. “Examples of Moses, David, Solomon, Gideon, Joshua, Nehemiah, Debra, and Joseph were all successful leaders, but the Bible’s notion of leadership goes much beyond the title leader” (Brotzman, 2017). “God blessed them; and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the world, and conquer it; and reign over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground” (Genesis 1:28).
In this world, nothing God does is random. In the final analysis, only God is the supreme leader. It is incumbent upon us to submit to His will and obey His commands. The role of a leader requires a high level of mental and physical stamina. Studying biblical leaders and how they carried out God’s purpose for their time is a terrific method to learn about leadership (Pettus, 2016). This study aims to investigate three fundamental leadership concepts and demonstrate why they are relevant to today’s leaders.
The Theme of Humility in the Old Testament
Leaders’ responses to God in the Old Testament are characterized by humility and an emphasis on service to everybody else. Self-awareness leads to humility, obedience to God’s sovereignty, and acceptance of heavenly wisdom’s supremacy over human understanding (Howell Jr, 2003). As a result of their humility, the prophets were able to speak confidently about God’s calling to Israel. The believers benefit from their leader’s humility because he is humble himself. God and His children flourish due to Solomon’s humility before man and God. Those who follow a contemporary leader who knows humility and demonstrates this God-given attitude are better off. Solomon’s humility was evident in both his connection with God and the people he governed (Pettus, 2016). Those entrusted to a leader’s care may be shepherded appropriately when they place themselves under God’s authority.
Today’s virtuous leader can labor side by side with the people, share in their joys and sorrows, and even laugh with people. To be a servant leader, one must have humility, which makes them relational, enabling them to exert influence and motivate their followers. A good servant is familiar with the people they are supposed to be serving. Serving leaders know God and how to communicate His message to inspire others because they know the people they serve as well as they do (Brotzman, 2017). A servant leader serves both the Lord and the individuals he has been given by God. Having a solid connection with God and your people is essential for today’s leaders to make an impact. Not only do they do what God tells them to, but they also persuade others to do the same.
God Uses’ Unqualified’ People
Today, we are bombarded with messages that we are not good enough, unwanted, or hopeless. As a result, it may look like our lifestyles are of little value. Our lives and situations are used by God to accomplish His will. To achieve His purposes for the Kingdom of God and His own glory, he employs every aspect of the being and every condition of our daily existence (Brotzman, 2017). The life of David is a fantastic example of how God uses those who are not qualified for their positions to further His purposes. When the Philistines waged war on the Israelites, David was only a teenager. Goliath, the gigantic warrior of the Philistines, invited Israel to a duel. “We will become your subjects if he can fight and kill me, but we will become your subjects and serve you if I defeat him and kill him.” (1 Samuel 17:9).
When choosing an Israelite, God did not go with the most intimidating or intimidatingly strong-looking candidate. Because he wanted to make David qualified, he picked him; this is a young man who has never served in the military (Howell Jr, 2003). Because he had never served in the military, he had an unwavering belief in God. As long as he put his faith in God, David was sure that he and Israel would be saved. “He was able to defeat Goliath because he was sure that the Lord was with him” (1 Sam 17:50).
Through the flaws, sins, and imperfections, God saw immense confidence and belief in the souls of the people His servants. As the leader of His people, He looked up to Moses (since his childhood involved being an Egyptian prince) (Brotzman, 2017). Moses was loyal and trustworthy even in his terror, despite God’s efforts to persuade him. “A man after God’s own heart, the Lord said of David” (Acts 13:22). Despite his many mistakes, David had a strong belief in God’s forgiving character. He was Israel’s most delicate king because he was ready to confess his faults from the bottom of his heart (Forrest & Roden, 2017). We are told to put our faith in Him, not in our own abilities or abilities of our own. On the other hand, the Bible states that “with God nothing is impossible” (Matthew 19:26). God qualifies His chosen for His intentions, and although we feel unqualified, therefore, we should have confidence in Him.
Strength is Found in Weakness
Weakness was used to conquer and control countries; righteousness was gained; promises were kept; lion’s teeth were stopped; the fire was extinguished; and Samson was made strong by his trust in God (Forrest & Roden, 2017). In contrast to Gideon, Samson falls from strength to frailty. But in both circumstances, they serve a very vital purpose for God.
However, the tale of Gideon shows how a powerful God used a helpless savior to save a rebellious people. The supernatural promises and Gideon’s resistance are the centers of attention. “Why has all this occurred to us?” Gideon asks sarcastically in response to the assurance that “The Lord is with you.” (Judges 6:12–13). Gideon is baffled as to why his people are in such a bad situation. Gideon, too, admits his lack of self-worth. Gideon, like Moses, presents the justifications of inadequacy and unfitness (Howell Jr, 2003). Fearful and destitute, he is the youngest member of his family and a member of a lowly tribe. God seemed to have chosen a weaker vessel (1 Sam 16:7).
Gideon also destroyed the altar after nightfall because he was too afraid of his father’s house and the town’s soldiers to do it during the day. Cowardice is evident from this. A group of 10 men is assembled in the dead of night so that no one can see them enter the temple, where they demolish the altar (Forrest & Roden, 2017). Gideon was inexperienced with the virtue of courage. Because he feels he has a heavenly visitation, he obeys orders.
Conclusion
Throughout history, leadership was never simple since it always involved difficulties more significant than the ruler and required God’s intervention. These leaders are adept at making adjustments and even going back to the fundamentals to ensure that the team is on the same page. In other cases, they stand aside for a new captain who can guide them through the upcoming season. It needs a connection with God, perseverance, and becoming a servant in thought and action to establish God’s Kingdom. Delighted that God never forces a leader to accomplish things alone.
Asked by Jesus, “I will ask the Father, and He shall grant you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever” (John 14:16). To carry out God’s intentions and purposes, leaders have access to the Spirit of God. In a godly way, as we carry out our leadership responsibilities, may we witness how God’s kingdom is being expanded, not to our honor but to that of God. We should be thankful and repent whenever we are on the right or wrong, but always maintain our connection with Jesus on the course, persevere in the journey, support those God has assigned to us as leaders, and retain the faith. As virtuous leaders, this is how we will affect the world today.
References
Pettus, D. (2016). Leadership in Old Testament Hebrew. A Biblical Analysis of Leadership.
Brotzman, E. (2017). Godless vs. godly: Leadership in the Pentateuch. Biblical leadership: Theology for the everyday leader, 41-54.
Forrest, B., & Roden, C. (Eds.). (2017). Biblical leadership: Theology for the everyday leader. Kregel Academic.
Howell Jr, D. N. (2003). Servants of the servant: A biblical theology of leadership. Wipf and Stock Publishers.