The term black swan comes from the ancient Western conception that ‘All swans are white’. In that context, a black swan was a metaphor for something that could not exist. The 17th Century discovery of black swans in Australia metamorphosed the term to connote that the perceived impossibility actually came to pass.
Most people today believe that technology and sophistication of thought would prevent any economic catastrophe from happening. The classic argument of the average man on the street is, "If we can go to the moon and back, surely this problem can be resolved." What mankind has failed to put into his equation is the sovereignty of God. Spirit trumps the mind and flesh.
In the Book of Judges, The Lord would provide a deliverer for the children of Israel. Each deliverer would defeat the enemy and then peace would be restored.
Judges 3:30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest for eighty years.
Upon reading the Book of Judges, you will notice that after each deliverance, the rest period shortened. The problem was that each man would do "right in his own sight" rather than following the Word of The Lord. Our Heavenly Father would evoke a "cleansing cycle" to clean up the mess created by man during the expansion cycle. In our walk we are to develop consciousness about our relationship with God. This happens through our acceptance of Jesus Christ. Another aspect of our walk is to develop faith. Faith cometh by hearing the Word of God. This walk of faith and consciousness is tested. In Hebrews 11:17, Abraham’s faith was tried and tested.
An event known as a "black swan" may be upon us. However, it is not a black swan to those who are anticipating a cleansing cycle. Only those who have no clue will view an upcoming negative economic event as a "black swan". The black swan was created by The Father. The Europeans in their thinking concluded that there were only white swans. They had incomplete knowledge. In the Scripture, Our Heavenly Father reveals His character. It is one of righteousness and lawfulness wrapped in love, grace, and mercy. His mercy gives us an opportunity to turn from our wicked ways. Ultimately we will participate in a cleansing cycle. The cleansing cycle will be disastrous to many. Their sand castles will be washed away. Their reliance on material possessions will be shattered. The perfect storm is forming.
What should I do? I believe that it is time to enact a personal cleansing cycle. Reduce and eliminate debt. Remove unproductive assets. Clean out the attic and closets. Get rid of those things you acquired that you no longer have need of. Bless someone with those things that are still usable but no longer useful to you. As they say, "become lean and mean". I have often thought that the people of the U.S. could empty their storage facilities and bless a third world country in its entirety. Return to the fundamentals of The Bible. Reread Scripture with a fresh perspective. Search for those hidden revelations reserved for this time in history. Once the global cleansing cycle begins, The Father will raise up those who are ready to receive His power and authority to enter into the fullness of their calling.
Paul Volcker, former Head of the Federal Reserve, recently called the current economic situation "the mother of all crises". http://youtube.com/watch?v=2opw-iUaezs&feature=user
Jim Cramer (Mad Cramer) is now on the bandwagon for $1,600 gold. http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/video/cramerinterviews/10411623.html?cm_ven=YAHOO&cm_cat=FREE&cm_ite=NA#10411623
I expect the US dollar to lose at leat another 30% in value if not much more. Your savings account will do the same. You may want to diversify your assets. A 5 to 10% position (of your liquid assets)in gold and silver is not unreasonable. This simply acts as an insurance policy to offset the loss in value of your US dollar denominated assets. You STILL need liquidity. That is what a savings account is designed for. For those who are broke, I believe that The Father is raising up those with gifts and callings to minister to those without just as He raised up Joseph. God loves a cheerful giver. Mystery Babylon exalts those who have accumulated material wealth, The Kingdom of God exalts those who give and serve.