Tough times don't last, the preacher promises,while the collection plate circles like a threat.Tough times don't last, says the CEOfrom his third home, the one with the view.Meanwhile, the envelope pile breeds on my counter—past due notices fucking like rabbits,multiplying faster than prayers.
Tough times don't last but bills do:The student loan that's gathered more interestthan my education ever did.The medical debt from when my bodychose the wrong year to betray me.The credit card that saved us in Novemberand owns us by July.They outlast presidents, pandemics,personal growth, and positive thinking.
I've been in tough times for decades now—different costumes, same wolf at the door.2008's foreclosure became 2020's evictionbecame 2024's "payment arrangement."The tough times changed clothesbut kept the same appetite.Meanwhile the bills evolved, adapted,grew digital teeth and compound interest.
Tough times don't last?Tell that to the autoimmune diseasethat charges me $400 monthly to exist.Tell that to the tooth that's been brokenfor three years because dental workcosts more than my car.Tell that to the choice betweengas or groceries, heat or medication,dignity or survival.
The bills are patient. They waitwhile you bury parents, divorce partners,raise children who need shoes again.They don't care about your tough times—they're having a great time, actually,throwing a compound interest partywhere you're the piñata.
But here's what the prosperity gospel won't preach:We're all one paycheck from tough times.One diagnosis, one layoff, one transmissiondying on the highway from joiningthe congregation of the constantly calculating:If I skip breakfast, if I cancel the appointment,if I pretend that noise doesn't meanwhat we both know it means...
Tough times don't lastbut somehow we do—not through inspiration but insulation,the beautiful borrowing between broke friends,the meal trains, the couch surfing,the "forgot" to cash your check kindness.We last because we learn the holy artof keeping each other afloatin the rising water of what things costversus what we're worth.
The bills do last.They're the tough times' timekeeper,the proof of what survival actually costs.Frame them. They're your medals—each payment a small war won,each month survived a miraclethe motivational speakers can't price.