what is in our future?

it seems like for years, there have been things to worry about in the upcoming future... global warming, downfall of morals, even the end of the world. now, though, something is creeping up on us that seems to require our more immediate, sincere attention: a recession. it's a topic of discussion that is frequent and frightening.
of course, i didn't completely understand the term 'recession' when it was first being thrown around. after all, i grew up in this generation of middle-classers who have grown accustomed to this life. not a life of riches, but a life of certain affordable luxuries. what is going to happen when people start losing jobs? when people can't afford to go anywhere because gas is so high? when no one is spending money because no one has it to spend?
i'm worried because i teach about literature of the great depression and that, pretty much, is my basis for what we may be headed towards. steinbeck doesn't paint a pretty picture.
i know i can recycle and use less electricity to help global warming. i know i can try to raise my kids, and teach my students, with Christian morals and values to prevent the downfall of morals. And we made it into the year 2000, so I don't think the world is going to end. But I honestly don't know what to do to help with the economy.
And that is what scares me the most.