Exit 154 GS Parkway - Clifton Jesus

Originally named Acquackanonk, the local residents couldn’t repeat the name three times quickly, so it was changed to Clifton. It is home to David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos. It is home to the Dollar Tree Store, lots of Dollar Tree Stores. There’s a sign on the Route 46 East store (not to be confused with the Route 46 West store). The sign reads, "Food Stamps Accepted at this Location." Wow. Forget the McDonald’s dollar menu. Food stamps go a long way when every item is .99 cents. My original intent was to write a piece regarding the plastic Jesus nightlight I found in isle #11, but that "Food Stamps Accepted at this Location" sign haunted me.

Who are these people who stretch their monthly food allocation at the Dollar Store? I searched the crudely constructed metal racks for clues. Jesus was right there in isle #11, shrink-wrapped and ready for an outlet. I also took note of an entire isle devoted to, well, Jesus.

I counted fifty-four Bibles, an assortment books of the Bible on CD, refrigerator AND car magnets which read, "Fear Not,"(picture of the cross included), "Live by Faith" and the Fish symbol. I never found Jesus at the Neiman Marcus in Short Hills but he is all over the Dollar Tree Store in Clifton. I think the poor may be on to something big.

That Dollar Tree Store Bible mentions hell exactly three times. The same DTSB refers directly to the poor well over thirty-five. Huh.

Saint Paul said it best, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty you might become rich." II Corinthians 8