Don't blame the messenger

I've had to chuckle the past couple of days. First a coworker responded to a conversation about current events with the observation "you depress me." Today I'm called a cynic for my response to last night's Presidential speech. Folks prefer blissful ignorance. Always have.

Allow me to apologize. It's not my intent to depress. Call to awareness, yes. Motivate to involvement, yes. Depression, though, is rooted in passive hopelessness. And that's not what we have unless we choose it. I'll admit it's not fun facing the full scope of the circumstances around us. Like Frodo, we can cry out "I wish none of this had happened." But as Gandalf noted, "So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world Frodo, besides the will of evil."

I believe the bill for Western Civilization's frivolity with its heritage is coming due. Soon. But that doesn't mean I sit around in sackcloth and ashes all day. That is SO Old Testament. When in the public square, I point out what I know to any who will listen. Then I return home and enjoy my family (see priorities post below). I will live against the tide, and ensure my children are equipped to do likewise.

My joy and my hope are not tied to this country, its institutions or even this world:

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." Mark 24:35

Besides, any reform we could ever hope to accomplish will pale compared to this.

Have a joyful day!