me and skip james

So, have you thought about the fact that there is a lot of bad stuff happening in the world? And there always has been, probably always will be. yes.

name one really bad thing: abortion

So, how can you be "glad" when thousands of unborn babies are killed each day? I recognize that there are some things I can do to end abortion and there are some things I can't. I do the things I can do. I support a crisis pregnancy center, I pray for an end to abortion, I try to convince others that abortion is wrong, and I encourage a positive view of life in many interactions each day. Could I do more? Perhaps. And this I work on as I examine my conscience and resolve to do more. But importantly I KNOW I cannot solve this problem singlehandedly. I believe that many people working and praying are making a difference.

This is just the tip of the iceberg on how one can have joy in the face of life's trials. I certainly don't have all the answers and my exploration of this subject is the basis for this blog.

Longfellow sums up the Christian hope well in this classic Christmas carol:

"Christmas Bells"(The original poem, complete with all seven stanzas)"

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled alongThe unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way,

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chimeA chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the soundThe carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent

The hearth-stones of a continent,

And made forlornThe households born

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;

"There is no peace on earth," I said;

"For hate is strong,And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!

The Wrong shall fail,The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men!"