October 18, 2023
There’s that old saying that
when times get tough, the tough get going. Like most “old sayings” there is
truth held within those words. But they are of little comfort in times such as
the one we’re living in, when the news that is assaulting us from the world is
so very grim.
It can feel, at times, as if
humanity has lost its way. Believe me when I say that is not something that I
want to feel.
There is evil in this world of
ours. One cannot claim that there is goodness if one doesn’t also acknowledge evil.
And while there has always been evil, just lately evil appears to be getting
more press. It’s no longer content to live in the shadows and under rocks. And
as evil becomes more visible, it seems to grow exponentially. Those who would
hesitate to show their true colors become emboldened by persons of note who
appear to be able to indulge in evil-doing with impunity.
The ongoing and growing evidence
of evil always breeds more. Some look to a society that is supposed to stand for
noble qualities, sees the chaos evil has wrought, and assume that society is
too hobbled to be a force for good.
This is nothing less than
clear evidence that the struggle between good and evil is a never-ending,
ongoing struggle. The mistake that we must not make, however, as we live our
inconspicuous lives, day to day, is thinking that this battle is supposed to be
waged by others.
We all have a role to play on
the stage of life. This stage where from time-to-time events that are bigger
than all of us are playing out. This stage upon which at time the battle is
fierce and with far-reaching consequences.
If evil begets more evil, then
surely kindness begets more kindness. And kindness, by its very nature of positivity,
of uplifting and empowering and sheer goodness is stronger than evil. But it
needs every single one of us to do our part.
We need to be kind, to others
and to ourselves. In our actions and in our thoughts. We need to measure our
responses to any given situation and, rather than let uninformed assumptions take
over, we need to wait for the actual facts. Truth will emerge and we must be
ready to receive it.
One can acknowledge that evil
is a strong and prevalent force in today’s world while still holding fast to
kindness, charity and faith. Even this word program I’m using is a case in
point. When I put my cursor on the word “kindness” and right-click, this
program tells me the synonyms for that word. The first one it showed was “charity”
but the second one was “humanity.”
Friends, we can do our part by
simply hanging on to our humanity day by day by day. Good and positive
thoughts, good and positive actions—they matter. Choose to await the truth
rather than jumping to conclusions. Choose to offer a hand up rather than a
push down. Choose to reaffirm, in your thoughts, the principles to which you adhere
and remind yourself to do just that.
Of course, while one should
remain informed of what’s going on, one must not take in an overabundance of
negativity. For that reason, try not to watch so much news. Your television has
an off button. Do not be afraid to use it.
Take time to sit, and relax,
and see if you can locate a kernel of peace within you. That kernel needs
cultivating as surely as any other good seed does.
I do believe in the power of
positive thinking—and that more of us need to adopt that belief.
Friends, the world is counting
on us!
Love,
Morgan
https://www.bookstrand.com/morgan-ashbury
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