A certain truth

Dwelling at length on the headlines that are currently being flipped around the world could easily give rise to a cloud of cynicism. The shocking killings, the economic turmoil, the social decadence, the medical morass, the perverse climate, and the generally cystic nature of man could, undoubtedly, spark a cyclone of despair from which there seems to be no natural escape. The world, it appears, is spiralling towards a definite cataclysm. And then what?

The answer to that depends on what your convictions are and whether or not your only indeces of the future are the fear-breeding, hope-scorching headlines. For me, the headlines signal a certain truth - the world is at a critical juncture, the events and actions that generate the headlines are portentous but something glorious is about to happen. Yes, you read that right, I think something glorious, not gloomy is about to happen. 

You see, my only index of the future is the word of God, the holy scriptures, the sixty-six books of the bible in which I read, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come" 2 Timothy 3:1. So, for me, the headlines only confirm what I have already been told and hold to be true. But the story doesn't end there, Remember, I said the headlines are portentous but something glorious is about to happen. I have also been told, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" Revelation 21:4. 

I'm sure you, too, have a response to the collective experiences of mankind right now. What is it? Is it the kind of cynicism I expressed in the following poem or is it one of hope and joy? 

Point of View

Who coined the label 

that connects us?

Our goals divide, motives split;

Some strutting free, others sit

Tied, marked, ringed

On a common plot.

No eyes connect, no salutes blend

No feathery touch, just time

Spent in a common, futile way

parting grass

away from the sun's glow

You quack your truth; I go "moo".

Being human, we cannot help but feel dejected by  what's gross and base but dejection should not be a permanent state. In spite of the headlines, there is much to be joyful about. Quite apart from looking for a brighter future in the world made new that the word of God promises, there is still a great deal happening in this world to inspire hope and trust. The problem is, the angelic actions of man are always eclipsed by the vicious and vile. 

While we take note of the headlines, we should seek out the declarations of hope that surround us. The glowing sun, a baby's smile, the laughter of friends, the joy of giving, the gentle breeze and twinkling stars, a life guard's wave, a bird's sweet song, medical miracles and musical notes, a generous heart and twinkling eyes, honest deeds and growing trees all provide us with undeniable assurances that we can hold fast to the hope that one day, if we believe and accept this certain truth, all tears will be wiped away and there shall be no more death. That is my truth, what's yours?