This offers such an insightful definition of real hope. We are indeed at a watershed moment that only Love can transcend through the exercise of hope that operates blind to outward appearances or what the odds may predict. What resonates the most for me is that "we have the capacity" to ignore Love's presence--to choose blindness instead. Choice. Free will. Millions have apparently chosen blindness as fascism waits in the wings. I am disheartened and puzzled, but Love and Hope sound like good companions in the slog ahead to see what tomorrow brings. And not just Wednesday.
This is both comforting and inspirational, Noel. Good to hear from my old friend. Writing a book? I'd sure like to read it when it happens. so many lovely memories!
In spite of the Felon-Elect & his peculiar Cabinet choices, I believe 2025 will be a good year.
The 2nd random song I heard after finding out the election results just about knocked me over with its poignant lyrics. It was about a person who saw things romantically and idealistically at one point in life, but then became more hardened and cynical with age. And upon this reflection, realized that both perspectives were right and both perspectives were wrong. It was all just one big mystery—not so much unknowable, but rather endlessly knowable.
To paraphrase some of the lyrics:
Old friends are acting strange, they say I’ve changed.
Well, something’s lost but something’s gained in living every day.
I’ve looked at life from both sides now, from win and lose, give and take, up and down.
And after all this, I really don’t know life at all.
It brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful God is to point me to such a humble contemplation, backed by such a consoling melodic progression. I felt the song peel away my anxieties and hostilities. It softened my heart. Some of us can’t grasp the Great Wonderful Mystery yet because we’ve just seen one narrow side of it. We're all so scared, and we continue to view life/politics/religion through whatever filter calms our fears.
Well, that’s a start toward patience and compassion for me, at least. And, like Havel said, hope.
Noel, I started to comment on the beautiful and so inspiring words of Going Forward but had trouble with my phone. In typical fashion I am not getting back to it till now and I am still reeling from the disappointment and fear the election produced. I am more confused and angered at those who think so little of this country we inhabit, as to elect a man who is anything but of the people. John Pavlovitz covered my feeling this day when he said, "Kamala Harris didn't lose, America did". We will move forward as we always have in the face of troubled times with and for the LOVE of it all. Dave Anderson
Thank you for your comforting words. I’m very sad right now. And I don’t understand what God is doing. Nevertheless, I still trust him. I don’t expect to enjoy the next 4 years (or more), but I will rejoice in the Lord.
I am confident my words are not as elegant or extensive as the article written. First, let me acknowledge God does not have political preferences and in these long journey eyes He is still in control. I have seen God work thru even the greatest of sinners(Paul for example) to bring people to relationship with Him. What is happening thru social media is taking photos and demonizing and weaponizing the picture to incite something other than its intention. I have many times raised my arms to pray over or commision a person or group to do God's work. So, for this family we are going to pray and let God do his thing.
In our house we voted for neither candidate. There is, in my view, no lesser than 2 evils. Either way, we're in a heap of trouble. As a Reagan Republican, I hope for a return to civility, someday.
This offers such an insightful definition of real hope. We are indeed at a watershed moment that only Love can transcend through the exercise of hope that operates blind to outward appearances or what the odds may predict. What resonates the most for me is that "we have the capacity" to ignore Love's presence--to choose blindness instead. Choice. Free will. Millions have apparently chosen blindness as fascism waits in the wings. I am disheartened and puzzled, but Love and Hope sound like good companions in the slog ahead to see what tomorrow brings. And not just Wednesday.
This is both comforting and inspirational, Noel. Good to hear from my old friend. Writing a book? I'd sure like to read it when it happens. so many lovely memories!
In spite of the Felon-Elect & his peculiar Cabinet choices, I believe 2025 will be a good year.
Love indeed!
The 2nd random song I heard after finding out the election results just about knocked me over with its poignant lyrics. It was about a person who saw things romantically and idealistically at one point in life, but then became more hardened and cynical with age. And upon this reflection, realized that both perspectives were right and both perspectives were wrong. It was all just one big mystery—not so much unknowable, but rather endlessly knowable.
To paraphrase some of the lyrics:
Old friends are acting strange, they say I’ve changed.
Well, something’s lost but something’s gained in living every day.
I’ve looked at life from both sides now, from win and lose, give and take, up and down.
And after all this, I really don’t know life at all.
It brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful God is to point me to such a humble contemplation, backed by such a consoling melodic progression. I felt the song peel away my anxieties and hostilities. It softened my heart. Some of us can’t grasp the Great Wonderful Mystery yet because we’ve just seen one narrow side of it. We're all so scared, and we continue to view life/politics/religion through whatever filter calms our fears.
Well, that’s a start toward patience and compassion for me, at least. And, like Havel said, hope.
Things will get worse before they get better whether or not the POTUS-elect is the Bible’s Antichrist or America’s political savior with a small “s.”
But when things do get better, it will be GLORIOUS . . . which it will remain forever!
Keep the “faith, hope, and love,” Bro, of which, and I know you know, the greatest is LOVE! 🙏🏻✝️❤️
we will not be defeated
Noel, I started to comment on the beautiful and so inspiring words of Going Forward but had trouble with my phone. In typical fashion I am not getting back to it till now and I am still reeling from the disappointment and fear the election produced. I am more confused and angered at those who think so little of this country we inhabit, as to elect a man who is anything but of the people. John Pavlovitz covered my feeling this day when he said, "Kamala Harris didn't lose, America did". We will move forward as we always have in the face of troubled times with and for the LOVE of it all. Dave Anderson
You don’t get to heaven by hating the devil, you get there by loving your neighbor.
Thank you for your comforting words. I’m very sad right now. And I don’t understand what God is doing. Nevertheless, I still trust him. I don’t expect to enjoy the next 4 years (or more), but I will rejoice in the Lord.
Thank you for these wise words.
I am confident my words are not as elegant or extensive as the article written. First, let me acknowledge God does not have political preferences and in these long journey eyes He is still in control. I have seen God work thru even the greatest of sinners(Paul for example) to bring people to relationship with Him. What is happening thru social media is taking photos and demonizing and weaponizing the picture to incite something other than its intention. I have many times raised my arms to pray over or commision a person or group to do God's work. So, for this family we are going to pray and let God do his thing.
In our house we voted for neither candidate. There is, in my view, no lesser than 2 evils. Either way, we're in a heap of trouble. As a Reagan Republican, I hope for a return to civility, someday.