The Color of Global Anxiety

“To hear the phrase "our only hope"

always makes one anxious,

because it means that if the only hope doesn't work,

there is nothing left.” 

(Lemony Snicket, The Blank Book)

I recall an episode of "The Waltons" TV series in which the family is gathered around their old tube radio, listening through crackly reception to a news broadcast. The reporter was relaying events from Europe - news about the gathering storm of WWII. The family, and indeed the whole country were awash in a wave of anxiety in response to the unfolding events so far from home.

It is an image that is crawling into reality as we in North America follow (albeit through much less crackly news feeds) media reports about the war in Syria and the actions of ISIS. With dozens of countries claiming a stake in this conflict, it is no exaggeration to consider this a global conflict. As such, there is a growing apprehension and anxiety, as revealed through social media, in Canada and the U.S. about the outcome of this war.

“Life is ten percent what you experience,

and ninety percent how you respond to it.” 

(Dorothy M. Neddermeyer)

So how shall we respond to the this generation's growing storm? We fear that the conflict will continue to escalate, that the terrorists will dig their heals in within our borders, and that life in our own towns and cities will be unsettled, or worse, threatened. Well, Dorothy Neddermeyer may hold a key in her thoughts above. We might not be able to directly change the unfolding events in the Middle East, however, we can change how we react to them.

I'm not saying we shouldn't worry - it seems to be an intrinsic part of the human experience. However, it need not be the destination of our energies, but more of a meandering from the path. In the face of horrific events, when confronted with uncertainties, who do we want to be? Why not be our best? Instead of languishing in fear and doubt, why not shine brightly in the knowledge that we have been created to be world changers, healers, peace builders? As Jane Goodall states, "we all make a difference... what kind of difference do we want to make?"

The fight may come to our door, and if it does we must respond as necessary. But even then, we shall not forget who we are - children of Love and Light, created for peace, for life, and joy. In this day stand tall in the knowledge that tyranny will never have the last word. Every despot of history has fallen, and women and men of integrity have stood over their graves. 

Employ the tools of extreme forgiveness, of unrelenting compassion, and the peace that passes all understanding as you and your family gather around the radio this day. Love, in and through us, is infinitely more powerful than the conflicts of our world.

I leave the last word to the Apostle Paul:

"Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything, by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

(Philippians 4.6-7)

The color of global anxiety...

but a speck of cloud obscuring the sunshine.

facing east

I saw only

the darkness of night

facing west

the sky was awash

with brilliant

crimson hues

of the setting

sun

darkness or light

simply

a change

in

perception

Breathe

Laugh

Pray

To Ponder Further:

- From the Bible: "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!" (Luke 12:24)

- From African Traditional: "Whoever wants to do some evil against another does not remember God. (African Traditional Religions. Proverb)

- From Taoism: "He who does not clearly understand Heaven will not be pure in virtue. He who has not mastered the Way will find himself without any acceptable path of approach. He who does not understand the Way is pitiable indeed!" (Chuang Tzu 11)