Particulars and peculiarity

Dear editor:

This past holiday weekend reminded me of days past and tasks yet to be completed. Poets speak in prose, teachers in patterns, politicians in promises, and believers in parables and proverbs. However, my thoughts became centered on particulars and peculiarities.

I find it most peculiar that our youths today are more knowledgeable of rap lyrics, gang signs, video games, commercials and social media, than of their culture, history, God-given gifts, natural resources and scientific phenomena created by environmental and climate changes. I find it most peculiar that few realize that faith can move mountains, love can open doors and trust can inspire the most adamant of nonbelievers. That fellowship is a bond stronger than blood and redemption a gift more blessed than the joy of creation.

I find it most peculiar that Jonah was swallowed by a whale, Daniel placed in the lion's den, David faced Goliath, Moses Pharaoh's army, and Christ the cross, yet, the leaders of today refuse to confront and resolve the problems of hunger, crime, unemployment, drugs, racism and blight in our communities. And we, secure in our homes, praise the Lord and slam the door.

It is the peculiarity of indifference of which I speak. I find it most peculiar that the church, supposedly a hospital for sinners, is looked upon as a hotel for saints, that we raise our heads in anger, but bow our heads in prayer. We close our eyes to injustices, but listen closely to temptation, we walk the path of righteousness, but run the streets of sin, and we praise the love of our savior, but scorn our fellow man. Yet, every man, woman and child who has tasted the forbidden fruit, who has been a part of life rather than a part from it, who has longed for a kind word and a warm heart, who has been touched by the shadow of death, share the peculiarities of faith in particular.

This year, remember, there is no medicine like hope, no incentive as great nor tonic as powerful as the expectation of something better tomorrow. Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles; it takes away today's peace.

As Lena Horne so aptly said, it's not the weight of the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.

Charles Wagner Smith

Hot Springs

Editorial on 01/08/2017

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