The Mask

Never give up; you never know until you try.

This poem, by Paul Lawrence Dunbar, was published in1896.

"We Wear the Mask"

We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes, -
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.

Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.

We smile, but O Great Christ, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream otherwise,
We wear the mask.

 

I see it every day.  So does God.  Take heart, dear ones.  So does God, and He cares.  I'm so glad I don't have to wear the mask with Him.

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Preparation

Never give up; you never know until you try.

Thanksgiving Day is November 22 here in the U.S.  Many of us are planning big gatherings with family and friends.  Others are going away for a break from it all.  Some are facing just another day of poverty and loneliness and feel as if they have little to be thankful for.

It's easy to get caught up in our own lives and overlook those around us who need help.  Regardless of our situations, we have a lot to be grateful for; there are people all around who are much worse off than we are.  I hope we'll all remember those suffering ones, often "invisible" and suffering in silence, and do what we can to alleviate their suffering.  It doesn't have to be a grand gesture or require a lot of money.  It can be as simple as inviting someone to join us for a meal or taking them a plate of food or even just checking in with them by phone to let them know we care.

God has been good to us all.  Please pass that goodness on this Thanksgiving.  Henry Van Dyke said, "Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received.  Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling.  Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse."

My Two Cents Worth of Political Advice

Never give up; you never know until you try.

The American elections are over, with the usual result:  some people are happy, and some aren't.  My opinion of the matter is . . .

1. If "your" candidate won, be a gracious "winner."
2. If "your" candidate lost, be a gracious "loser."
3. Results notwithstanding, participate in the process by staying informed and making your voice heard on an ongoing basis, not just at election time.
4. Appreciate the freedom we have to participate in the process.

Have a great rest of the week, everyone!

Christian Post Ahead: No, I'm Not Bashing Halloween

Never give up; you never know until you try.

Many people observe Halloween activities on October 31.  Some enjoy dressing up and going to parties and maybe pigging out on the candy they collect while "trick or treating."  Still others, unfortunately, enjoy vandalizing property or terrorizing innocent people.

We Christians believe that Satan enjoys terrorizing people.  He hates God, so he obviously hates God's people and tries to hurt us any way he can.  To that end, he seems to love using scare tactics.  He's the master of tricks.  It's easy to fall victim to fear and worry, but God wants us to be free of worry, doubt, fear, and all Satan's other goodies in his little treat bag.

Happy Halloween, everyone, and don't let Satan lie to you and trick you into worrying.  God's "treats" of contentment, security, provision, and love are there for the taking.

Take Care of You

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I'm "under the weather" this week, so I'm taking it easy to recover.  See you next week.

Do It!

Never give up; you never know until you try.

James 1:22 tells us to be doers and not just hearers.  I've written on this subject before, but I think it bears repeating.  Many times, we know what we should do; people point out to us reasons why we should take a certain course; what we should do is glaringly obvious.  Yet we fail to put into action the very steps we should be taking.  To further our education.  To land a job.  To find a mate. 

Today, if you hear seemingly everyone telling you the same thing, and you find yourself saying, "I know; I know." when they say it, maybe it's time you stop just hearing the words and start acting on them.

Domestic Violence/Abuse

Never give up; you never know until you try.

October is Domestic Violence Month in the U.S.  Domestic violence cuts across all areas: heterosexual, lgbt, rich, poor, black, white, and everything else.  Help is available for the abuser and his or her victims.  The first step is admitting there is a problem.

Check out the following for more information.

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm#signs