The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

The world is full of unimaginable hardships, many which we will never experience. The list is long, both directly and indirectly. Hurtfulness has no favorites.

But, a world of hurt cannot stifle the goodness that resides in others. We see it daily in kindnesses offered, the willingness to lighten loads of friends and neighbors and in the overwhelming generosities that come in unexpected moments from unexpected places. Hopefulness has no limitations.

Loneliness in our culture is rampant and destructive, in spite of how many people we friend or engage or claim. The reasons are complex, at times confusing. How can we be surrounded by people daily and feel utterly alone?

But, real relationships can and do exist, ones which are deep and full and genuine. Social media, in its many forms is not controlling as to the types of relationships that are possible. We are. It is up to us to be smart consumers of media. It is within our control if we choose.

Representative government appears to be a distant ideal, with roadblocks and twists and turns in every direction. Mere recitation of that ideal is hollow and unsatisfying. Asking questions of our 435-member House and 100-member Senate is at the core of returning value to the republic and not being droll in the process. It is nothing to be taken lightly.

But there are also many shining examples among us upholding ideals of the highest order, ones that have a basis far from the willful ignorance and hate that is so common in our lives and in our culture. This is real life in real time, which means there are things that could use our attention and our wisdom, now.

Churches and church memberships are eroding at alarming rates. The numbers are vexing and without long-term solutions. Some blame parents and lack of family unity. Others note it is reflective of our declining (read ‘Roman’) civilization. Still others look to the lack of relevancy of church in their lives. What have we done for each other lately? It is a question that begs attention.

Looking at life from different directions not only confuses but challenges our foundational base, something that can inspire fear and uncertainty in the wrong place and in the wrong moment. That is more normal than we imagine, something that can drag us down in a second’s notice.

But that is more normal than not as we look at past generations that also struggled with generational callings. We do the best that we can do, hopeful of the ability of new generations to rise above themselves for the betterment of friends and enemies alike.

What the church can and does offer is the opportunity to examine life from new angles and perspectives. We need not embody perfection or Pollyanna solutions. Historically, those promises left town long ago. What church offers best is alternative teachings and examples of Christ who was good at asking questions in response to questions. The Beatitudes represent a fine starting point, an opening that is difficult to ignore because of their relevancy even today. The “blessed are they” or “happy are they” openings of Jesus’ purported words are countered with an alternate view, another way of living that is worth considering.