THE BRIGHT SIDE OF HOPELESSNESS
The past two years constitute a collective time of
tempest and trouble in our society and world.
The Coronavirus pandemic has cost the loss of over 819 thousand in America and 4.2 million worldwide. Sadly, that
number is trending upward daily, and many of us have lost scores of family
members, friends, co-workers, professionals and fellow clergy. Just today, I was informed of the premature death
of a wonderful pastoral colleague in South Africa who is years younger than
myself.
Domestically, millions of young students are caught up
in a dangerous vortex of confusion, fear and despair due to the increasing threat of school
violence and the disconcerting social disconnect in the wake of the coronavirus
pandemic. To wit, depression is escalating
at a monumental rate that is totally challenging for mental health
professionals.
Nevertheless, in the middle of such overwhelming obstacles,
there is hope. May I offer ‘Exhibit A,’ the
following true story, as a rational basis for my optimistic belief:
Many years ago a young Midwestern lawyer suffered from
such deep depression that his friends thought it best to keep all knives and
razors out of reach. He seriously questioned
his life’s calling and wondered whether it would be sensible or prudent to
follow it through. During that terribly depressing
time, he wrote, “I am now the most miserable man living. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell.
I have an awful foreboding that I shall
not.” But somehow, from somewhere,
Abraham Lincoln received the encouragement and hope that he so desperately needed. He got back on track and the historic achievements
of his life are remarkable indeed.
My friend, if you or your loved ones are experiencing a
sense of hopelessness or clinical depression, please know that there is no
stigma or shame in pursuing counseling and therapy. Get help, and keep looking up; brighter days
are coming. It’s too soon to quit. Our God has a mysterious and miraculous way
of showing up just on time. He did it
for Abraham Lincoln, and since He loves us all in equal proportions, surely He
will do the same for you. There is
hope. Hang in there…and believe.
Sisters and brothers, be
continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO
MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
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