I've asked myself that over and over… and the answers are different each and every time. I can't turn on the news because of all the horrendous stories happening in our culture today. There are no reasons… just countless acts of violence and senseless tragedies. People that you don't know, yet… you feel an immediate bond for some reason that you can't explain. The government continues to toy with all of our emotions trying to control our insurance, our military pensions and countless other avenues that I find disgusting.
Life… just seems to be more difficult lately because it's become a depressing place to venture out into… and radiate that inner glow of sunshine that you want surrounding you at all times. Then, there are events that occur… that have no meaning whatsoever and you're left with your faith to pull you through the darkest hour of doubt and despair. Today was one of those days when that doubt and despair hit closer to home. It's always more difficult when it's someone you know… a sudden tragedy that occurs and you have no answers. My heart is breaking for some friends today and I feel helpless. We cannot take away the pain or change the course… all we can do is have faith and trust.
It's days like today when you want to hold your grown children… hear those that love us speak it just a little louder, feel those hugs a lot harder and let the kisses and terms of endearment flow more often. It's a day when we realize how truly blessed and lucky we are in this life… and we should count our blessings each and every day. Why does it take a tragedy to help us see that we should cherish our family and friends and love them with all our hearts.
Sometimes… the world is simply an ugly place… and our job is to survive it. We have to navigate through feelings of loss, anger, frustration, hurt, worry, disbelief, shock to truly appreciate those days when there is happiness, love, laughter and life.
Christmas is upon us.. and it's a season of giving, but most of all, a season of hope. It truly maddens me when corporations bow to the demands of being politically correct. When we allow others to change the way we greet each other during the holidays… we are allowing society to influence our beliefs when we should simply respect the differences. "Merry Christmas" is a greeting that warms my heart each and every time I hear it. When someone says to me.. "Happy Holidays"… I often sit there for a moment, without knowing how to respond and then I realize because it feels cold and uncaring. Why should I feel that way? I don't know. I understand that not every person celebrates the same as I do, but… why should I have to change my beliefs? Why can't they simply be respected…. just as I respected whoever says Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas.
So… for the first time in a very long time… I decided to just be myself and stop worrying about if I was offending anyone. If you say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or whatever… the response from me will be the same -- Merry Christmas and you know what… I feel good when I say it. It makes me smile when the world is ugly with bickering, senseless tragedies and violence. I find that it warms my heart and soul during a time.. when as a country.. we all need it. It reminds me of the song… This Little Light of Mine… I'm Gonna Let it Shine. It brightens my day, my heart and my soul.
We live in troubled times and maybe we should all embrace the #showkindess and #bekind attitude. Maybe we should erase the ugly with a world of yesteryear when times seemed to generate the good i all of us. We should all strive to be better human beings, to love one another and respect each other regardless if we are different. We should all feel comfortable in our own skin… and be able to be who we are… without thinking we've offended somebody for simply being ourselves.
May God Bless each of you during this season of giving. May He fill our hearts with light and joy and renew our spirits with hope, faith and happiness.
Til' next time…
