This nation recently celebrated the Fourth of July. The holiday serves another purpose beyond a license to blow things up: this has been the day when Americans stop and remember the freedoms we have as a people.
I’ve been frequently told that December is the No. 1 month on average for suicides in the United States. It turns out that’s an urban legend and December ranks lower than many months, possibly because those considering self-inflicted injury wish to make it through one more holiday and avoid disrupting the season for family members.
There was a quotation which had an enormous impact upon me. Having said that, I should qualify it by admitting I don’t recall its original author, nor am I completely convinced I’m repeating it precisely as I received it. Nevertheless, the quote went something like this: “I will hear you, though I might be changed.”
The most terrible force in the world may not be terrorist bombs or the nuclear weapons of North Korea or massive armies prepared for war. An argument can be made that the most sinister and deadly power in existence is righteous anger.
Adiaphora. It’s a word unfamiliar to most of us. In fact, you won’t find it in many dictionaries. Nevertheless, it’s a term which might serve us well.
I was running late, so I quickly walked past the front desk of the dining establishment where I was to meet a member of the congregation. Immediately the hostess came running after me, “Sir. Sir.” She sounded quite alarmed, so I turned to determine the cause of her concern.
