Is that even possible, as our country falters around us?

If you’re like me, you can’t believe what has happened so far in 2021. The Delta variant, inflation, chaos at the border, product shortages, and so on.  Mostly, my heart is breaking for the innocents left behind in Afghanistan.

As such, I feel compelled to send a quick word of encouragement.

Two Things to Remember:

• We can’t be so busy kvetching about what will happen next that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are, right now, in our own lives. This moment is a blessing, and the only one guaranteed to us.
• We’re to treat all hardship as discipline (Hebrews 12:7), knowing God will work all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
• We can’t control what happens on the world stage, or even the national. But, we can do something locally to help one another.
• Offer a smile, extend a hand, encourage a child, compliment an elder, visit a neighbor, embrace a friend, write a representative, vote wisely, lend a book, post kindly, respect others’ opinions.

Contribute Your Best, in Any Way You Can

I try to give to the world through my books.

I’m not saying I’m a great writer or a clever writer. Yes, I’ve had my moments of winning awards and hitting #1 in sales, but most important to me is that I do it because I love to do it.

Once done, I enjoy giving it to the world to provide others with an escape from reality for a while. If my writing entertains or titillates or makes them feel all warm and fuzzy, then so much the better.

I’m a Christian and I’m a writer. But I’m not a Christian writer. I leave that latter task up to individuals who are more qualified than I.

But, my books are clean. Upbeat. Distinguish between good and evil. Provide both suspense and, I hope, fun. Best: they always provide a happy ending.

If they also prompt occasional sighs or tears or lost sleep for readers, then that’s a bonus as well.

Point is, I try to give my best to the world. God seemed to have given me a knack for stringing words together, so I do it gratefully.

Do Whatever You Feel Led To Do

Winston Churchill believed we “make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

Use whatever talents you have. Give them to the world, if even locally. Try to surround yourself with others who are doing the same.

We don’t like what’s happening on the national stage, but it’s no reason to toss in the towel or call defeat or become the type of negative, discouraged person we see—and don’t like—in others.

I know I too often let others’ foul moods impact me. That’s when I try to remember to be more of a Proverbs 31 woman who “is clothed with strength and dignity” and “can laugh at the days to come.”

Bottom line: Even though the world is in chaos, we can still be at peace because of God’s Spirit within us.

Another Outlet for Dealing with Gloom is Reading!

With books, you can visit new places from the safety and comfort of your home. I wish my passport recorded all the places I’ve traveled in books!

Ashely Black, the self-made millionaire of the Fascia Blaster empire, recently posted: “Reading keeps life flowing and opens up a whole new world… anyone that ever asked me about success in life I tell them that reading is a huge cornerstone.”

Journalist Anna Quindlen says reading is “halfway between life and dreaming.” What a wonderful, brilliant, optimistic place to be when real life or negative news drag you down.

Too, reading gives you insights into new places, thoughts and ideas that you can share with others, and maybe lift their day.

Happy living, my friends!