A new perspective

For those of you who know me, you are likely aware of my generally cynical nature, and somewhat bleak outlook on the state of the US and the world. Maybe it is just residual endorphins from my last weekend (see previous post), but I've suddenly become aware of a tremendous shift in my outlook on life, and particularly in God's plan for the world.

I've generally been highly patriotic (jingoistic?) in my belief that since the turn of the last century, America has been the shining light on the hill. Europe held that position until probably the early 1900's, but regional squabbles and two continental wars, combined with cultural decay and a clear shift away from Christian ideals and outreach, has caused their beacon to diminish.

America, the land of innovation, the land of eminent domain, the land of opportunity, took the torch, and lead the world through the 20th century in into the 21st. Nowhere else were the combined ideals of innovation, freedom, faith, hope, love, brotherhood, and moral direction championed with such fervor, and by an incomparable diversity of race, ethnicity, religious expression, and thought. Even through some of the most trying times of the century - the great depression, the civil rights struggles, Vietnam, stagflation, the cold war - America always came through, and our particular brand of democracy always seemed to win out.

But as it states in Ecclesiastes, "there is a season for everything under heaven... A time to tear down and a time to build." And my view is that the time for tearing down is approaching for America, much like it already has come for Europe. Our government has become largely separated from its people. The people themselves are losing their faith, love and hope, and are isolating from one another. Our moral and spiritual compass is wavering, and we are rapidly losing our way in our leadership of the world.

And to make matters worse, there is no "next" America to take the torch this time. Europe is still stumbling. China has the strength, but are not under God and lack the morality for competent world stewardship. India has the resources, but neither the will nor the faith to press forward. The Middle East, Africa, Russia, Southeast Asia - all are too poor in resources and government.

I had been concerned for some time that the world was approaching towards a chasm, with no leadership to steer us away from it. But over the weekend, I learned a number of valuable lessons which have greatly uplifted my spirit.

Even as our institutions may lay crumbling around us, God still works to His benefit through millions of His disciples throughout the world. The short version is that institutions seem to be listing, and government, business, and large portions of society are hyperventilating about our current financial "crisis", which is incidentally making things worse - apologies, as that is off topic and worth a whole different discussion. Yet through all of that, tremendous numbers of individuals and charitable organizations have developed inroads all over the world, and are making monumental progress in enriching and improving the lives of countless people through their love, compassion, and giving of themselves.

I still feel strongly that we are moving towards a time where the American "light on the hill" is beginning to flicker, fade and darken. But in its place, where I previously only saw darkness, I am beginning to see that millions of smaller candles are being lit all over the world to pierce that darkness and to cover the world with their glow.

As it is again late, and I am finding it difficult to concentrate, I urge you to do some research into the work of organizations such as Compassion International, Kiva.org, Campus Crusade for Christ, International School Project, or innumerable other groups that are providing charity, training, resources, support, and service for some of the poorest and worthiest communities in the world. Most importantly, they are providing these communities with a light, and a renewed hope for the future.

And always remember, it doesn't take much for you to provide a little bit of light as well. I hope you find one that calls to you.