When The World Is Disheartening
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Hey Friends,
I started to write this as one of my letters that I include in my email but it just kinda grew and became a post for this section of my blog.
If you are even remotely feeling the same thing I am feeling these days, you have noticed how terribly disheartening our world is. I’m not finding myself longing for the days of our founding fathers (although no matter how many times historians re-write history, I still hold to the truth of them being better men than what we turn out today), but I also find myself longing for the character of men just twenty years ago, ten years ago, heck, last year. I miss character, I miss kindness, I miss people knowing that how they acted when they were anonymous is their true selves, I miss honor, manners, integrity, commitment. I miss self sacrifice for the benefit of loved ones. I miss essential value of life. I miss respect. I miss intelligent discussion rather than offense at any opinion that differs from our own. I miss the kind of pride that caused a person to work as hard as he or she could as a matter of principle.
This is the time when members of “the greatest generation” are beginning to pass away. I read a comment the other day that said “My generation is leaving this world and I don’t see anyone stepping up to fill their shoes.” This is so very true, and speaking of shoes…
I miss boot straps. Those things that our country used to pull itself up by. Now it seems all of our boots are decorative and replaced because they go out of style rather than the soles being worn through.
I miss self discipline. Denying yourself things because you knew it would hurt someone dear, and refusing instant gratification for long term better good and more lasting rewards. I miss accountability. People who take responsibility for their own actions rather than placing blame wherever they can make it stick. Folks big enough to say “I messed up. I’m sorry. This is all on me.” People that are made big by their character rather than their forced and calculated outrageousness.
I promise, these things existed in greater number in previous days and still exist today. I just want to stress that in case you start thinking you imagined it or “idealized” it into existence though the lens of nostalgia.
Today I’m listening to Rich Mullins, his album entitled “Songs”, which came out in 1995. It has some of my favorites on it. Awesome God, Sometimes By Step, Creed, If I Stand…
They’re all hitting home for me today. Because I am disheartened with the world and in being so I know that something is right within my soul, and that is not my own self righteousness, but His spirit living within me. Because when I look at this world and I feel the disappointment, pain, injustice of it all, I turn immediately to Him and I know there is a better way. And I see how it can be, should be, and who I am called to be. And when I look around at the world around me and feel like a stranger in a strange land – I know why.
Because this world is not my home and I was never called to settle in and be comfortable in it as if it was my final destination. I am just passing through. But while I am here, I’ve got a job to do, and that job involves being a vessel for His light to shine through. In that respect, I guess the darkness makes my job a little bit easier.
But no matter how dark it gets, when I look to the Son, I’m still blinded by the light of a glorious future.
If I Stand
~Rich Mullins
There’s more that rises in the morning
Than the sun
And more that shines in the night
Than just the moon
It’s more than just this fire here
That keeps me warm
In a shelter that is larger
Than this room
And there’s a loyalty that’s deeper
Than mere sentiments
And a music higher than the songs
That I can sing
The stuff of Earth competes
For the allegiance
I owe only to the giver
Of all good things
So if I stand let me stand on the promise
That you will pull me through
And if I can’t, let me fall on the grace
That first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy
That has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man
Who is longing for his home
There’s more that dances on the prairies
Than the wind
More that pulses in the ocean
Than the tide
There’s a love that is fiercer
Than the love between friends
More gentle than a mother’s
When her baby’s at her side
And there’s a loyalty that’s deeper
Than mere sentiments
And a music higher than the songs
That I can sing
The stuff of Earth competes
For the allegence
I owe only to the Giver
Of all good things
So if I stand let me stand on the promise
That you will pull me through
And if I can’t, let me fall on the grace
That first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy
That has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man
Who is longing for his home
And if I weep let it be as a man
Who is longing for his home
Thank you, I really needed to this message this morning . I agree with everything you said, I feel the same way but didn’t know how to put it into words. I will keep this and read it often because those word give me hope that things will change. It’s good to know that I am not alone with my feelings. God bless you.
Thank you so much for the wise words. I have real trouble finding peace with all the insanity in the world today. Sometimes I fear adding another loud voice to it all but your words and insight were so on target. May we find a way to show Christ in our words and deeds!
Thank you for speaking your heart and soul. As Christians, we know that our life on earth is just a vapor, and then it’s gone. It is good to be reminded of how much we need to be close to Jesus each day, and teach good morals and Bible wisdom to the younger generations. Some days, when the news is just too sad or disheartening, we need inspiration through scripture and song and insight from others to fill our soul and keep us sane. Your wisdom and thoughts are appreciated and needed.
That is one of my favorite songs that Rich did. I heard “hold me Jesus” on the way to work this morning, and it was such a comfort. I have a copy of “The Ragamuffin Gospel” that Rich’s whole band (plus Mitch McVicker) signed, and it’s almost worn out from re-reading. It survived the tornado, along with my favorite Bible. That Bible has survived a flood and now a tornado, and is worse for the wear. But that fact speaks volumes to me- although we have scars from the battles we have fought, those scars are a reminder that God has healed us, over and over again. And this is all temporary. Our job is to wake up, see the mission field that is our day, every day, and be mighty men and women of God.
Oh my goodness, so true!! You have blessed and inspired me with your Bible’s testament!!
Christy, this post has me in tears. You so hit the nail on the head. I’m only 32 and I can attest that in those small amount of years the times have changed vastly and not for the better. I’ve felt this way my whole life and think that’s why I’ve always had my head and heart in another generation. It is so scary and disappointing. I pull back from this era as hard and often as I can. No cable, no news, no facebook, no paper…and yet it still creeps a in and crushes my spirt often. I’m scared to have children because of modern society’s lack of all the things mentioned in your post. My heart hurts and is searching for a spiritual hug from somewhere. For some hope. A glimmer of light? Something to make this place not seem so shady and cold. I focus on love. That’s really the only thing that helps. Any and all suggestions welcomed! Thanks for letting me get that out. ❤️
I know exactly what you mean and I feel your heart in this. I think we just have to keep focused on the fact that we were put here to be a light and that it makes sense for God to put a light in a dark place. He sends encouragement, though, to keep it going. We just have to wake up every day as determined to find joy and hope as some folks are to find things to complain about – and stubbornly stick to our searching for joy and hope in all things. Looking for the blessings in a world where people look for the curses.
Thank You very much for the words that I needed to hear today. I have been feeling the same as you so deeply recently. The world is in such turmoil and morality is non-existent, everything that we say must be “politically correct” or we might upset someone, no love for our fellow men and women, smiles are basically not to be seen. I have lived through several presidents and I am so sad at the way the candidates that are running at the present time are acting. This must all be grieving our Lord so much to think that He created us and has mercy and grace on us and this is the payment He receives in return. May God Bless America Again and bring us all to our knees in honor to Him and in prayer that He will forgive us for what we have done and are doing. Christy, may you continue to hear His voice and do that which He has called you to do.
I just wanted to say thank you, you said what I have been feeling for a while now. We need more of what we seem to be losing every day. Amanda