Lady's Monthly Column.........

Accentuate the positive: beyond the media

If we desire hope, happiness and contentment, weshould consider limiting our media intake.A small dose of the media theatrics convinces us that,at the least, our world is filled with idiots(pictures for proof), and at the most, we are doomed-- as a nation, as a world.It's enough to make us restless night and day.These are trying times. As a nation, we are anxious.We are at war. We have a major election.We ask questions that have bitterly divisive answers.Chaos abounds. Or -- so we're told.In the wings of our enormous world stage, out of thespotlight and in the quietness of personal lives, I'mprivileged to witness laughter, bravery anddetermination.Most folks live their lives with underlying strengths:• The daughter who willingly left her home and abetter-paying job in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex,to move in with her ailing mother, giving comfort andcare -- the strength in commitment.• The church family that gathers round, lovinglyholding the new baby who, unexpectedly, was born withdisabilities; the road the parents expected and theone for which they prepared won't be the one theytravel, but theirs will be a safe arrival. An entirebody of sojourners will travel with them -- thestrength in numbers.• The men and women who visit the nearby prison,bringing friendship, wisdom and encouragement to thosewho are incarcerated -- the strength in hope.• The husband who takes a second job, without whining,to care for the needs of his family -- the strength inresponsibility.• The teacher who imparts information and the studentswho grasp it, making it their own -- the strength inknowledge.• The mommy who snuggles and reads with her littleones at bedtime, despite being bone-tired -- thestrength in routine.• Volunteers who, in countless numbers, providenecessary goods for those in need, as well as improvequality of life for all of us -- the strength inservice.• The woman, unable to get out and about herself, usesher skill of writing, sending letters to those whocherish them -- the strength in encouragement.• The family running with the "cussed" wind of late,as it lifts their brightly colored kite higher andhigher among the whoops of the children far below --the strength in joy.• The retired preacher, whose strong voice once filledone of the largest churches in town, continues to walkhand in hand with his wife of 62 years as togetherthey continue to walk hand in hand with God -- thestrength in faith.The list goes on and on.Let's not believe, not for one moment, the voices thatsay there is no more love or character.Serious issues encompass our world, but let's look andlisten with discernment. We can see and hear forourselves.It's tempting to accept the opinions of those whospeak with authority, easy to doubt our personalinfluence in the whole scheme of things.Author Phillip Brooks believed differently; he wrote,"No man or woman can really be strong, gentle, pureand good without the world being better for it."At the least, and at the most, we can be a solutionfor the world in which we live, individually andcollectively.Perhaps we are stronger, bolder and more resilientthan we are being told we are ... by those who don'tknow us.Betty Davis is a freelance writer in Abilene andregular columnist. She is a former Abilene publicschool board president.