Speaking of Spirit

Why is it that we find contentment to be so elusive? Why can't we simply be happy?  I believe that much of this feeling of discontentment comes from the media. The world of advertisement keeps us all in a constant state of want. Consider the copy in these ads: "The joy of winning." "Things go better with C..." "Smart way to go places." Without even knowing what is being sold, you can come to the conclusion that if you purchase whatever is being sold, you win; things will be better; and, you will achieve your goals.  No wonder being content is so difficult!  Now, add to the copy photos of smiling couples, sexy bodies and images of wealth and privilege. What you end up with is a formula for keeping the public wanting more, constantly. Let's face it, the job of advertisers is to sell. How do they get people to buy product? By seducing the public into thinking they need whatever it is that is for sale. The truth is, we don't "n...

Photo (c) 2017 L. M. R. Neas "Faith sustains us in the hour when reason tells us that we can not continue, that the whole of our whole lives is without meaning... Faith and reason are the shoes on your feet.  You can travel further with both than you can with just one... That's all that faith requires. That we surrender ourselves to the possibility of hope. For that I'm content." J. Michael Straczynski - Writer, Producer  Consistently, I am amazed at what speaks to me, what brings me inspiration, and/or what brings me peace, after I have asked the Divine one of those "big" questions. Recently, distraught over the world situation coupled with requests from loved ones to pray for those suffering from pain and abuse or for those grieving, I wondered how do we keep going.  More correctly, I asked, "How do we maintain our faith when faced with so much evil, hate and despair?" As a minister, I know Sacred Scripture holds many answers to our ...