Thursday, April 30, 2009

More Than We Need to Know

There was a picture on the front page of the Post a few days ago of a little boy in Mexico that some believe may have been among the first to contract the Swine Flu, and therefore initiate what appears to be a world-wide pandemic. The article noted that it was impossible to know with certainty exactly where and within whom the virus first attacked a human being. As I read that disclaimer and then looked again at the picture of the little boy, I could not help but wonder at the disservice done to him by the voyeurism of the American media. As the article continued, the boy's mother lamented the attention being given to her son and the stigma she feared might be placed upon him as a result. "'I don't have words, I don't have answers,' said (the boy's mother) as she cried under a portrait of Jesus in her living room. 'I feel terrible about all of this, because the people are thinking that this was all my son's fault. I don't think it is anyone's fault.'"{Washington Post, April 29, Sec. A1} This story is a tragic reminder of the disservice done to others when they are exploited by stories based on partial or unproven facts. It is shameful in a Mexican village thousands of miles away and it is shameful in the stories we often tell or listen to in our own circles of influence. Yes, we need to know important facts about this illness and all that can be done to treat it and prevent its spread. However, this knowledge does not need to come forward through human exploitation and degradation. Your thoughts???

Jim Abernathy

Friday, April 24, 2009

April 24, 2009

This has been a beautiful day, and tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer, perhaps even in the 80's!!! Can summer be far behind??? The changing seasons are but one reminder of the wonder of God's creation. The dark and dreary days of winter are giving way to the glory of spring. I played golf today, and though my score was not what I would have liked, I couldn't be too unhappy, for to spend several hours with friends in the midst of God's greening earth was therapy indeed!

What are you doing to enjoy these days? Some are busy with schedules that have you running nearly every moment...but take a few minutes to step outside, breathe deeply, and look around you. There is more to experience than your calendar. Some of you are struggling with health issues, or with caring for a sick family member. These are difficult days, but look out a window or open an outside door to see and hear how God is at work. Birds, unlike humans, often sign their most beautiful songs in the morning, and sunsets sometimes color our perspectives with new light. Some are hesitant about the future and its uncertainties. But think for a moment as you consider God's beautiful world around you...if God could create such wonders, including yourself, shouldn't you trust that creation, including yourself, into God's hands?

I hope my golf game will get better as the year progresses, but who knows. The wonder of all that God has made, however, will continue to bless and inspire, regardless of my limitations.

So, enjoy all that God has made and take a moment to let me know what you are enjoying about God's creation during these blessed days of spring.

Pastor Jim