Focus

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

-Philippians 4:8 (New International Version, ©2010)



Photo by Gene Sasse



The word that captures the stillness of a single tree silhouetted in winter's nakedness against a striated sky: stunning.

 

Many years ago a reporter for the Los Angeles Times told me that unless I picketed en masse, my opinion did not matter to the press. Anger and strife are obviously contagious; he probably had a point. One worth- for lack of a better word- fighting.

 

Helping to serve Passover dinner to a local Jewish congregation as a teenager brought the wisdom of today's passage to life. Hardship and celebration are contrasting threads. Woven together in ritual and ceremony, they are quietly powerful.

 

Conversations centering on a Muslim group using a Yorba Linda facility for a fundraiser brought to consciousness the double edged sword our Republic holds. Our strength is our openness. Our Achilles heal is our openness.

 

Don't look for me on a picket line. Now, if the local synagogue wishes to hold a candlelight vigil or dinner at their facility...Same picture...Different focus. To go where love is served has great appeal.