These last few months have been so trying for everyone. I don't think a single person has escaped being affected in one way or another. Divorce, suicide, drug/alcohol abuse, over-eating, etc. has contributed to a sense of loss and many of us don't understand why. Many have lost jobs or businesses which create significant financial stress. Some are even wondering who they are ... identity crisis.

We've gone the range of negative emotions similar to the death of a loved one. We've gone through DENIAL (not believing this could happen in our country), ANGER (much of what I think is because we have no control over the situation), DEPRESSION (due to some of what I mentioned previously). It's really sad that so many people stay stuck in the third emotion of depression.

There is then ACCEPTANCE, yet another place of settling, where folks may think, "I can't change it, I have no control. I'll just wait to see what happens next."

PEOPLE, there is HOPE! As a Christian, I know there is a power greater than myself. When I read that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made," or "made in the image of God," I feel HOPE. And then something happens. I look around and see nature continuing through its cycle of life. I get up with the dawn (most days) and marvel as the sun comes up bringing a NEW day, and I thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed on His people.

I pray daily for the people living in fear in our war-torn cities. I also pray for those who are causing the fear ... there is something truly missing in their hearts.

We need to stop looking at what has happened ... it's done.

Instead, ask ourselves ... Who do we want to become?

What can we CREATE from "what is?"