Developing Horizons Magazine (2).pdf Winter 2016 | Page 3

From the President’s Desk: Conclusions How many times have we come to those places in our lives when we expect a conclusion or closure of events, circumstances, processes or emotions? As I write this letter at the close of another year, externally it seems the world has gone mad. Listening to the events happening around the world, we learn that terrorist attacks abound, cities and streets are closed, and thousands of refugees created by wars and sectarian violence flee for their lives. We now live in an era of constant fear, anxiety and, in some cases, panic caused mostly by events beyond our control. What adds to our concern is we have a lack of leadership at all levels of society. We fail to confront issues when the prospect of solving or at least controlling them exists. Hesitant to act because of political correctness, we sacrifice our freedoms to placate a few who insist that they are the keepers of all knowledge, morality or ethics. We must act in all situations in a manner consistent with our belief systems instilled in freedoms of religion and democracy enhanced by a defense system capable of protecting both. We must support those that profess and demonstrate the will and ability to ensure that these are always foremost. Our leaders in government at all levels must assume an attitude of servanthood rather than royalty or superiority. We are not indentured to them but to our beliefs guaranteed by our laws. Churches must address issues based on the same laws and support the rights of all while holding true to our Christian foundations. We must now more than ever stand and deliver. We must support and proclaim that the soul of a free society is not in the hands of politicians, but in the hearts of its people. Obviously, we will not see a conclusion to most of these issues in our lifetime. In retrospect, current conditions mirror what was happening in the world at the time of Christ. His answer was to be about His Father’s business with compassion and love. If we know Him, can we respond in any other way. Joe Hale When Christians cease to influence the order of society, that society is left to flounder unprotected amidst the philosophy of the world—Edmund Burke 3