It's the End of the World as We Know It.....and I Feel Fine!

I am an unapologetic believer in all things good.  I believe that the world was created by an extraordinary being.  I believe that good and bad things happen to us and around us for a reason.  I believe that mankind is inherently good, but we are capable of creating chaos and purposeful evil.

The beheading of innocent journalists, the kidnapping of young girls to marry off in the name of an incomprehensible religion, the downing of aircraft filled with unsuspecting passengers, inner city wars and attacks on the defenseless – pure evil.  Whether we like it or not, malevolence exists in this world.

Within our own borders we have a dysfunctional national government that would rather gridlock on principal than compromise for the good of the nation.  Our most recent election has given power to one party while the Commander in Chief is of the opposite.  The next two years do not look promising if congress is to get things done for the good of its citizens.  School shootings are on the rise.  Innocent child are targeted for reason only known by the perpetrator, who inevitably take their own lives when the damage is done.  We argue about the pros and cons of gun control; both with compelling reasons to support or not support the issues.  The legalization of marijuana, the growing concern to protect our borders, the heightened awareness of commutable deceases crossing over into our country; each of these beg the question – is society truly deteriorating right in front of us?

Debate for the sake of discussion must have two sides.  If we acknowledge that evil in our world does exist and that society appears to be tearing itself apart, we must also recognize that there is still plenty of good in this world and across our land.

Internationally, doctors, nurses and health care professionals enter into the most impoverished parts of the world to provide medical aid and comfort to the sick and infirm.  National and international organizations pool resources together to help others during natural disasters.  A police officer on patrol stops to provide a homeless man with a new pair of shoes and some cleans socks, walking him into a shoe store and paying for it out of his own pocket.  Social media websites highlight acts of generosity and kindness – The Ice Bucket Challenge, Breast Cancer Awareness events, animal rescue opportunities, and on and on – good still exists in this world.

All of this begs the question – Is it the end of the world?  Are we nearing self destruction or The Rapture?  Some would argue with me that yes, we are all heading towards Armageddon, but I disagree.  Sure, there is evil in this world.  Evil is now visible to us twenty four hours a day, thanks in large part to on-line access and expanding news outlets; but so is good.  It depends on where you’re looking.  My belief is that destruction of this world will not occur until ever last being has had the opportunity to hear the good news of the creator.  With all the evil in today’s world, there are far too many good people left with a purpose for doing the right thing.  What about you?  What are you doing to preserve this wonderfully created world in which we were all given the gift to live in?

A Common Man