Finding Peace, While Enduring Calamity Around Me!

I'm extremely frustrated with the current political situation. It feels like there's a lot of blame-shifting and childishness, and I wish everyone would focus on what’s truly in the best interest of all Americans, regardless of party. It’s frustrating to see figures like “Choir Boy” Mike Johnson seeming to shield “Big Baby” and wrongdoers rather than addressing the real issues. The media often hesitates to criticize certain leaders and appears to accept risky, lawless actions, which is disheartening. There’s also a significant amount of dishonesty emanating from the Federal Government, the Department of Justice, and even the Supreme Court, which often covers up misinformation and deceit. It’s really disappointing to see how some politicians claim they care about veterans, the elderly, and the less fortunate, but their actions tell a different story. None of these men and women in important roles would choose to work without pay, especially considering the dedication federal workers have shown over the past two months.

 

No wonder people are angry, frustrated, and depressed. What can they expect good from this Congress and Administration? They set out from the outset to cause harm to this country. There was no intention to pass any laws benefiting the working class. Families are going hungry and homeless, and people are living off pennies a month to survive, while the richer get richer. We all know that the Party of Big Baby will not keep their promises about affordable care and work together with others.

 

I chose to stay home this Veterans’ Day, reflecting on the complex feelings involved. I felt a sense of betrayal and decided not to accept the free food offered to veterans, especially as many civilians faced losing SNAP Benefits and their federal jobs. It’s a reminder of the many difficult and nuanced issues that people are navigating. My wife and I really enjoy watching classic war movies, such as They Were Expendable, Sgt York, and Ensign Pulver. We also had a great time checking out the local Veterans Day Parade and tuning into the live stream of the New York City Veterans Parade. I was relaxed the whole day! No battling traffic, looking for parking places, standing in lines, or having small conversations.

 

Please try to understand my feelings towards the military, government, or people. There are more wonderful and genuine people than others, I won't name. Somehow, you run across the less thanks every now and then.  I really want to find my inner peace and avoid doing or saying anything I might regret later. Simply not exposing myself just to test my self-worth isn’t enough—what it truly shows is that I am capable of doing it. I need to take this journey to a deeper level, imagining how I would behave if God were present—that’s the real test of whether I am obedient and listening to His voice.

Love Forever!

It’s nothing like a constructive, loving reprimand that comes from someone who genuinely cares about you that makes a lasting imprint on your heart and spirit. It’s like east and west when you get a correction from a colleague or boss. They don’t really care as much about you as they care about the company you work for. Their passion is temporary; a friend or a loved one is permanent. My wife demonstrated that type of eternal passion, passed down through the Holy Spirit.

 

While we're talking about passing things down, let's also remember our loved ones who have passed away—our parents and friends. I’ll always cherish the love our ancestors gave us. Some of their actions seemed rough, but they were driven by love and a wish to shape our future. I think the most important thing to remember is the lessons we learned from them and passed on to their legacy. 

 

During holidays and special achievements, we truly feel their absence the most and wish we could share these precious moments with them. We will always carry them in our hearts, never forgetting them. They are an important part of our lives. Let’s show kindness and respect to one another, especially during this last quarter of the year. Thanksgiving and the birth of Jesus Christ are times for reflection and remembrance, not just commercial celebration.

 

Lord, Please Make Me Whole!

While attending church services, I wondered if I was doing enough to serve God. Setting aside my self-judgment as a sinner, I genuinely thought that He might not notice me. As a hypocrite, I am only fooling myself. I dislike some people’s behavior and tend to stereotype them. Unmercifully and unforgiving, without any understanding of the person, I put them in a box with the rest of those I had labeled as people to distrust. If I don’t like you, I don’t want to be around you. I can’t fake it. Where did my understanding go? What happened to my knowledge of the gifts from the Holy Spirit?

 

Every day, we face struggles that often go unnoticed. The truth is that the enemy targets our most vulnerable feelings—like doubt, fear, and insecurity. It's essential to equip ourselves daily with the power of the Word, protect our faith, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. We also have wonderful resources given to us by the Spirit—wisdom, knowledge, counsel, understanding, courage, piety, and reverence for the Lord. When we embrace these, along with the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control, we can walk the path of life with confidence and hope.

 

My problem is a futile attempt at rushing God. When will the abuse of power by politicians come to an end? It stops the necessary benefits for the survival of all Americans, wages war on immigrants and other countries, creates laws benefiting the wealthy and accepting bribes, protects pedophiles and lawbreakers, and uses religion as a façade. It makes me frustrated, more than angry. Frustrated that the American people aren’t doing anything about it. The illusion of peace deceives us while all the time, politicians are promoting hate and division in their quest to make America great again. It’s disgusting and pathetic. Meanwhile, I’m praying to God to make things right now. In the process, I question whether I have been forgiven of my past sins to be a faithful follower of God.

 

Health insurance rates are rising, which can feel frustrating. It’s understandable to wonder about the agreements that might be behind these increases, especially when families are struggling to make ends meet. Creating more employment opportunities with fair pay could truly make a difference, helping more people find affordable housing and live with dignity. These hopes are close to my heart. I also pray that leaders across communities—clergy, law enforcement, judges, pharmaceutical companies, and immigration officials—seek wise guidance to make thoughtful and compassionate choices.

 

How can I truly connect with the God I serve if I keep pressing Him for the kind of righteous judgment I want, according to my own timing? It's natural to feel uncertain about my faith at times, but I want to grow in confidence and self-worth. I realize that expecting an answer becomes easier when I am striving to be obedient and sincere in my walk with Him. Do I need to face the enemy’s lie that I don’t have enough or that God won’t do anything about it? Or will I believe God’s truth that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living? As always, the choice is mine. I believe in God, not man, and God will meet my needs. Heavenly Father, forgive me for my doubt and lack of faith. Please help me to strengthen it.