The Wake Up Series as a series of articles presenting real and hypothetical considerations. Yes, when joy has left your being you are in effect dead to the world. Oh, yes you could physically be here, you could be going through all the motions of life, you could be trying to survive, or searching for change. Many call that depression and in fact it is of epidemic proportions in the world today.
What are the causes of this when so many, billions profess a belief in a divine being? A being they call Father, a being that is said to Love us as His children. Well herein lies the problem for humans, at least for those who think in logical human terms.
The trap is that we equate Gods love to our love of our children and in doing so we cannot ever accept the trials that are sent to them and us by a God we perceive and are told is Love. It is beyond human reason that a loving father would bring harm upon his children. That punishment may be appropriate, certainly, but not that which is so destructive it destroys the heart and spirit, or it is so overwhelming. So overwhelming that even one of His saints doubted.
So we have one aspect that brings upon us depression. We pray to God our Father for help and relief and we receive no answer, at least in our human terms to what we expected. We are told that God answers all prayer but not necessarily in the way we expect Him to? What does that do to ease our pain?
We now look at the world, with all of its corruption and the many ills people foster upon one another. Many are used, abused, exploited and then discarded and many times by the very people we look up to or who profess the same ideals. We do not see, nor do we receive the brotherhood or love of neighbor we all are taught we should be and have and give to each other.
Yes, like the pastor who alleged to have asked a family struggling with children who were born with aids to leave his church. Just what damage did that person do to this family and especially these children taught about a loving God? Where will he be in eternity?
No, we have relationships, one-night stands, broken marriages, adultery, fornication, lies, deceit and all of the associated ills. Long lasting relationships are a thing of history, slowly going the way of the grave with those who carried their love for many years with the a person who cared and wanted to share with them their very being and life. Their dreams, their sorrows and their help got them through the storms of life. Many today have relationships. That is they share for a period of time, they live together but hey have no lasting bonds. They can leave the relationship at will and for no other reason then the going got tough.
Economically and in many other ways it is not conducive to do so. Perspective, views and opinion do not look on marriage as something necessary anymore. Earning power, low wages and the demands of society and the workplace do not make it easy to enter marriage. Because salaries are so low many couples, while wanting a lasting union, find they cannot get help unless they remain single. What a sham on those who say they help.
So what we have left are people with hollow shells. Like the Easter Bunny they may look great on the outside but are hollow on the inside. The bling they surround themselves with is an empty lie. It hides the deep hurts within and in reality the insecurity and depression that surrounds them. On the outside all is well and on the inside the turmoil. They seek attention and acceptance in any way they can negative or positive with negative the more readily available. There is always someone to help drag you down. But it seems few to lift you up.
Yes, here are many wondering how they will pay the rent, where will their job in a year or so, how they can feed and cloth their children, how will they pay for that health bill or operation, how will they be able to retire, what if they cant pay their taxes or homeowners insurance and on and on and on. They are found alone, in their rooms, the door locked, and the bottle by their side. Yes, they have a phone that never rings or an empty mailbox filled with past due bills.
Then there are the others looking for a companion, someone to share their life with, so hungry they grasp at anyone only to be deceived and used. Of course the greedy and exploiters who destroy and ruin them while counting their profits bring untold problems and death to all sorts to people. Yes, even God who fails to respond on this earthly plain to the prayers and hopes of people. They must look to the end and a new life and all the while hope for help on this plain.
Yes, the causes are well known but the answers few to none. Oh yes they are there but they will, unfortunately never come in my opinion to fruition because those who create the environment that are the root causes of the death of many just do not care to change.
So, how can we as a people of faith change that? Well in my opinion it is multiple in nature. Take control as best you can. Seek people who love and care and these you will know by their signs and symbols. They will give more then you can ever give to them. Extend the helping hand, open the doors, and assist people to get back on their feet, open the doors socially if you can. Also, accept in faith that while you may pray to God whatever you are undergoing just may be part of a bigger plan for you.
That it does not mean God has forsaken you but that your suffering may be part of something you do not see or understand now.
In fact Jesus Himself stated that the scourging will start with His own house first. Meaning that before any of the real sinners and unbelievers undergo the trial believers will. Of course we should never forget that trials will always be with us. That does not help our pain, our loneliness our sorrow immediately but it is the only thing people of faith have to answer why no answer to prayer now? That this little bit of time we suffer is nothing compared to the hope we seek. So, we must as they say in the faith, persevere. Simple, well in my opinion it is not easy to do without caring people in your life to light you up and tell you how important you really are.
So, here is some advice. Look around and find those things that bring joy, happiness, peace into your being. Don't look for the negatives or those who are only focused on the world and what the world has to offer. That is not where true peace and real life lies. But look for those things that make you laugh, grow in intellect, advance in knowledge or work. Finally seek professional help where and when you can. Ask the professionals while always understanding they themselves may be undergoing the same trials as you.
Yes, there is no easy answer to a solution. The real answer is to get joy back into your heart and soul. Step one belongs to you and you only. You can wallow in the death or you can be born again out of it.
Finally I and many have sorrows and weights but I try each day to rise up past them. It is not easy but I must for the sake of my love ones and others. Whatever God will send my way I must learn to deal with. The prayers of others I will accept freely but I cannot allow myself to fall into the gloom and the death that leads to the real darkness if those desires are not answered when and in the manner I want.
So, as I stated in another article and I say again here and as a good friend of mine once said, Melaccio, get up off the floor and get moving. Hard and to the point but good loving advice!
God Bless my friends and best wishes.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright 2007, ©, Copyright 2007 Robert Melaccio Sr.
