Tag Archives: extinction

Paper or Plastic?

Back in the early 1980’s, the grass roots movement of recycling began.  This influenced groceries stores to give consumers a choice as environmentalists pressured chain stores to avoid cutting down trees.  Instead of double bagging heavy items, customers were encouraged to use plastic over paper.  Today, plastic has prevailed putting news papers on the verge of extinction.

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out, Proverbs 17:14.

Those major news papers that remain are on life support.  Why, you may ask?  Well. earlier in the week, one business apologized to subscribers due to the unfair treatment of Donald Trump during the 2016 Presidential Election.  On the same day, there were 17 negative stories printed demonizing the Donald Trump; none were positive.  Meanwhile, following the Republican National Convention, another paper hired 30 journalists to dig up dirt on Donald Trump.  Perhaps, this may explain why readers are now choosing social media over the print media.

Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! – Proverbs 17:7.

Sooner or later, the American public is going to turn a deaf ear from dishonesty.  It doesn’t take much to discern someone who is real from a phony individual.  Like plastic, these imitations will be exposed.  Unfortunately, when context, the facts and truth is distorted, gossip has turned into reality poisoning the minds of many Americans.  Its sad that many have rejected Donald Trump as president without ever serving a day in office.  Yet, then again if making America great again involves putting paper in the form of cash into people’s pockets, perhaps the narrative will change.  Until then prayer for our future leaders so that give will breath life into a country falling apart.

by Jay Mankus

 

Resting in Hope

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bAbAMXtiPM

Fifty years ago, most families consisted of a husband, wife and children.  In those days, moms stayed at home, taking care of the kids while the father was usually the main bread winner.  Over the last half century, this sight is rare, like a species of animals on the verge of extinction.  Subsequently, adults are now working nights, weekends or two jobs just to keep up with their monthly bills.  The idea of resting in hope is a fantasy for many tired souls.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, Acts 2:26.

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter was filled with peace.  Looking back on the last few months, the hand of God on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection began to make sense.  This clarity boosted the spirits of the disciples.  Despite Jesus’ absence following his ascension into heaven, a metamorphosis was ongoing in the hearts and minds of God’s people.  Peter attributes this reformation due to resting in hope.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all, 2 Thessalonians 3:16.

Stress has an opposite effect on individuals, leading to restless nights.  A by product of stress, worry induces doubt, causing minds to wonder if things will ever improve.  This is where I am from time to time, struggling to remain optimistic.  Nonetheless, when I reach low points in life, I am reminded of the promises in the Bible.  The more I hear and read these words, I begin to rest in hope.

by Jay Mankus

What Did You Expect?

Eleanor Porter’s book Pollyanna was first published in 1912.  Nearly 50 years later, Walt Disney brought this little girl to life in the form of a movie bearing her name.  In a world of pessimism, Pollyanna saw circumstances through rose colored glasses, focusing her attention on the good things in life.

Seventy years wiser, Pollyanna’s are nearing extinction, killed by negativity.  Instead, a new age is dawning, starring, “What did you expect anyway?”  Debbie downers have set fire to optimism, extinguishing hope with self-fulfilling prophecies of failure.  This attitude is breeding a generation of despair, void of expectations.  The blame game, put downs and trash talking are leaving the masses to settle for mediocrity.

To escape this mentality, one must arm themselves with the mind of Christ, 1 Peter 4:1-2.  Sometimes debating others until you are blue in the face is a waste of time.  Rather, rid yourself of negative influences, Colossians 3:8-10, replacing these with the practices of Jesus, Colossians 3:12-15.  Although you won’t have many fans along the way, be doers of the Word, not doubters, Matthew 7:24.  In the end, through thick and thin, you can expect a room in heaven, John 14:2.

by Jay Mankus