Bad, evil, horrible things are happening all around the world. Someone tries to shoot another human being and WHY? People are dying, illnesses are occurring, famine is affecting thousands of people, and violence is transpiring not only in America but around the world. Some might say, “Look at how bad things are!” We could even say that is true, for there is always disappointment, gloom and meanness to be found. But there is also hope. Hebrews 11:1 reads, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” In life good things happen and not so good things, people have good health and others are very sick. Birth occurs and so does death. Life is full of beauty and love that is accented by cruelty and evil. Life is life. We choose to make lemonade, or we choose to feel sorry for our “self” and have the (woe is me) attitude. We choose to be happy, mad, sad, or glad. As believers in God, we have hope—hope for things to come. Through our LORD we have the assurance that God is with us in all things and with God on our side how can we fail? Remember our God is a God of compassion, hope, and mercy. Today, whatever you are going through know that God will give you the strength, courage and yes hope you need to get through the situation you are in. Turn to Him. Pray and pray some more. For our God is there. And when life seems to be horrible, cruel, and mean we must pray together, stand together and trust that God is bigger than the situation at hand. God Bless. Amen.