Right now, I am reminded of a scene from Lord of the Rings. It was a particularly dark scene. Nothing redeeming about it. Just layers of darkness with creatures advancing determining to destroy.

Diane and I do not let these images define us, for all sorts of reasons. We are children of the light and find many moments in the day for hope and joy.

Yet, these images are powerful and they are real.

Wherever I turn, I see brokenness. Seemingly, it’s throughout the day. Weights bearing down upon people who have experienced hope but find it a distant thing right now.

Without difficulty, I could name ten people I know who are suffering right now. Ten good people whose struggles are so strong they are reaching their limits. They are putting one foot in front of the other, trying to make their way through a dark corridor.

We live in the most prosperous times with the greatest advantages in human history. How is this possible?

I know people who are bright and capable yet find themselves cornered. A kind of desperation sets in.

How is all of this not a microcosm of the greater reality?

As I write this, it is dusk. The phone conversations in the past few minutes are little different than they were at dawn with the men’s group.

In the middle of the day, there was some light. A great conversation with my dear cousin and friend. I heard news of reconciliation that brought me tremendous joy. I also heard that another dear friend, the old coot, is recovering well from pneumonia. Which means I don’t have to catch a flight out of town to make sure he follows his doctor’s orders.

I returned to the gym last week after we got back from our trip. Unfortunately, for some reason, my lungs weren’t cooperating and it was a throwback to a few years ago when full breaths were a struggle. All of that was gone today. I felt healthy, thank God. We live in paradise. We love our little home and our dogs and our children and so many people it  makes us wonder how do we deserve to be surrounded with such love?

Daily, I see riots and terror and hate and judgment and the pride and greed that destroys what was intended. Yes, each is justified on whatever merits seem to make sense at the moment. But, of course, each must be condemned. That’s the way it works.

Tonight, I have no answers. Just pleadings for help and direction and the heart and wisdom to navigate the road ahead.

Tomorrow will arrive afresh. The problems will still be there. The suffering and conflict. But, that will ultimately not prevail. Some will agree and attest to the belief that man will figure it all out. I’m sorry. That belief doesn’t hold up to the facts.

As the dark armies march, from within and without, the promise beckons. A light of hope and truth, frequently misunderstood but always available.

God help us.