As I write this inspirational message, I’m reminded that there have been several horrific events that have brought to the attention of many Americans just how perilous times have become.

Recently, bombs were sent to politicians and a media company. Sadly, a gunman murdered 11 Jewish worshipers in a Pittsburgh synagogue.  In Louisville, Ky., two African-Americans were targeted and then killed by a deranged gunman whose mind was fixed on killing African-Americans.  Surveillance video showed that the gunman first tried to get into a predominantly black church presumably to begin his attack there. And on the heels of these horrifying events, 12 individuals were killed in Thousand Oaks, Calif., a city near Los Angeles.   As an American, I grieve for these losses and for the pain that the victims’ families will suffer and I abhor the violence in these senseless acts of terrorism.

As if mad-man terrorism wasn’t enough to cause human suffering, mother nature unleashed devastating fires in California wiping out entire communities. Million-dollar homes and businesses are among the ruins  in the aftermath of the fires. It was reported that more than 65 people have lost their lives and another 123 are still uncounted for.

In years past, we viewed acts of violence, acts of terrorism and nature’s destruction in places other than America, in some other country “over there.” Numerous acts of violence occurred in other parts of the world but very few in America. Americans have not experienced chaos of this magnitude on these “hallowed grounds” since the Civil War when the South fought against the North!

To this end, we all can remember when there was less violence in our society and more thought given to helping each other and not hurting another. When individuals place more value on gaining notoriety by spending millions to slander another, their moral compass is pointed in the wrong direction. Giving less thought to the real needs of people (rich or poor) and focusing more on self-interest hatred is fertile ground for violence and hatred to thrive in any society and on any land.

The phrase “In God We Trust” is written on our currency to remind us who we should have faith in. The bible expresses the need for humanity to seek God first for healing and reads, “If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will heal their land.” God’s words to all humanity are very explicit and promising when they are followed.

Let us pray for our leaders, their safety and let’s look to God for the healing of our land. “God shed his grace on thee.” So Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!

By Chaplain Ghosten

chaplain@lhp.net

Written on the wrapping of a certain candy bar are the words “World’s Finest Chocolate” and just below that “We Fund Communities.” So, I bought three not because it was the world’s finest chocolate, but because the company that makes [...]

There are many reasons I cherish working at LHP. I am passionate about caring for people and my job as Chaplain allows me to assist both employees and residents. I have traveled to many of our properties and met hundreds [...]

Be truthful to yourself is a prerequisite for any sustainable relationship. Truthfulness has been the bedrock between parties from the beginning of time. William Shakespeare writing about truth and honesty in the famous play, Hamlet, wrote, “To thine own self [...]

Our vision is a picture or idea that we have in our mind about something that we wish to happen. It is our mind’s view of an ideal future. It takes passion to motivate us to act upon our vision. [...]