A New Year

As the old year draws to a close how do our thoughts
regard the new year that will arrive on January 1st, 2009.?.

In the world, we, no doubt, think first of anguish,
and the turmoil of war.

In our country we think of anguish, too, in the lack of work, the loss of homes, and in the deprivation those losses bring..

Where do each one of us, as well as those in deepest need, find hope? What will the future bring?

Alexander Pope has said "Hope springs eternal in the human breast." Let us dare to hope for a time when all people, wherever they live in the world, will find release from anguish, and from need.

In 1993, at William Clinton's Inaugural, to become the President of the United States, a song, "Be Not Afraid" was part of the service.

I feel the message of "Be not afraid" speaks to us today. The words reassure us that, we, with spiritual help, and our combined effort, can hope to find harmony in the days ahead.

Marylee Manson Armour
December 13, 2008.