Violence in high schools

Today's editorial is going to be comprised of several thoughts of mine that, taken singly, would not be enough for a complete editorial, but combined, we can have enough "mini lessons" that will fill our allotted space and provide you with several thoughts to consider.

First - we've been experiencing some recent acts of violence in our local high schools lately and our local school authorities and editorial commentators have been concerned about where this violence comes from. Well, I've got a little information for them, violence has been a part of man's existence in this world since the very beginning.

It's all around us and always has been throughout man's history. It's nothing new. You need look no further than the written record or just about any form of literature to see that violence is a fact of life. The Bible itself is replete with the acts of violence showing how people treat others. It's central message, the death of God's Son, our Savior, was brought about by the violent acts surrounding His crucifixion.

Shakespeare's writings are full of violence and tragedy. Even fairy tales depict acts of violence. And, I don't think we have to even discuss what's shown in our theaters and on our televisions. But, we have to accept the fact that violence is a part of this world whether we like it or not. And, I'm relatively sure that Christians do not like it.

There's a segment of our society that abhors violence to the degree that they want no mention or reporting of it. Just ignore it and pretend that it doesn't happen. That's not a realistic point of view. Don't glamorize it as do many of today's movies, but it does happen and we should be made aware of it and can thereby take precautions to avoid it or not be caught up in it.

And lastly on this thought, those who have the opinion that violence should never be reported fail to realize that they live in a country where they have the freedom to express that opinion because others were (and are) willing to fight (read - be violent) for that freedom. That includes our military forces who are trained and willing to use violence for freedom's sake, and those who patrol our streets at night who sometimes have to use violence in order to combat it.

Second thought. This little saying caused me to think about how things that are part of our world have a tendency to carry over into religion. Specifically, a common aspect seen in "retirement packages." "IN REGARDS TO THE JUDGMENT, GOD JUDGES OUR FAITH WHEN OUR BODIES DIE. HE WILL NOT CONSIDER OUR TOP 3 FAITHFUL YEARS."

Third thought. In the 7^th chapter of Matthew, in the sermon on the mount, Christ talked about the "two ways" (Verses 13-14). You know, the one way that led to "destruction" and the other way that led to "life." I happened across something said by a famous author the other day that caused me to think about those verses.

The author is Louis L'Amour, primarily known as a writer of "westerns" but actually wrote about a lot of subjects and was also a poet. This statement by him was not from one of his novels, but rather from a book he wrote about his life and the things he learned from his vast travels. He said: "Too often, the way taken is the wrong way, with too much emphasis on what we want to have, rather than what we wish to become." Amen!

Last thought. I was looking through my "files," which is a nice way of describing the folders, boxes, drawers, notebooks and numerous piles of papers wherein I "file" things that I may someday wish to use editorially-wise. To think of this as a "system" would be giving it far too much credit.

Anyway, I did not find the piece of "inspiration" which I was seeking, but I did unearth something that has lain dormant for lo these many years. So, even though I included this in an editorial a long time ago, I thought that many of you may not have seen it, or if you recall it, you might like to reconsider it. It's a beautiful prayer penned by an anonymous Confederate soldier during the Civil War.

                   "I asked God for strength that I might achieve.

                    And I was made weak that I might humbly learn to obey.

                    And I asked for help that I might do greater things.

                    And I was given infirmity that I might do 'greater things.'

                    And I asked for riches that I might be happy.

                    And I was given poverty that I might be wise.

                    I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.

                    And I was given a beautiful life that I might enjoy all things.

                    I received nothing that I asked for, but got everything that

                    I had ever hoped for. Despite myself, all my prayers were

                    answered. I am, among all men, most richly blessed."

Ron Covey