Winning Words 1/18/13
“What do we live for, if not to make the world less difficult for each other?”  (George Eliot)  The song, “What’s It All About, Alfie?” raises the same question as does today’s quote.  The Parable of the Good Samaritan is an answer to the question, “What does G-d want us to do?”  The parable’s gist is that we are to make life less difficult for those in need.  Today, it becomes a political, as well as a religious question.    ;-)  Jack

 FROM HONEST JOHN:  How can you profess to be a Christian and not think this way?   Yet, a whole branch of American Christianity seems to think that you can.   It mystifies me.////FROM JACK:  I can see that helping others is a basic Christian teaching.  Isn't it also the goal of some humans who don't happen to be Christian?

 FROM WALMART REV:  Trying to do that with a young lady who has multiple problems.  Looking for a recommendation today of a good psychiatrist from a couple of churches I'm acquainted with here in town...she says she is ready to deal with some family history of anxiety attacks, depression and her battle with alcohol...hopefully will carry through...thank you for continued prayers.////FROM JACK:  The parable of the Good Samaritan in action.

 FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  There are people on both sides of the political issue who believe it is our moral duty to help others... it's just made to sound like there is a huge difference between the parties.  But there's no difference about helping people...just different ways to go about it.////FROM JACK:  When someone is in need, my need is to help them.

 FROM MY FLORIST:  I agree completely; than again its the struggle that gives meaning to the experience.  Sort of like the old give a man a fish and eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he'll eat for a life time.  For me I need the pressure of the life to make it meaningful.  I thrive on the challenge that's not to say I won't offer or for that matter accept a helping hand.////FROM JACK:  Coming out of the Great Depression as a child, I think that some of the hardships were growing experiences.  My parents might not have thought that way. 

 FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Right now our play "COUPLINGS" is playing at Hoagland Theatre Center, and on Opening night  last night, it was fun to hear the audience laugh in all the right places...one woman afterward commented, "It was great to come here and laugh and have a good time; to forget your troubles for a few hours".  Made me feel we were doing some good, even with  a bit of drama/comedy!  That of course, is what the Christian life is about...doing good to others . Serving the homeless always brings that home in a big way!!////FROM JACK:  The mind works in a strange way.  As I was reading your words about people laughing...I began to think of these words in Handel's Messiah:  "He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision."