A New Year's Message of Hope

[RevCheesehead]

This is for all of you, but especially for those of you who have had a very difficult time this year.

I am very sorry that you have had to endure pain - whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. I wish there were some way that I could take that away from you. However, that pain is YOURS... and you must deal with it in a way that you see fit.
I hope that you can take that pain and make something positive and useful come from it. (For those of you who know it, think of Henri Nouwen's The Wounded Healer.)

I am truly sorry that our nation is so messed up. We are being led by people who don't give a damn about others. They are only looking out for their own interests, and don't care how it affects the lives of ordinary people. They think the bottom line is their bank account.
These people are deluding themselves, because true happiness is not found in the posessions we own. True happiness comes from within, and is created in your heart and soul. I hope that in some way, you are trying to make the world a better place, especially for those who are hurting in very real ways.

For those of you who have been wounded in the name of religion, or worse, in the name of God - my heart is breaking. The God I know is a god of love, tolerance, and acceptance. And the Jesus I know would look at those people who preach hatred and tell them he doesn't know them.
I promise I won't preach at you, or prostheletize. But please know that there are many of us Liberal, Moderate, and even Conservative Christians who know that this kind of message is wrong. We are trying as hard as we can, and I hope you can be patient with us, as we try to make our voices heard. For those who have become disillusioned, I hope that you will keep looking, and find a place of worship that will enrich your life, and give you hope. For those who do not believe, I simply wish you peace.

To those of you who are alone, I understand. I am alone, I live alone, but I am not lonely. My life is full, as I have found that simply being willing to open up to others enriches me in ways I cannot fully explain. To those of you who are in committed relationships, I sincerely wish nothing but the best for you. And for those of you who are enduring a life of loneliness within that relationship, I hope that you can find peace and contentment.
One of the things I have learned over the years is that nobody else in the world can make me feel, do, or be anything. My hope is that no matter what your status is in life, that you will be able to find and create your own happiness. And if you need help along the way (hey, who doesn't??), do yourself a favor, and seek out a good counselor.

There IS hope in this world, but to find it, we must actively seek it. My New Year's wish for you is that you will continue to seek out goodness, truth, wisdom, peace, patience, and love.

[xmas74]

1. Thank you.

I needed that.

[RevCheesehead]

18. I think we all do, xmas.

:hug: for a good start to the new year.

[RetroLounge]

2. .

:hug: :cry:

RL

[RevCheesehead]

4. I'll be up for a while.

Call me if you wish. :hug:

[bigwillq]

3. Very good post.

:hi:

[RevCheesehead]

20. thanks!

I just feel for those who've had a rotten year. There's always hope. :)

[SeattleGirl]

5. Thank you, darlin' Rev

Between you and Redstone, you have both given me words of great comfort, and great hope. And your view of God and Jesus is as mine is -- of good and caring and loving beings. Thank you, Rev! May God bless you will all good things this year. :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

19. Bless you, too, Ms. SG

May this year bring good, positive things to your life! :hug:

[merh]

6. Wow, thank you.

Thank you for all of your love & support & encouragement! :loveya: :pals: :hug: :loveya:

Happy New Year to you, Your Cheezieness! :toast:

:yourock:

To 2006 & to hope & to peace! :loveya:

[RevCheesehead]

21. Lots of love to you, my friend.

I promise you, this year will be much, much better. :hug::loveya:

[merh]

34. I have no doubt!

I have friends who help me keep the faith!

Truly wonderful friends, I am so blessed. :hug: :loveya:

[Tsiyu]

7. Happy New Year, CheddaRev!

May the universe bless you with an abundance of goodwill and energy and bliss this year! :toast:

Cheers! :beer:

[RevCheesehead]

22. Hi, BHG!

I've missed you! :hug:
I hope all is well in your life.

[Wapsie B]

8. Bravo Rev!

:applause:

[RevCheesehead]

23. thanks!

:blush: Someone's got to keep hope alive.

[Redstone]

9. Hey, Rev: Nice post. I think it will help some people feel better.

My reservations about the second paragraph notwithstanding...you done good.

And I hope the New Year brings you much joy.

Redstone

[RevCheesehead]

10. Ah, the problem with pain?

The gift given is the sweet release when it eases, and the way it makes us truly appreciate the good things we have in life.

(My mom is in constant pain, as well. I understand all too well how horrible that can be)

A gentle, loving :hug: for you, my friend.

[neweurope]

39. You're right.

I've been having chronic pain for years, and it sucks. There's no other word for it. But I do know that it has made me appreciate the beauty of nature. And that is a great gift, indeed, and a great solace.

----------------------

Remember Fallujah

Bush to The Hague!

[RevCheesehead]

42. You can also be there for others in your situation.

It is a special thing for someone to hear, in their moment of pain, "I understand, and here's what I do..." I firmly believe that our presence is the most important thing we can offer others.

[Rhiannon12866]

What a lovely post, my friend! Thank you!

After the year that we've had, at the hands of those who have taken us down a very dark path, we can sure use a message of hope, tonight. Here's to a better year for this country, and for our beleaguered world!:toast:

I was feeling a little bleak, since I'm spending New Year's in the company of three dogs, but I do realize that I really am truly blessed. I'm here with my friend, who is long asleep, but he was just released from the hospital, yesterday, so I'm needed. I just got a very nice New Year's phone call and, though it's been snowing all day and is very slippery outside, I'm warm here, and safe, and in the company of friends, canine, sleeping, and the terrific folks on DU! Happy New Year to you, and thank you for such a thoughtful and positive post.:D

Rhiannon:hi::hug:

[RevCheesehead]

25. If you're in the company of three dogs, Rhiannon,

Then you are in the company of the Canine Trinity, and very blessed. O8)
Happy New Year to you! :hug:

[Rhiannon12866]

44. Thank you. I know that I'm fortunate.

Three dogs, competing for attention, and one sleeping liberal, who is recovering from surgery. At least I'm needed, and that's not a small thing, at least for me.:-)

Wishing you all the best, as well, on the dawn of the new year, and thank you for sharing your vision of hope and kindness with the rest of us.:yourock:

Rhiannon:hi::hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

11. Thank you.

You do a world of good here.


:loveya:

[RevCheesehead]

24. Thank you, Ms. DA

You certainly bring your own gifts to this place, as well! :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. My dear Rev......

These are some very profound and true words....

I thank you for all of them...

There are lessons here for me, and I must learn them.....

In order to be fully human, and to be as good as I can be, for myself, and for the ones I love....


I'm wishing you a very Happy New Year, and one which is full of joy and fulfillment too...

:loveya: :hug: :pals:

[RevCheesehead]

26. Just remember, my friend...

that being fully human involves accepting the good and the negative, and learning from our experiences. And it's not so much about "being good" as it is in "doing good."

Happy New Year, dear Peggy! :hug::loveya:

[Ellipsis]

13. Down from the mountain...

Nice words Rev.


Happy New Year.

[RevCheesehead]

27. Thanks, btmlndfrmr.

You're my kind of people (and I don't mean the cheeziness). I hope this new year brings many good things to you! :)

[NMMNG]

14. That is indeed a message of hope

Thank you so much for sharing it with us. :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

28. Aw, Buff -

I love ya, you fundy-slaying babe! :hug:

[NMMNG]

36. Right back at ya!

:grouphug:

[Oeditpus Rex]

15. You're an exceptional Earthling, Rev

And Jesus is just all right with me. :7

:loveya: :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

17. It's after midnight here....

Happy New Year!

:loveya::hug::*

[RevCheesehead]

29. I should have asked before...

Do you have experience with extra-terrestrial beings? :D

And in the immortal words of Beavis (or was it Butthead?): "Christ is cool." O8)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

16. Hugs for the Rev!

:hug::hug::hug:

Cheers, and wonderful things to you in the new year! :toast:

[RevCheesehead]

31. Hugs back atcha!

:hug::hug::hug:

To a great 2006 - let's get the bastids out of office!! :toast:

[southlandshari]

30. Wonderful post!

Just like the person who posted it!!

:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

33. Shari, sweetie!!

Your presence here is an honor!! :hug:

I know already that you're going to have a great 2006. I will miss your moderation... so lick those wounds, take the good and great from your experience, and kick some ass (once you get that grey ghost off ya)!

[njdemocrat106]

32. A Happy New Year to everybody here at DU

I wish for peace for everybody during this New Year. I wish for peace not only amongst ourselves here, but especially for our Iraqi brothers and sisters. May everybody at DU have numerous blessings bestowed on them, and may we continue to fight the good fight; that is, to restore the dignity and integrity that was so abundant in these United States before the Bush Crime Family usurped control. No matter what our cultural, religious, or economic backgrounds may be, we all share something that brings us together here at DU.

[RevCheesehead]

35. Well said!

A happy and blessed new year to you, NJDem!! :hi:

[njdemocrat106]

37. Thanks!

I extend the same wishes to you, Rev!

[neweurope]

38. Thank you, Reverend :)

Gave me something to think about.
:hug:

----------------------

Remember Fallujah

Bush to The Hague!

[Callalily]

40. Ah Rev . . .

thanks for your inspirational words.

Hoping the coming year is a better one for all, and wishing everyone peace, contentment, and joy forever.

[supernova]

41. Thank you Rev ChH

That's a beautiful homily. And I really needed to hear it today, I'm feeling kinda down. :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

45. I'm glad it could help.

I'm sorry you're feeling down. Have a New Year's Hug: :hug:

[merh]

43. Kicking for hope!

:kick:

[LaurenG]

46. Thank you

for the hope.O8)