Most people would agree that humanity is in the midst of turbulent, confusing times.
Everywhere you turn, contrasting scenes and scenarios are noticeable stemming from the wide range of peoples’ interests, opinions and viewpoints. Nowhere is that contrast more stark than in the United States.
The examples are countless. Here are a scant few that came to mind.
• Millions of Americans gather around huge television screens eagerly taking in week one of a new college football season, not worrying about anything remotely similar to their own well-being. Meanwhile, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un threatens of their demise via nuclear explosions.
• Tens of thousands of Texans unite in a recovery effort brought on by a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion. Meanwhile, people die daily in Chicago as neighbors point guns at them and pull the trigger at a record pace (again).
• A young woman smiles as she gives change to a customer at a fast food restaurant, as she works hard to earn her way through a technical course and learn a trade. Meanwhile, a generational welfare recipient uses an EBT card to buy beer and cigarettes at a convenience store.
• A female middle school teacher in a small Midwest town conducts a lesson about the benefits of a proper balanced diet. Meanwhile, a female middle school teacher in Berkeley, Calif., punches a peaceful protester numerous times and is charged with assault and inciting a riot.
• A young boy giggles and yells and he enjoys a thrill ride at a theme park while on a vacation with his mother and father.
Meanwhile, a young boy sits on a dirty couch surrounded by piles of trash wishing he could have a bite to eat while his mother and father sit at the kitchen table smoking methamphetamine.
• After a three-hour stint in his plush office, a wealthy politician sips a glass of $180-a-bottle wine while dining at an expensive restaurant with a representative of a special interest group. Meanwhile, a coalminer tips back a bottle of beer while playing pool with a coworker at a bar and grill after a 12-hour day underground.
• During her monthly visit to the food bank, an elderly woman waits in line in hopes of getting one extra can of applesauce. Meanwhile, a pastor of a “mega-church” preaches about always sharing with others – even to the point of giving them the shirt off your back – just before going home to his 5,000-square foot residence, parking his $60,000 SUV in the three-car garage, hanging his $850 suit in the walkin closet and sitting down to a three-course meal.
• A self-righteous big-city journalist pens a revisionist history editorial piece about how God and the Bible shouldn’t be motivating factors in the choices people make in an increasingly secular society. Meanwhile, God is in complete control of her very next move, and every move anyone, anywhere makes.
Doug Davison is a writer, photographer and newsroom assistant for the Houston Herald. His columns are posted online at www.houstonherald.com. Email: ddavison@houstonherald.com.