Yogi Berra says “It ain’t over till it’s over.” When my adversaries are getting the best of me, I hear Life whispering Yogi’s line. While I believe there is a lot of truth in it, I confess that there are times in my life when it does feel like it is over and done. Before my thoughts spiral out of control, Life reminds me that there are reminders to everything in context.
In any direction you look, there are others struggling with adversity in their lives. For the rich and poor, strong and weak, good and bad, evil, pain and uncertainty strike without consideration. We live in a world were adversity touches the innocent without remorse.
As bad as any diversity is and can be in one’s life, including mine, I suspect that there are living examples of where someone is dealing with something that is greater. It is hard to imagine and even harder to comprehend the situation of those that have it the worst in this world.
In situations where Evil is involved, confidence is a common factor. Metaphorically and in reality, “they said to themselves, ‘We’ll wipe them all out,’ and burned down all the places of worship.” (Psalm 74.8) For reasons that many are proud of, individuals acting to protect themselves join Evil’s ranks. Driven by fear, individuals embrace the very things that they say they are trying to defeat.
Hope reminds me “It ain’t over till it’s over.” In each moment, you and I have the freedom to choose. I see and celebrate choices made by others that have endured and overcome! I see hope live when others thought it had died. I see Compassion and Mercy win.
Integral to this is the family that lifts the individual to the light. With each reminder, from the community to the one as well as from the one to the many, we grow individually and collectively stronger. Today is an opportunity to build on the collective commitment we have made to others as well as what they have made to and for us.
