As I walk the streets of New York I find myself emphasizing with those who come to the city full of hope, and then lose their way. It is as if a composite of sixties pop songs have wiggled their way into the mind of these new souls. The excitement of the bright lights, opportunities beyond imagination and the freedom to choose have combined to drive many to despair. Their souls find themselves betrayed by their eyes, telling anyone willing to listen of their trap they find themselves in.
This isn’t the first time someone has been lost amid truth, beauty, and love. Even when one knows the truth of innocence, it is virtually impossible to defend one’s soul against the potential darkness within all of us. History records many who have turned away from living giving truth. New York was home to many but it isn’t just here. Being lost is more of a state of mind than an unknown place on a virtual map. Take the case of Pilate. He knew Jesus was innocent. He understood the underlying issues. He was looking at the situation with open eyes. And yet, “Pilate caved in to their demand. He turned him over to be crucified. They took Jesus away.” (John 19.16) An innocent man taken away to be sacrificed on an alter of fear and greed.
In the city the sun gives new meaning to buildings dancing with hope and reflection. The mornings dawn to give buildings the opportunity to shine in their own way, windows dancing and shimmering with hope. Even as they seem lost for a time during the day, evening finds them reflecting with blues, pinks, grays, and colors I have yet to understand. Everything is returns to a period of recovery filled with the hope.
Our lives echo history and the dawn to come. We live in the hells and history of our own creation. In this reality, each dawn comes with an opportunity to write a story filled with compassion, mercy, and community. It’s living time.
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