Rose by Name

Oppression, exploitation, and abuse come in many shapes and forms.  They find their homes with the rich and poor, educated and informed, strong and weak.  Ironically the very institutions and people we look to as role models may be the best examples one could have of what not to do.  We face, individually and corporately, a challenge of unimaginable proportions. 
 
When I look across the landscape of New York and London it is easy to pick on the big corporations.  There are far too many examples of pride, greed, and power running rampant on those unable to defend themselves.  Even the mechanism to defend the victims takes a toll of its own.  Yet this evil permeates all levels and places of society.  Small businesses face the same challenges as large ones, often with far more immediate consequences and related person pressures.  The forces often come together to wreck havoc in the lives of those involved, innocent and less so.  Relationships of all types struggle to keep the flames of compassion, caring, and love burning.  Forces inside and outside are constantly pulling at ever fiber.  The cause is a desperate one unless both commit themselves to the cause.
 
I find myself circling around two beliefs.  The first rests in Divinity’s warning; “Face the facts, all you oppressors, and then wring your hands.  Listen, all of you, far and near.  Prepare for the worst and wring your hands.  Yes, prepare for the worst and wring your hands!  Plan and plot all you want—nothing will come of it.  All your talk is mere talk, empty words, because when all is said and done, the last word is Immanuel—God-With-Us.” (Isaiah 8.9, 10)
 
The second is the freedom of choice which comes to you and me with every dawn.  We will face evil’s onslaught today, and it will likely be even worse than yesterday.  Yet we have the ability, and Divinity’s support, to make a choice for the better.  Everything is possible.  All is within reach.  Life may have its thorns but we can be its rose.