Copyright Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp 2015 Copyright 2015 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp. All rights reserved.

Sometimes it's all just too much to take. There is so much anger, hatred, terror, death, and fear in our world. There are wars, hate crimes, terrorism, and mass shootings. It feels as though our world is going to hell. When we listen to 24 hour news channels that never stop reporting the most horrific situations possible and bring us more fear, so much so that we feel dependent upon the media for our safety. It's almost like propaganda. No, I do not think the media is part of a conspiracy to keep the American people living in fear and dependent.

However, I do believe that the media sensationalizes and exploits every situation possible for ratings. Oftentimes the media will try to scoop another network by getting the inside coverage, the most gruesome pictures, or most unbearable interviews, the ones that pique our morbid curiosity.

Then I click on my Facebook news feed; it's worse than the news media. People are berating others for praying, others are profiling or being blatantly prejudice, feeding our ignorance and fear. As I scroll down I find pictures of the elf on the shelf and people preparing their homes for Christmas, silly dog pictures, and parents posting the first steps of their babies. You see, life moves on and it is not all about the violence, death, terror, and hatred. There is more of a balance in our normal lives. Yes, there is bad in the world and we need to be aware of it, we need to pray, take action, and do our part to stop the evil in the world. However, if we become obsessed with it and forget the goodness in the world how will we lead the life God intends for us to lead. We must also be aware of the kindness in the little acts of forgiveness, the love, and the mercy. We must celebrate the joys of life so that the fear doesn't take our lives. It is all a balance.

When it feels like it is all too much to take, keep scrolling down for the funny pictures, or better yet turn off the computer, cell phone, TV, the media, and call a friend, hang out with a family member, or visit a loved one. Don't let the fear take over your life or the enemy really will win.

Copyright 2015 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp