Yes, these are stressful times.

For millions of Americans without a source of income, it means facing eviction with no way forward.

Also, more people are visiting food banks than ever before in our history.

So, stress abounds!

Stress, of course, causes anxiety and this anxiety can cause us to lose our temper which brings about more anxiety to others.

We have a very severe situation of haves and have nots which is stirred up by hopelessness.

Two words come to mind: KINDNESS & CHARITY!

We need lots of both. Be a part of the solution.

Who can you lift up today?

There are so many highly focused charities who are ready to cure the hurting millions.

Google the word, “charities” and send money today.

That’s the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving!

If not today, when?

Let’s begin with you. Will you forgive yourself?

Many of us won’t.

We allow our past mistakes and bad decisions to weigh us down..

Yes, I understand that some of your mistakes continue to affect your chance for happiness.

That’s unfortunate, but you must think of them as a learning experience and turn the page!

And how about forgiving others?

Long held grudges can have long held consequences.

Go ahead and disagree, but you never know when a situation may arise in which that person could block something you want to accomplish.

If you are inclined to forgive someone, it better be genuine or don’t do it.

Forgiveness benefits both parties. It’s a win-win!

If not today, when?

What a question to ask!

I’m not referring to this event or that event.

I’m asking if you are satisfied with the course of YOUR LIFE to this point.

We all have things happen which are beyond our control. Don’t include those.

Let’s talk about those things you can control.

Are you a good decision maker? Do you rush into decisions?

Or, do you consider the pros and cons before acting?

Decisions are your lifelong learning instrument!

You learn from those decisions that have a good outcome.

You, hopefully, also learn from those decisions that have a bad outcome.

Do you?

Or, do you repeat those bad decisions?

Some people repeat them all through their lives.

Your life is, to a large degree, what you make of it.

I hope you make yours BETTER!

If not today, when?

Our sins are broken into two categories: “What we have done and what we have failed to do.”

Let’s talk about those things we should do for others, but don’t!

Did you ever think it’s against God’s law to ignore the plight of our fellow citizens?

“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48)

Yes, we are our brother’s keeper.

There has never been so many millions and millions of Americans in dire distress as right now!

They are suffering physically, financially and emotionally.

For those of us who have time and resources, we must do something.

Even a kind gesture can make a positive difference in someone’s day.

Do you give to a charity? There must be a few charities whose mission appeals to you.

Just go to the internet and search for those charities.

If not today, when?

If not, you’re part of the problem.

People are hurting everywhere in many ways for many reasons.

That’s the bad news!

Here’s the GOOD news: Opportunities to spread love are everywhere and obvious.

The easiest thing we can do to spread love is to call or call upon the lonely.

Another powerful act of love is to forgive some past transgression.

The irony of forgiveness is that it benefits the the giver more than the receiver. Carrying a grudge is such a burden.

How often do you verbally say, “I love you” to loved ones?

You probably have family members who are in troubled and uncertain times.

It’s time to think less about you and more on others!

How about strangers who have been laid off caused by the pandemic or have been evicted?

Opportunities to spread love have never been so plentiful!

If not today, when?

We are living in a time when misinformation is widespread.

… and the sources are many people who have access to various media.

In my 79 years, I’ve never known a time in America when so many people are deliberately spreading false information.

It makes it difficult for us to know fact from fiction because many of these same sources would, in the past, be considered reliable sources of the truth.

The primary motive seems to be self serving.

This is a tough time to be raising a family because children have many sources of information through their cell phones.

Misinformation causes incorrect conclusions in the minds of the recipients. Their actions then are caused as the result of false information.

So, we have a society who increasingly doesn’t know the truth.

You and I must be the truth tellers!

If not today, when?

Abraham Lincoln’s Lyceum Address, Springfield, Illinois/ January 27, 1838:

“At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected?

I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad.

If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.“

If you have read many of my blogs, you know I never discuss politics.

I don’t, however, consider this topic to be about politics.

No, it’s about Patriotism, The Constitution, Our Democracy and the sanctity of our electoral system.

Please pay attention to what’s happening!

If not today, when?

We are in the midst of volatile, uncertain times in America.

Our leaders are not showing the patriotism necessary to lead properly.

Nine hundred employees of The Mayo Clinic have contracted Covid-19 in the last two weeks.

Businesses are being shut down again in an effort to save lives.

Kids are being kept home again in many communities.

So, my question today is, “How are you doing emotionally?”

This is a one in a century pandemic that all those alive today have never experienced before.

Do you have faith in God? Do you call upon your Creator for help?

Stay close to each of your family members.

Don’t let a day go by without doing something productive.

These times shall pass.

You will emerge a better, stronger person on the other side!

If not today, when?

Yes, I am grateful for this day and every day!

We are here in this life as a hard begotten gift of our mothers.

Everything is a gift including the sun in the sky, the air we breathe, the abundant water and food bearing plants.

And, if even one person loves you, gratitude is the appropriate response!

I am also aware of the tremendous daily suffering of the great majority of the world’s people.

I don’t think we should be smug with our gratitude.

You and I, who have blessings in abundance, must lift up our fallen sisters and brothers.

We can help people know who need help or we can give anonymously through all the many charitable organizations in our communities.

Be grateful and lift someone up!

If not today, when?

Society needs you and me to be a ROCK!

In bewildering times like right now, we must step up!

What are your accomplishments since the introduction of Covid-19?

Are you too distracted by the virus and the election aftermath?

The best solution in these times of continued chaos is to be productive.

Stay busy doing things that positively impact your life and the lives of those close to you.

Be a calming influence.

Keep your emotions under control. We have too many people yelling at one another.

Be the adult in the room!

Your kids, regardless of age, look to your behavior in times of stress.

Don’t them down. Show them you can be in control even when events are out of your control.

And remember, there is always hope.

After all, Notre Dame beat Clemson!

If not today, when?