Who ever would have thought

the day would come when the media would become the mediator? Yet that

is what appears to be happening in these trying international times.

And who ever considered that

columnists are in the opinion business? That's what I heard some columnist

say in recent days - that we are all in the opinion business.

What do I think I've been doing

all these years? Actually, I'm not sure at this point.

In 1986, when I became a columnist,

all I wanted to do was talk about issues of the heart. Deep stuff. The

kinds of topics that even close family members have trouble discussing.

What better medium than the

daily newspaper? It enters the home every day by invitation. It is read

in the most intimate of settings. In fact, I have come to believe that

if you are a toilet read, then you've really arrived as a writer.

I am told that the theory behind

that suggestion is that we are such a busy society, with so many distractions,

that the toilet chamber is the place to go if you want to give reading

material your undivided attention!

So, in the beginning, I wanted

to throw out a subject and a few thoughts on that subject just enough

to get folks to thinking and talking ­ and trust that once real,

honest communication begins, then answers will come.

Honesty was the key here, not

answers. So, I chose the same method I had always used in the nursing

profession and the clinical setting to encourage folks to talk. I would

share something about myself first and that would open the door for you

to start sharing.

I say honesty is most important

because the answers don't always come. Even when they do come, they don't

always come easily. Sometimes the best you can hope for is not feeling

alone anymore as you search for answers that are right for you.

More often, however, the answers

do come. Every individual has a different take. A different point of view.

Even those who live in the same household will have a different understanding

of the same event.

Brothers and sisters, husbands

and wives, parents and children ­ all see things differently. And

that is a good thing. As the different perspectives are shared, some element

of truth will begin to surface.

It is when the coming together

of minds and hearts produce truth that answers begin to surface in trying

times. That is true in a family of two or in an international community.

What better way to share thoughts,

suggestions, ideas than through the media?

After years of coming under

what I believe has been well deserved criticism, it is apparent that the

American media is trying to redefine itself.

Some of the major networks

and a number of national and international newspapers and magazines have

begun to rise to the occasion. They have clearly begun to separate themselves

to some degree from what we the public has recognized for years as their

own agendas.

Add to this the fact that we

now have a president who appears to make important decisions based on

the highest and best information afforded him, and not on the tide of

public opinion, and clearly one can see that America, if not the rest

of the world, is going through a great change. Political change. Cultural

change. Moral change. Spiritual change/renewal? Maybe. Time will tell.

For now, I am just an opinionated

columnist whose faith sustains her in these trying times. I will continue

to make my way in the world, just like you. I will do it on a wing and

prayer, just like I have always done it. My prayers are to One who sends

his angels to guide and protect, to minister to those who call on him

in time of need.

No barrier can prevent blessings

from heaven from reaching those upon whom they are prayed down. Wherever

you or your loved ones are today, that place is within reach of your prayers.

Back

to News Home Page |