May 7, 2010
True, Noble and Right
True, Noble and Right By Cheryl Gochnauer (NOTE TO READERS: As we all pause this week to remember 9/11, I'mrerunning the Homebodies column I wrote in September 2001, two weeksafter the attacks. - Cheryl) I've been a mess these past couple of weeks. But normal life isstarting to come back into focus, and one of the reasons is because I'vefinally turned away from the TV. I haven't clicked it off completely. My family applauded PresidentBush's speech to Congress, and passed tissues during the musicalsimulcast of "America: A Tribute to Heroes". My brother is a servicemanoverseas; my father is retired Army. The military is in my blood. I'mcompelled to at least catch my favorite news commentator each evening tohear the latest developments. But I've decided to stop feeding my brain only troublesome images. Ican't handle bad news, 24/7. It's not good for me, and it's not goodfor my family. Like many Americans, the attacks prompted me to dust off my Bible andreview some passages I hadn't read in a while. Look what leapt from thepages today: "Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - ifanything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -put into practice" (Philippians 4:8-9, NIV) What have my children learned or received or heard or seen in me overthese past dreary days? Sorrow and apprehension, anger and melancholy.That's only natural. Like those around me, I've been grieving. These are hard times, no doubt. But I'm not without hope. Young facesturn toward mine, wondering how to respond to the turbulence. Switchingoff the round-the-clock news, I'm finally ready to share true, noble andright images. Read pure, lovely and admirable stories. Point outexamples that are excellent and praiseworthy. I have to choose between depression and empathy, fear and caution,revenge and justice. I'm determined to purge personal terrorism from myhome via optimism and faith. Questions or comments? Contact Cheryl@homebodies.org or visit herwebsite at www.homebodies.org , where you can order an autographed copyof her new Stay-at-Home Handbook . Permission granted for use on DrLaura.com.

Posted by Staff at 1:57 AM