Opinion

by Kenyon Bennett

When the world is at odds with an individual or a nation, anger, a profound sense of betrayal, sadness, and despair are often the emotions felt.

How might anyone reach out to grasp that tiny sliver of shining light, that elusive glimmer of hope, to remove those negative feelings? That is difficult to answer. 

Finding positive words and pointing anyone in the right direction to feel peace or inspiration might prove impossible at times, but the task is at hand now. Returning to the thoughts others have penned sometimes offers inspiration; however, each person reacts differently to words others have left behind. Sometimes, others’ words create an immediate feeling of kinship, such as, “Goodness, that’s the way I feel.” An instant connection with someone or something often allows a person to feel less alone.

Here are a few thoughts that might touch some of you.

“What he loved in horses was what he loved in men, the blood and the heat of the blood that ran through them. All his reverence and all his fondness and all the leanings of his life were for the ardenthearted [sic] and they would always be so and never be otherwise.” Cormac McCarthy, American writer and novelist.

“‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers – That perches in the soul – And sings the tune without the words – And never stops – at all.” Emily Dickinson, American poet.

“Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” Dylan Thomas, Welsh poet.

“This, too, shall pass.” Believed to be based upon a Persian adage.

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Oscar Wilde, Irish poet and playwright.

“The purest metal comes of the most ardent furnace; the most brilliant lightning come [sic] of the darkest clouds.” Francois-René de Chateaubriand, French writer, historian, and politician.

One’s religion and religious scriptures are often best in times of darkness. Christians often recite aloud or to themselves “The Lord’s Prayer.” 

May peace be found today.