CLOSURE

 

“For on June 12, after the worst of humanity reared its evil head, I saw the best of humanity come fighting right back.  I never want to forget that night.”

Dr. Joshua Corsa M.D. EMT-P
Orlando Regional Medical Center

With those words from Dr. Corsa we must begin the healing process. Not only the immediate family, friends, and loved ones of the victims but, also America and the world must draw from this horrific act the realization that although the shooter accomplished his plan to carry from the pits of hell his hatred and ideology and inflict immeasurable suffering and pain on Orlando, he is dead. The balance of the world’s citizens who live their lives promoting compassion, tolerance, and peace have survived and we are more determined than ever that this world shall find the necessary means to eliminate hatred and terror. The words of terrorism, the thoughts of terrorism, and the acts of terrorism cannot stand in the strength of a world united in love and peace. We shall prevail.

Now, it is time to move on. Undoubtedly we shall mourn again, another city, another part of the world but, we shall be victorious because we know the forces of evil cannot survive when ‘the best of humanity come fighting right back’. We should never forget that night in Orlando because we know that darkness cannot exist in the light of an enlightened humanity.

REJOICE

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When was the last time you heard or used the word ‘rejoice’? I love rejoice. It sounds nice, feels good and just rolls off a happy tongue. I cannot be glum or sad when rejoice is on my mind. Rejoice is melodic and joyous. Its definitions in my Oxford dictionary fill my head with delight and celebration. I rejoice when I think of our Lord and his saving grace, his love for me, his correction and guidance. I rejoice when I remember my first day of sobriety, when I understand that it was the start of a long journey to a faith in something or someone greater than me. I rejoice when I realize that today is the day my Lord has made for me to face challenges and live victoriously in sobriety, not just absence of addictive substances or behaviors, but, actually live and conduct myself with a sober mindset. There is a difference.

Many of us live without our drugs of choice in a continual state of panic and despair. Call it a ‘dry drunk’ or a ‘recovery without spirituality’ or ‘absence of HP’, call it whatever you like; it is not what God intended for us when He brought us to sobriety. Therefore, rejoice and be glad in this day of your sober life.

Today I intend, by the grace of God, to rejoice, i.e. feel great joy, be glad, delight, exult, glory, revel, and celebrate in God’s gift of sobriety. With an attitude of great humility I know I certainly don’t deserve it nor have I earned it.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24

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