I have long believed that there are fundamentally two forces or emotions that drive our decisions - love and fear. Love has its many manifestations: compassion, gratitude, kindness, and joy. Fear often manifests itself in cynicism, anger, jealousy, and anxiety. I worry that many of us are being driven by fear. - Vivek Murthy

The word "cynicism" does not appear in the Bible. However, the concept of cynicism is reflected in various biblical passages.

In a biblical context, cynicism is an attitude of distrust, skepticism, and negativity, particularly regarding faith, the goodness of others, or the promises of God. It often manifests as a lack of faith, questioning motives, and expecting the worst in situations and people. Cynicism can stem from disappointment, disillusionment, or a hardened heart.

Are you a manifestation of the world around you? Have you been disappointed by life? Is the stench of darkness seeping into your soul? Has your heart been hardened by the movie playing over and over in your mind?

Are you thinking that things look better in other people’s lives? Is it “facade”? Are they creating an unrealistic image of life? Are we disenchanted when we compare it to the real in our own lives?

Where has commitment, loyalty, and love gone? Is the human heart so hardened that we have forgotten why we are here?? Have we forgotten how to love?

I have often heard, ‘Are you a fighter or a lover?’ I believe we can be both... Fight for love, and those who have been in the trenches with you! The ones that have your back!! The ones that have held your hand and comforted your tired soul. The ones that have the strength to stand with you in these confusing and difficult times…

Has society become complacent and forgotten the value of perseverance in matters related to love, family, and friendship? Have relationships become so fragile that we readily relinquish them at the first sign of adversity?

I must admit we all should do a little soul searching?? Will we find that we are so confident in self that we feel we are perfect and need no one? I believe perfection is a virtue that is NOT attainable by anyone but Jesus!! We can only strive to be a better human each God given day…

So, how do we change our hardened hearts? How do we remove the layers of dust from our soul??? How can we breathe once again? How do we break this bondage on our lives, and learn to unleash the supernatural love that Jesus is willing to share with us? His love is far beyond our human understanding...

I know from experience we cannot do it alone… We must place our total trust in God!! Give Him our heart and surrender our life to Him…be vulnerable in front of Him and ask Him to search our hearts and teach us how to love like Jesus!

Mastering the art of humility, speaking with kindness, and leading with compassion can have a lasting impact on all people, places, and things we value most.

Even though some individuals may say they have tried this and faced disappointment, remember that the benefits of fighting for love and showing up for your people far exceed the cost.

Don't let this world and its trappings rob you of what is truly beautiful and important!!

Eternity with the Arthur and Creator of all things!!!

It’s Him!!!

It will always be Him!!!

His message is clear: love one another…. Sharing His love and light can illuminate our path as we journey back home!!!

My prayer is that you will not succumb to cynicism or fall into a downward spiral into darkness. Instead, look up and love as if tomorrow will never come!

Be the light! Keep Loving! It’s our only HOPE!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)