A Message for 2008

War, disaster, and upheavals were not the only issues to face us in 2007. Morals and values were also at an all time low. But is it much of a surprise really when our young people look to role models such as the Spears sisters, Lindsay Lohan, Michael Vick, Barry Bonds, and Paris Hilton? A cast member of Disney’s popular film among children, “High School Musical,” surfaces in photos wearing no clothing whatsoever, and Disney still agrees to allow the cast member to star in upcoming sequels. What message does this send to our youth?

Here in Kansas, the heartland of this country, our youngest unwed mother was 12, our youngest marriage was a 15 year old and our youngest divorce was at age 13. On the average day, Kansas saw 112 live births and 31 abortions. We also had 52 marriages and 25 divorces. These statistics are absolutely appalling and yet we turn a blind eye.

In 2008, let’s pray in particular for peace and the victims of social injustice. Pray also in a special way that our leaders will recognize where we as a military belong and where we do not. That they will make decisions based more on morality and the good of the people than self centered politics.

Remember those in Africa, in the Middle East, and right here in our own back yard, those who cry out in the bleak midwinter’s night. Those who cry, but are not heard or worse yet … ignored. Remember our brothers and sisters, pray for them always. May they have peace and comfort and may that spirit of kindness, justice, and mercy warm their hearts in the upcoming year.

Let’s pray also for ourselves. As the earth falls deeper and deeper into crisis, may we come to understand and appreciate the concept of true brotherhood. We saw our share of disasters and joined together for the cause, but why must disaster strike for us to demonstrate genuine care and concern for our fellow man? Surely, we can do much better in 2008.

Remember our young people, its no surprise so many of them commit suicide or commit acts violence and immorality. Pray that they may be enlightened to recognize when so called role models are really nothing more than train wrecks made to seem glamorous by mainstream media. Our youth fight in a very difficult war … the war to save their souls from drowning in a sea of confusion and evil. Pray that they may be strong, and embrace true heroes, who will light the way. Genuine examples are so desperately needed in 2008.

Pray for the earth and her creatures, who fall victim to our selfish deeds. These are victims, we rely on. These are victims that more often than not have no means to defend themselves from our ways.

And during this holiday season and throughout the new year, call to mind the words of that special song by Band-Aid,

“Say a prayer … Pray for the other ones … At Christmastime it’s hard, but when you’re having fun … There’s a world outside your window … And it’s a world of dread and fear … Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears … And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom … Well tonight thank God it’s them instead of you.”

Born in Kansas, Jeremy “Basil” Dannebohm is a freelance writer who specializes in works of humorous fiction. Mr. Dannebohm enjoys reading the works of Jack Kerouac, Truman Capote, Jean Shephard, and other great authors. In addition to being a contributing author to Cynic Online Magazine, Dannebohm is the Editor-in-Chief of “Uniquely Basil: An Online Arts & Humor Haven.” In his spare time, Jeremy enjoys black and white photography, sampling various wines, and attending events of cultural edification.