In recent weeks I have felt less and less inspired. For years, for pretty much my entire life, I have worked very hard to believe that there is meaning, purpose, a reason. And I have worked very hard to contribute to that end; even though I am not sure I have ever understood exactly what that end is. But of late…
From dictionary.com there are three parts to the definition for discouraged:
- Deprived of or lacking in courage, hope, or confidence.
- Dissuaded or obstructed from doing something.
- Disapproved of.
And there are three parts to the definition for encouraged:
- To inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence.
- To stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.
- To promote, advance, or foster.
The following factors serve to discourage:
- Growing wealth gap.
- Growing divisiveness / animosity.
- Growing certainty.
- Shrinking opportunity.
To encourage, as a culture / society / community / state / nation, we must decide to…
…give not take
…allow not obstruct
…question not insist
…assist not oppress.
I don’t see this happening in my lifetime. And if/when it does happen, I believe it very well may be too late.
Today I am the definition of discouraged.