I’m sitting here staring at the computer screen, trying to think of something “light” to write about…or something “inspirational”…or “encouraging”… Oh, you know what I mean. I tell myself that as an author I should be writing something “literary”: a review, perhaps, or the latest news about my book (talking with a publisher about getting into print) or, at the least, something artistic. However, my mind keeps going to dark places.

I keep thinking of ISIS beheading people, including children (children!), simply because they’d rather not convert to Islam, thanks all the same. I think of the small group of Yazidi hiding out on top of a mountain dying of starvation and dehydration rather than abandon their faith. If they go back down the mountain they will be beheaded. If they stay on the mountain they’ll die a slow, painful death. I think of the Christians in Mosul told to convert, leave or die.

Then I go on facebook and see some of the ridiculous, thoughtless, rednecky stuff that some Bible-basher (with a Bible in one hand and a semi-automatic in the other) in the deep south of America thinks is “inspirational”, when it’s often just another form of hate-mongering, and I think, “Gee, I bet those Iraqi Christians would love to see this. I’m sure it’d help them make it through another night.”

Here in the safety of a western democracy founded on Christian principles, including freedom of speech and freedom of religion, the worst I can suffer for being a follower of Jesus is the ridicule and scorn of my atheist friends. Being compared to a mentally-challenged goat-herder is certainly interesting, but it doesn’t keep me awake at night.

I’m slightly encouraged that some moderate Muslims are condemning the actions of ISIS but I can see why my non-believing friends think that religion is the source of all evil in the world. Jesus called the religious people of his day “whitened sepulchres” = fancied-up tombs that look pretty on the outside but contain nothing but death and decay on the inside. (I bet he hates it that some – ok, many – have turned following Jesus into a religion, too.)

But, I have to admit, his teaching that we should love our enemies and bless those who persecute us, and to turn the other cheek rather than take revenge, is an extremely difficult thing to do. Particularly when they’re wielding a sword, or a machete, or a semi-automatic rifle.

Darn. I knew I should have persevered and found something “light” to write about. Did I tell you I’m in the process of getting my e-book into a print version?