Letter to the Editor

You, and the choices you make, matter

Friday, May 22, 2015

To the editor:

You matter and the choices that you make will matter. What does the word "matter" mean? It simply means this: You are important, you count, you are of significance, and you make a difference. You are somebody and sometimes you need to hear it for the first time, or more often, and also you need to be encouraged.

Everyone goes through all sorts of issues in life, trials and tribulations, and unexpected situations. As long as you are living life, issues are sure to come. We all face them, but it is how we handle them that will make a difference in the end. Sometimes, you will be faced with the most difficult challenges and they will test your patience, your emotions, your decisions, your family, your friendships and even your enemies. But the key solution to any given situation is how you respond to them all.

Choice is a very important word. Why? Because we all have to make them daily, minute-by-minute or hour-by-hour. Within five-tenths of a second, you have to make some sort of rash decision, and whatever you decide at that moment can either bring great pride or great distress. You have to choose, you have to make the right choice.

What does choice mean in reality? It means the act of choosing. You have the power and right, or liberty, to choose. You have options. You can choose an alternate route for any given situation. You are the "solutionist" to your problem. You can select how to resolve or handle any care or concerns, or situation at hand. Sometimes you may be faced to make quick decisions and there are times you may have a little window to meditate upon before any decision is made. However and whatever the choice you make will matter.

We are living in a time where everything has escalated into such a realm of chaos. Chaos, chaos, chaos ... is everywhere! Chaos is in our homes, chaos is in our schools, chaos is in our streets, chaos is on our jobs, chaos is in our minds, and chaos is in our communities. Chaos will be forever present. No one likes him and everyone wishes he would go away, but unfortunately he won't. But you do not have to invite him into your world, or allow him to stick around when he shows up. You have the authority and power to kick him out, you just simply make a righteous choice. Because if you allow him to stick around, he will invite all his buddies with him and they will take over. Be aware of his buddies who are identified by the names of Anger, Frustration, Discord, Hatred, Malice, Strife, Covet, Pride and Envy. There are many more names, but these are the most commonly identified names that generally show up when Chaos is around. Kick him out, deal with him in a rational manner, and move on. Sometimes, it may not be just that easy to do, but it can be done.

No matter what stage or age of life you're in, choices will be made. What you decide will affect your life positively or negatively. Once you choose, it will be with you forever. You must use wisdom -- wise decisions and not the flesh to make a decision for you. With using wisdom, you will be able to think things through first before letting your flesh think for you. Hear this please, "You matter!" You are important, you count, you are of significance and you make a difference. So journey on with life, but just remember the choices are in your hands, and whichever way you decide, will be with you for the rest of your lives. So choose wisely, because "you matter!"

Lisa Cross
Blytheville