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True, Noble and Right  
by Cheryl Gochnauer, Homebodies.org

I've been a mess these past couple of weeks. But normal life is starting to come back into focus, and one of the reasons is because I've finally turned away from the TV.

I haven't clicked it off completely. My family applauded President Bush's speech to Congress, and passed tissues during the musical simulcast of "America: A Tribute to Heroes". My brother is a serviceman overseas; my father is retired Army. The military is in my blood. I'm compelled to at least catch my favorite news commentator each evening to hear the latest developments.

But I've decided to stop feeding my brain only troublesome images. I can't handle bad news, 24/7. It's not good for me, and it's not good for my family.

Like many Americans, the attacks prompted me to dust off my Bible and review some passages I hadn't read in a while. Look what leapt from the pages today:

"Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put into practice" (Philippians 4:8-9, NIV)

What have my children learned or received or heard or seen in me over these past dreary days? Sorrow and apprehension, anger and melancholy. That's only natural. Like those around me, I've been grieving.

These are hard times, no doubt. But I'm not without hope. Young faces turn toward mine, wondering how to respond to the turbulence. Switching off the round-the-clock news, I'm finally ready to share true, noble and right images. Read pure, lovely and admirable stories. Point out examples that are excellent and praiseworthy.

I have to choose between depression and empathy, fear and caution, revenge and justice. I'm determined to purge personal terrorism from my home via optimism and faith.

Homebodies is available as a free weekly email newsletter. To subscribe, visit Cheryl's website at www.homebodies.org. Her book, "So You Want to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom," is available at The Light Keeper's Bookstore..  

copyright 2003 Cheryl Gochnauer and Homebodies.org, LLC - All rights reserved.

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