Arctic Freeze

Rob Lopez

Recently the entire United States has encountered an arctic blast that has temperatures below zero in many places and snow falls hitting record amounts.

Here in my hometown of Erie, Pa. we have been as low as -30 and our high was zero yesterday.

The weather conditions coupled with Lent may seem odd, however, when I think of the reason we celebrate Lent it isn't so strange.

Jesus went to the desert to fast and pray for 40 days and was tempted by the devil.  The thought of this gruesome creature brings chills to our skin.  Well, the arctic freeze DEFINITELY brings chills to my skin.

The thought that life can exist in these conditions is similar to the desert.  The desert is a barren land and brutal on the body.  Daytime temperatures can be over 100 degrees and the night is cold.  The arctic freeze presents days that are bearable and nights that will kill a person within a few short minutes.

Lent is a time to prepare.  In the desert, Jesus, prepared for his ministry by being tempted and fasted to overcome the worldly things.

In this winter's freeze, we prepare for spring and the coming of life that will return with an abundance of beauty.

Taking time to see that those frozen trees and piles of snow hiding life is preparing our hearts for a better understanding of death or the appearance of death.

Preparing for life by understanding what Lent represents can send us to a higher level of spirituality and bear fruit for many.

Jesus encountered death, the devil and understood that the temptations were not worth what they eluded to.

This arctic blast is a lie and life will come from this sort of death.  But realizing this too is a transition and we can better appreciate the world that we presently live in.

Happy Lent!

Corruption

Rob Lopez

I watched a video on how corrupt Africa is and all the murders of it's citizens who stand up and attempt to secure a life that is free from threats and violence while the corrupt officials turn away or give the direct order to kill.

Corruption typically has bribery by money attached, but bribery by favor is also corruption.  Corruption of spiritual and moral ideals is what happens when we give ourself permission to deviate from the path of truth and good.

When someone hinders your future with a handshake and smile, that's corruption.

When you receive less than you deserve because of prejudices and personal dislikes, that's corruption.

When you KNOW there is corruption within the institution and do NOTHING, that's corruption.

When you conspire behind closed doors, death is near, the death of your mortal soul.

All these things above lead to death. They are the beginning of Africa. They are the beginning of the end for humanity.

Corruption begins with one. Change and freedom begin with one. Which one do I choose?

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