We Irish are famous worriers. We have to be. Our history is replete with pain, heartache, and sorrow. So we have learned to expect the worst, but hope for the best. Aidan Quinn—a fine Irish name—once said that, if the here truly is a “luck of the Irish,” it’s because no matter how bad things get—the invasions, the famine, the coffin shops, the NINA,—the Irish pull through. He meant that not on an individual basis, naturally, but as a people, rather like the Jews. So, having a cynical outlook on the future is built-in to us these days, but we still maintain hope.
Hope, humor, and prayer are the three things which help to counter our cynical outlook and add sweetness to our days. You are correct, sir, in your assessment of the Irish - I speak as the descendant (and ancestor) of a long line of Moores, Mooneys, and Coleys. Have sweet day.
Wow! Beautifully said. And what a joy it was to see you last night with your dad (no relation) and the daily wire guys. Now, we still have work to do, even as “the coming spiritual revival sweeps through America’s government.” Our task is “the same as it ever was—to practice the high solemnities of joy amid the farce and buffoonery of a broken world.”
Along with being hopeful, we should be thankful, even when disappointed. Because there's always something to be thankful for. (But I am thankful NOT to be disappointed today 😁)
Thankyou for this reminder. Natural pessimists like me need to remember this; even now, I am trepidatious and waiting for the riots to begin again, but I do have hope that people of sense are done putting up with the nonsense and are ready to put the mental two year olds in the time-out their parents should have given them 20 years ago.
I too am expecting discord on a large scale. I do not believe the left will go quietly into the sunset. Look what they did when Trump won in 2016--beginning with the Russia hoax followed by years of persecution.
I am always a little late on reading your insightful letters, so am hesitant to comment as I feel everyone looking at me like I just walked into class late. But, this letter was significant to me as I was having difficulty understanding why I was so anxious about the election, for months actually, while your Dad said on Backstage that he was calm during the process and had peace that passeth understanding. I do trust God and prayed fervently, but getting to the point where I knew what was in store for us made me very anxious. Your insight that this was actually my conflict with Hope has clarified what I was feeling. That, and the election results, make me feel pretty good. Thanks.
If we hope for things not seen,which are true we will not be disappointed, because God does not lie, ever.
We Irish are famous worriers. We have to be. Our history is replete with pain, heartache, and sorrow. So we have learned to expect the worst, but hope for the best. Aidan Quinn—a fine Irish name—once said that, if the here truly is a “luck of the Irish,” it’s because no matter how bad things get—the invasions, the famine, the coffin shops, the NINA,—the Irish pull through. He meant that not on an individual basis, naturally, but as a people, rather like the Jews. So, having a cynical outlook on the future is built-in to us these days, but we still maintain hope.
Puddleglums Unite.
At least if we trip and break an ankle climbing up this hill, we won't break our necks falling down on the other side.
Hope, humor, and prayer are the three things which help to counter our cynical outlook and add sweetness to our days. You are correct, sir, in your assessment of the Irish - I speak as the descendant (and ancestor) of a long line of Moores, Mooneys, and Coleys. Have sweet day.
Wow! Beautifully said. And what a joy it was to see you last night with your dad (no relation) and the daily wire guys. Now, we still have work to do, even as “the coming spiritual revival sweeps through America’s government.” Our task is “the same as it ever was—to practice the high solemnities of joy amid the farce and buffoonery of a broken world.”
“…to know what is true and love what is good.” The essence of God. Thanks.🙏🙏🙏
Well, you won. So....yay.
Oh God, you have no idea the level of relief we are experiencing right now. The boats have landed, it's time to take the beach.
"Know what is true and love what is good. If you hurt more as a result, you also live more."
This point if internalized is enough to cure a thousand ills. Really well put.
Looking forward to reading your new book.
Along with being hopeful, we should be thankful, even when disappointed. Because there's always something to be thankful for. (But I am thankful NOT to be disappointed today 😁)
Thankyou for this reminder. Natural pessimists like me need to remember this; even now, I am trepidatious and waiting for the riots to begin again, but I do have hope that people of sense are done putting up with the nonsense and are ready to put the mental two year olds in the time-out their parents should have given them 20 years ago.
I too am expecting discord on a large scale. I do not believe the left will go quietly into the sunset. Look what they did when Trump won in 2016--beginning with the Russia hoax followed by years of persecution.
There is always HOPE! Romans 5:3-5
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us.
I am always a little late on reading your insightful letters, so am hesitant to comment as I feel everyone looking at me like I just walked into class late. But, this letter was significant to me as I was having difficulty understanding why I was so anxious about the election, for months actually, while your Dad said on Backstage that he was calm during the process and had peace that passeth understanding. I do trust God and prayed fervently, but getting to the point where I knew what was in store for us made me very anxious. Your insight that this was actually my conflict with Hope has clarified what I was feeling. That, and the election results, make me feel pretty good. Thanks.