This document discusses how headlines and gossip focus on negative events like climate change, crime, war, unemployment, accidents, losses, and failures which can wound our hearts and lower our spirits. It suggests we instead talk about beautiful things, heal our wounded hearts, lift our flagging spirits, and celebrate the wonder of life even when eclipsed by what passes for news. It concludes by praying that we who want to make a positive difference in the world.

1. Wow.
Can
we
ever
get
brought
down

2. by headlines that feature climate change
crime statistics,the atrocities
a rising rate of inflation.
of war, unemployment numbers, and

4. by gossip
that revolves around and around
that terrible accident,
the loss of fortunes,
the defeat of perfect love,
business failures,
and police cars
at the house down the street.

5. Let’s
talk about
beautiful things
a little bit

6. and see if we can’t heal
our wounded hearts,

7. lift
our
flagging
spirits,

8. and
celebrate
the
wonder
of life

9. even and especially when it is eclipsed
by what might pass as “news”.

10. Wow.
What
a
difference.

11. As those who would make that
difference in the world,
we pray,
Amen.