Re: I have lost all hope....

Excellent post. For all of us that believe in goodness, civilization and humanity these are dark times for sure. With so much cruelty and horrendous and so often needless suffering in the world one can even feel guilty enjoying life when enjoyment is to be had.

Your point about realizing that the world really doesn't have to make sense is a good one. And in a sense it's arrogance to feel the world doesn't live up to our moral standards. As my father used to say "God never meant for the world to be paradise." In fact many of us deep down believe that God should protect us from all pain and injustice, and anything less denies his existance. (Guilty I'm afraid).

The only sense any of this life makes to me is that we're all being tested for something. And instead of waiting around for God to exert his will on the world, maybe God's waiting for US to exert HIS will on the world. Bringing love, compassion, and goodness to the world however unreceptive it might be may just might be the test God has in mind for us. And even if not, what worthier thing can we do in this world anyway?

I guess all we can do is try to radiate the love, compassion and goodness here on earth that we believe are God's qualities. And doing that even in small ways or on a small scale has to leave us feeling nothing but better and more joyful.

Actually I'm feeling quite depressed myself lately, and just thinking this through along with you all is helping.