There are some now saying that Americans don't have the stomach for war. They may be right.

Seeing dozens of women and children killed (like in Lebanon yesterday) is absolutely nauseating. And it's the main reason that war should be avoided. Because the people who get killed are seldom the ones who wanted the war.  And one young girl who survived will now live without five of her siblings.  Five!  That's unthinkable.

And the irony that almost all wars are about religion is further sickening. It makes absolutely no sense.  Somewhere in the mix Satan has won a big battle.  He's taught entire religions that religion equals hate.

I hate to think it.

But it's real.

shartpalk

He stopped loving her today (1980) - (this is THE classic country song)

He said I'll love you till I die....She told him you'll forget in time

As the years went slowly by.....She still preyed upon his mind

He kept her pictures on his wall....went half crazy now and then

But he still loved her through it all....hoping she'd come back again

Kept some letters by his bed....dated 1962

He had underlined in red....every single "I love you"

I went to see him just today....oh, but I didn't see no tears

All dressed up to go away....first time I've seen him smile in years

He stopped loving her today...they placed a wreath upon his door

And soon they'll carry him away...he stopped loving her today

You know, she came to see him one last time...oh, and we'll all wondered if she would

And it kept running through my mind....this time he's over her for good

He stopped loving her today....they placed a wreath upon his door

And soon they'll carry him away....he stopped loving her today

How awesome is that.

sharptalk

I wondered if it would. There's something natural about cycles in my life that makes me apprehensive when they're thrown off.  And something about the balance of things that we all need.

I guess that's why Ecclesiastes says there's:

A time to love and a time to hate

A time for war and a time for peace

But it will be nice when there's no more need for war and no more hate.  I have hoped for the end of war and hate but have not prayed often for it.  I've railed against injustice but I haven't consistently sought the one who is the author of justice.

We'll never be content with a leader as long as he's human, so no President will ever provide all the answers.  But God is good and God is holy.  There is nowhere else to turn for wisdom, grace and blessings.  Wars come from men and hate comes from Satan.

But someday, we'll be outside this human existence of cycles and we'll live in justice and peace where even the lion will lie down with the lamb.  But maybe he'll give us a little less war and a little more grace in our hearts right now if we just ask.  It's time I did.

sharptalk

Is it possible for us to work with Syria to create a stable Lebanon?  After running Syria out (along with the French and the British) just a few months ago?

Syria hates the fact that Iran (Shiites) is sponsoring the killing of Sunnis (like the Syrians) in Iraq.  That could be their downfall.  And we could make it in Syria's best interests to retake control of Lebanon.  And they'd love to for the chance to look like heroes to the Arab world.  And I suppose they would be.  Staring down America and getting us to "pay" them to go back into Lebanon.

But let's not forget that much of the terrorism in Iraq had been sponsored by Syria.  And the WMD's that mysteriously disappeared are widely expected to be in Syria.

There could actually be a huge reason for "W" to negotiate with Syria.  And Iran should be very, very worried.

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I am very frustrated with my job but stuck in it. It isn't leading anywhere and I'm getting older.

And yet, I get paid a good salary. I generally like the people I work with and I'm not micromanaged.

And most of all, no one is bombing my home town. For any reason.

I pray for the people of Southern Lebanon and all the people of Iraq.

And I should be thankful....and thoughtful. 

All this death and destruction can't end too soon.

sharptalk