Bric-a-brac

So often, it is difficult for our post-modern culture to grasp some of the feelings that are conveyed within the poetry of the Old Testament, especially the laments found in the book of Lamentations.  But, how easily we forget…

Here are a few (very few) of the reasons that we should be able to better connect with the author of Lamentations:

*  We have faced loss as a nation, as well as individuals.
*  While we are not proud of all of our decisions, we have seen the ripple effects of child labor as well as enslavement.
*  We can vividly remember the feelings we have had upon seeing our nation attacked.

Therefore, it should not be that difficult for us to put ourselves in the place of those who were exiled.  Their city and the Temple were destroyed.  No doubt, they lost people they deeply cared about while they were also attempting to process the reality of their world being literally turned upside down.

Perhaps it is because we live in such a fast-paced world, or perhaps it is because we are so self-centered.  Or, perhaps it is for an entirely different reason.  Yet, we cannot deny the fact that as a nation we move-on rather quickly and then we are shocked to realize how little time has passed between our present and past traumatic events.  One day, it can seem as if there is nothing familiar left in our lives… then suddenly, we find the gaps  have been filled and we can’t imagine life any other way.

Sometimes, I wonder if we will need “to find a souvenir, just to prove the world was here”. (quote from 99 Red Balloons)

99 Red Balloons song & lyrics (as played by Goldfinger):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko8SDv0CsiM