Seminary Without Walls

Velda Love, Director of the Center for Justice Ministries, contributed this post.

The standard greeting upon the stroke of midnight on December 31^st is “Happy New Year” That’s because in every time zone on the planet we’ve officially begun a new year that’s dated January 1^st. This year I said this phrase less only because I’m concerned if I start out the year this way I’ll give well-wishers a false sense that it is indeed going to be a happy new year. Now, don’t think me pessimistic. My hope for everyone is that they sustain an attitude of happiness through the year. However, as I get older and pay attention to what’s happening on a global scale, I can’t say I’m as happy as I’d like to be. 2008 was a horrible year for millions of people and not just in the United States. The human family across the globe is witnessing an economic downturn like never before. The housing market is at an all-time low and families with medium to middle incomes face foreclosure on their dream homes which were once their long-term financial nest eggs. Two days before Christmas I watched people walk away from GM plants. Some of these people have spent their entire careers building automobiles and this is all they know. What does the future hold for them and how can I even begin to think they feel sentiments of happiness as they face unemployment and an uncertain future. The war along the Gaza strip has escalated; and the United States is still spending billions of dollars a day on the war in Iraq. Happy New Year!? Well, I can say I’m happy that Barack Obama will be the 44^th President of the United States. I’m happy that children of color have a new leader that will inspire them to reach their highest potential. I’m happy we as a country are finally voicing our opposition to greedy business leaders and corrupt politicians. So, I guess there are a few things that make me happy. Finally, I’m happy God is still in control of the earth and everyone on it. My faith is grounded in God; a God who will see us through another year; regardless of whether we’re happy for the next 359 days. Ok, I’ll say it and mean it—Thank you God and may we all have a New Year where happiness meets us daily.