Under Grumpa's Hat

In a world where words fail me, I turn to You, God, seeking clarity on matters that leave me bewildered. These questions weigh heavily on my heart, reflecting a broader concern about the fading values and uncertain future we face together. I’m disheartened by the direction our society is taking… and I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.

Yes God, I’m feeling lost in a world where believing in You seems to be met with ridicule. The Bible teaches us to love one another, to forgive, and to be good people, but nowadays it feels like those teachings are laughed at as old-fashioned. Why is it that so many doubt the authenticity of the Bible, questioning its relevance more than ever?

When I look at politics, it’s like a circus of insults and disrespect instead of a place for meaningful debate. Leaders, who should be setting examples for us and our children, are behaving worse than we’d ever allow our kids to behave. Why is there so little respect among them, going as far as calling each other morons and idiots? And why do they seem to prioritize tearing each other down over sharing their actual plans and visions?

And what about when politicians declare war and ask for Your blessing in the same breath? I can’t help but cringe at the thought. Did You ever condone war and violence? Is there a way to reconcile the idea of war with Your teachings of love and compassion? Or perhaps is it meant as a prayer to protect those sent overseas to fight those wars even if that’s not what they want, but what political decision-makers desire?

Here in Canada, there are some who claim we’re not free, but compared to so many other places in the world, we’re incredibly lucky. Why do some fail to see the freedoms we have here? And in what right do they take it upon themselves to pretend speaking on our behalf, pretending to defend this so-called lack of freedom.

Respect is vanishing rapidly. Those in positions of authority, such as police officers, face not just criticism but outright attacks, merely for donning their uniforms day in and day out, representing a target on their back. Similarly, doctors endure insults on social media, while our elders find themselves dismissed rather than honoured. Why has disrespect become so pervasive in society? Disagreements escalate too quickly into personal assaults, further fuelling this troubling trend.

And my God, this culture of instant gratification is making things worse. People want everything right now without having to work for it. Social media influencers, many of whom have zero qualifications, seem to have more sway than ever, just by telling people what they want to hear. Why is society so obsessed with instant rewards? It can’t just be the participation trophy?

It’s like we’re living in a time where people are more afraid of offending someone than standing up for what’s right. Even when the vast majority of experts agree on something, there are still those who will find one so-called expert who will fit their agenda and will use that to spread propaganda. Why is there so much resistance to truth and reason?

And what about the confusion around gender and identity? It seems like people are redefining themselves without any regard for the teachings You’ve given us. It even defies biology, a true natural science! Why is there so much confusion and upheaval around something that used to be so clear?

It’s frustrating to see Bibles banned from schools while they’re allowed in prisons. Could having more exposure to Your teachings in schools actually help prevent some of the issues that lead people to prison in the first place?

It’s reached a point where those who hold faith in You, who have been seen as rational for so long, are now being labeled as crazy, forced to seek guidance from psychologists and counselors. Even the majority is starting to doubt themselves, feeling out of sync with the direction the world is heading. This, God, is shattering our hopes not just for our own future, but for the generations to come.

God, it feels like believing in You is becoming more and more taboo, like we’re seen as crazy for holding onto our faith. Why is it that those who believe in You are made to feel like outliers in a world that’s increasingly at odds with the values You’ve taught us? And how do we hold onto hope for the future when everything seems to be spiralling out of control? Why is it that so many people are set in putting you down, when all you preach is love, compassion and forgiveness? Are you a threat to them as Jesus seemed to be to those in power a few thousands of years ago? Am I really crazy or do I see too clearly what’s happening?