Peaceful Thoughts As We Usher In Another New Year

As we head into 1997, let’s consider some wise words:

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving.”

These words, which constitute the apostle Paul’s call for universal compassion (Ephesians 4:31-32), are as worthy of contemplation now as when they were written. With an echo from the teachings of Buddha, they carry an eloquent message to us all.

It would be nice if we actually were able to live out their meaning in the coming year.

Let’s begin to do so by giving thanks:

To Pat McManus, the best-selling writer who turned down a paycheck when allowing us to reprint his story “Two-Man-Tent Fever” in the Dec. 16 editions of The Spokesman-Review. McManus’s action, which was unusual for any hard-working writer, made him more of a Spokane Santa Claus than Rancid Crabtree.

To the many utility employees who braved the elements at all hours to repair power lines downed by Ice Storm ‘96.

To all those who have sacrificed to work for social justice and for the betterment of humankind without giving in to the kind of bitter, negative feelings that such struggles inevitably arouse.

To anyone who chooses to accept and tolerate his or her neighbors instead of sitting in judgment of them.

The slender thread: As long as we’re giving thanks, let’s not forget the many volunteers who donate time to answer crisis-line phones.

You have the 24-hour Crisis Hotline for Spokane Mental Health, 838-4428. Two Coeur d’Alene crisis lines provide Kootenai County residents 24-hour service: general crisis calls are handled by dialing (208) 664-1443, while a special Youth Help Line can be accessed at (208) 765-8336.

While each of these lines employs volunteers trained to provide emotional support and resource information involving a wide range of emergencies, the Spokane YWCA sponsors a special 24-hour Alternatives to Domestic Violence crisis line. To access it, dial 326-2255.

According to Carolyn Morrison, director of the YWCA’s Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program, reports of domestic violence increase over the holidays. Along with a number of other programs, the ADV crisis line provides victims a place to turn.

“Help is only a phone call away, and nobody in need is ever turned away,” Morrison said in a statement. “Love shouldn’t hurt.”

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MEMO: Common Ground is written on alternating weeks by Rebecca Nappi and Dan Webster. Write to them in care of The Spokesman-Review, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615. Or fax, (509) 459-5098.