Smile

Stunned disbelief, appalled unto the hopelessness of despair requires introspection, theological reflection, determination to escape from hell. Not “off the cross”, I wouldn’t so dignify myself; but in my case bootstrap salvation, working on self, squnching up time to collect two-hundred dollars and go direct to Sunday, in a manner of speaking making prayer work instead of waiting for it to happen, a semi-pelagian initiative to reclaim the grace of hope. Maybe it starts with a happy face, a smile. Not a Bible verse and praise song but going back to age 18, walking through The Hub sipping a coke as the music of the next song stirs, the introduction then first hearing, listening, humming, finally singing with Nat King Cole

Smile though your heart is aching

Smile even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

If you smile through your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

It’s my rope, my lifeline out of this quicksand.

Where there is embarrassment and shame, there is hope:

https://michiganross.umich.edu/rtia-articles/embarrassment-and-fear-social-stigma-messed-pollsters-predictions

DThos+