Last week the world celebrated international Women's Day. In Washington, FLOTUS, flanked by Secretary Blinken, presented the International Woman of Courage Award to Alba Rueda of Argentina—a biological male.  

Meanwhile, the CDC reports that in 2021 57% of female teens in the U.S. struggled with feeling "persistently sad". Of the young women surveyed, 30% considered suicide, 24% planned suicide, and 13% attempted suicide.  

What ever could be the problem, I wonder?  

On an optimistic note, researchers are making progress solving climate concerns. Who could have guessed that moose are one of the biggest single sources of carbon emissions? It’s true. This according to researchers Gunnar Austrheim and Xiangping Hu, both of NTNU University Museum. You will recall that four years ago Rep. AOC identified “farting cows” as climate violators. Clearly, our [green] future is tied to management of the gastronomic processes of undulates.  

Perhaps I should have looked harder—but it’s really hard to write with my thumb in a cast. Still, I could not readily find a comparison between carbon concerns caused by moose and that of Climate Czar John Kerry’s private jet.  

Lest I pile too much upon your soul in one writing, I won’t burden you with guilt over the travesty your washing machine is causing the climate.

Who knew?

As appliances become better regulated, we should take heart: Although we are going to be stinkier and dirtier, at least it will be cooler. This said, I’m not aware whether Energy Secretary Granholm has confronted Chairman Xi about his palace machines. I did note that PM Trudeau said his government is taking inspiration from the CCP’s plan to manage climate change.

Yes, well.  

Speaking of the Chinese, did you know they are monitoring your brain—perhaps even feeding you thoughts—through the ear buds you are wearing? Same for all wearable devices.  

Personally, I’m thinking the weather balloon the military shot down was the CCP’s command and control center for wearables that monitor our brains. Reason is, my headset quit working three days after the balloon landed in the Atlantic. The service guy said they got wet.  

I’m being snarky, but my, my. What do you think?  

A friend told me he doesn't pay any attention to anything he can't control. I'm not sure I agree with him—my wife coming to mind rather quickly. Smile.

I believe it is imperative that we pay attention to the world around us. If we do not, then we live in a fragile bubble and a relevant ability to give account for the hope of the gospel that is in us is compromised. 

Paying attention to a world that has gone mad, that is enamored with its own sophistication and resulting foolishness, a world that for all its ingenuity pursues senselessness, means that there is a balancing act between paying attention to the outside world and the profound magnificence of life in Christ. But, this is the call that we have been given at this point in history. 

The good news is that the methodology for keeping your wits about you is not complex. Rather, maintaining your focus is as simple as paying attention to your fundamentals. 

By fundamentals I mean those practices that we explored about a year ago and that are now expanded and elaborated upon in my book, Rigorous Grace. 

As our leaders worry about flatulating cows and how to make seven billion unique individuals Socialistically the same, you can devote your attention to eternal matters that replenish your soul. Yes, the consequences of our arrogant behavior before God are monstrous. Yes, we are called to engage these issues and the people so tragically affected, our children chief among them. 

But let me encourage you: While the times are crazy and there are significant issues, it is no mistake that you live, and move, and have your being at this particular time in history. Father God is not stressed about what is transpiring. He is living, and active, and as sharp as ever.  

Much of what He has to say is to encourage you. Take His Word to heart!

Maintain your focus!