Mark Twain once said, ” What gets us into trouble is not what we don’t know. It’s what we know for sure that just ain’t so.” We don’t know about you, but from where we are sitting, it looks  like the world is in heaps of trouble. In fact, it seems like many of us are painfully divided on what is even real anymore, and what is not.  Attempting to decipher the source of our woes is nothing new and indeed much wisdom can be gained when we examine our own hearts in brutal honesty. Unfortunately, it appears as if this carnival ride will never end, and the bickering over masks, vaccines, and trusting science is a permanent scar on our collective conscience. For some, it even feels as if the hot dog and milk shake that smelled so good when we were buying our tickets at this show, is now a moment away from spilling on the passengers all around us. Our troubles also run the gamut from supply chain issues, to inflation, and on and on. Many are turning to unhealthy coping strategies, and turning on those they used to love.

Perhaps Mark Twain’s observation is a structural flaw in our human nature, and we are doomed forever, or perhaps we can work together and empower each other into the next age and beyond. We vote for the latter, and we believe it is in the truth we can best chart a course for ourselves, and for our human family. Who assigns the truth you might ask? A fair and equitable question indeed. Perhaps we first must ascribe a quality or meaning to this word truth, as even the simplest of terms has become increasingly warped in this brave new world. For the sake of simplicity, we will propose that truth is merely in accordance with sufficient facts or reality. Keep in mind, however, that facts too can obscure the truth when those facts are used in sleight of hand, or with nefarious objectives, and motives. Any legal counsel worth his or her salt will undoubtedly recognize this observation. We rather believe the truth is not only the sum total of facts and of science, but also emanates from the heart. Proverbs 4:23 tells us that, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Of course, Jesus taught many things, but we certainly can’t remember when Jesus told us the truth would always be pleasant, and comfortable. As a matter of fact, the truth is often very unpleasant, and yet, alas, a man hears what he wants to hear. We also have built in psychological factors working against us to conceal what is right in front of our nose. The truth must have no agenda, and we must force our eyes upon it if necessary. For if we are to test all things and hold fast to that which is good, then we must take an honest accounting of all sides and of all opinions. That is also why censorship of ideas or pertinent facts should never be tolerated if we desire to live in a free and compassionate society. It is with that in mind, and with pure intentions we bring to you the the Maine Anchor. We may not always get things right, and we will stand humbly corrected when evidence indicates a contradiction. We love the truth, and we love each and every one of you. We do not seek conflict, although we do not shy away from controversy either. We pray that you will be empowered and encouraged in the light of hope, and in the light of what is real. – Maine Anchor Contributor

Image Credit: John Stauble. www.manitou07.net