...made

Our economy has been shattered by widespread corporate fraud. 

Kids lie, steal, and cheat at unprecedented rates. 

Parents beat up each other or referees at youth sports events or supply alcohol to fuel organized hazing. 

Our confidence in the integrity of journalistic institutions, the accounting profession, stockbrokers, college sports, organized religion, and business is continually shaken by a relentless barrage of shameful behavior.

It's tempting to throw up our hands in despair and surrender to cynicism.

It reminds me of the tale of the pious young man whose car broke down on his way to his place of worship. He had to walk through an area where homeless people huddled against buildings for warmth, alcoholics and mentally ill adults wandered the streets, and crack dealers sold drugs. He was overcome with a sense of despondency and doubt about the power and intentions of God.

"God," he prayed, "how can you allow all this pain and misery and do nothing?"

Receiving no answer, he became frustrated. 

"Lord, my faith is at issue!" he cried. 

"How can you allow all this suffering and do nothing?"

Then someone behind him whispered, "He didn't do nothing. He made you."

What a profound insight and daunting responsibility it is to realize that you are the instrument of reform, that your courage, compassion, and creativity in your sphere of influence can set into motion a ripple effect of healing actions and attitudes to make a better world.

-character counts