When we are young, our moms hold our hands for a short time. But, they hold our hearts forever. And, when they are gone, they do not let go. The bond of affection and love between us makes us realize that our true home is not here. Once, a little girl, when asked where her home was, replied, “Where my mom is!” I know what she meant.

tossed aside. The tomb is empty. The grave is no longer the end. “Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:54-55).

ON Jan. 8, 1964, just seven weeks after the assassination of President Kennedy, President Johnson gave his State of the Union address. He boldly announced, "This administration today, here and now, declares unconditional war on poverty in America. Our aim is not only to relieve the symptoms of poverty, but to cure it and, above all, to prevent it." A noble trumpet call to arms to battle against the raging inequity devastating so many Americans.

As a young boy, Jesus learned to pray as a faithful member of God’s people. In the morning, before work, before meals, in the evening and at night, Jesus would sanctify each day with prayers taken from the psalms. This was the bread that nourished his spiritual life. In praying these inspired songs, Jesus had ready at hand the language to praise and glorify the Father. He also had a primer in which to read and understand his own life and mission. No one can understand Jesus today without looking to the psalms.

THE United States national debt stands at a staggering $16.4 trillion. It is estimated to rise in the next four years to $22 trillion. The number is so overwhelming that it is hard to grasp. But one fact is clear. The U.S. government has been on the greatest spending spree in our history, with no hope of stopping on the horizon. But the government’s lack of restraint is not simply a problem. It is a symptom of something much wider in the American culture. We are becoming a nation of individuals who do not curb our desires.

Ten years ago, Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ earned $611.9 million worldwide. Now filmmakers are returning to the Bible as a ready source for their art. This year alone promises five new Bible-based movies. In March, Noah. In April, Heaven is For Real. In December, Exodus and Mary, Mother of Christ. By the first week following its release this past February 28, the movie Son of God grossed $30,124,842.