I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.

Henry David Thoreau

When I`m tempted to throw up my hands in despair and surrender to the cynical idea that this is just the way it will always be, I think of the parable of a young man who was so overcome by the weight of corruption, poverty and pain in the world that he became despondent and doubtful about the power and intentions of the God he believed in.
At his place of worship he prayed, "God, how can you allow all this sin and suffering and do nothing?" Receiving no answer he became frustrated and he raised his voice, "Lord, my faith is at issue. How can you do nothing?"
A young girl behind him whispered, "Don`t despair. God has done something. He made YOU!"

Michael Josephson