The Georgian Gazette

Paranoia is defined as “a mental disorder characterized by systematized delusions ascribing hostile intentions to other persons, often linked with a sense of mission.” Also paranoia is defined as “baseless or excessive distrust of others.” Without treating the disorder of paranoia lightly or suggesting that it is not a serious affiliation, some have said, “You are not paranoid if ‘they’ are really after you.” The above definitions fit into a conversation I had recently with a friend many miles from where I live. This person called to let me know the time had come to make a change in his ministry direction. I share parts of the conversation with full approval of my friend. Because of confidentiality, his name or location will not be divulged. Upon further questioning, it was revealed by my friend he found it necessary to take a biblical stand on moral issues facing members of the community where he serves. He was invited to an event reflecting a different lifestyle than he felt would ...

Once again, the time has come for a wonderful rite of passage known as high school graduation. My sincere word of congratulations is given to each person who will be receiving a high school diploma this year. You have stayed in school and reached this wonderful milestone in your life. To the parents who have worked hard to assure your child would finish high school, I also extend a word of congratulations. As parents, grandparents, other family members and close friends join in watching the ceremony marking your high school graduation, please understand that this night, for many of you, is your first public opportunity to show your respect and appreciation for the school system, teachers, family and friends who have stood with you during these long years of reaching to the point for you to obtain this diploma. As an observer of these ceremonies for the last several years, I find it interesting that occasionally the students are more respectful than some members of the crowd watching...

The sound was mournful; “I am giving up.” The young man I overheard talking on an elevator caught my attention because he was talking loudly, wanting all within hearing distance to know of his decision to quit. I could not help but engage him in conversation about his decision to quit by throwing in the towel and giving up. As I spoke with him, I heard what has become familiar speech from other people with whom I have spoken. This young person was talking about the never ending cycle of disappointment regarding the political issues we are facing in our country now. “They are all lazy, stubborn, and wrong,” this young man went on expressing his opinion to me about what he observed on the national level in the political world. As I talked more with this young man, I asked him about his level of involvement. To which he answered, “I never vote.” “I don’t understand politics,” he said. To which I then asked, “Let me get this right, you are throwing in what towel?” I am amazed at the num...

It was announced by the Vatican that the Pope is resigning and will go into retirement. I wish him the best in his retirement years. I know the process of selecting the next Pope is held tightly in the doctrines and beliefs of the Catholic Church. However, I am certain the next Pope will be selected from a group of people well versed in and recognized as Catholic in his theology and practice. I suppose they will look to someone who meets all those qualifications as well as who will be revealed to those making the decision after much prayer and well thought through considerations of the needs of the church and world at this time. I respect and appreciate the tradition and process that is in place in the Catholic Church and feel certain it will be followed going forward. When a church is without a pastor of any denomination or theological belief system, it is certainly thought that by whatever process a new pastor is selected, to be called, hired or installed as the new pastor, t...