What was anticipated to be "the Christian Century"
certainly did not live up to that lofty expectation. To the
contrary, it has led us into a new century with more
uncertainties, questions, doubts, and anxieties than we ever
could have imagined. Whatever happened to "Don't
worry, be happy"? Simply put: there are now many more
reasons to worry than to be happy (however one defines
happiness). Stress, anxiety, apprehension, worry, fear -
whatever else you want to add to the list - appear to be
major ingredients in a life gone global. Our concerns are no
longer local, regional, or even national. The fluttering
wings of a butterfly any place in the world can cause a
powerful wind of destruction right in our own
neighborhood.