Letter from the Publisher

Photo by Michael Murphy Photographic

By Steven O. Evans, PhD

Dear readers, Be filled with joy. I have gotten so many calls, messages, and notes these past months from friends that are discouraged. There are some days that the future seems so bleak. I don’t pretend to have the answers. I don’t even know what tomorrow will bring. But, this I do know, hope must prevail. Hope is all we have. Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected during our nation’s peak of the Great Depression. His inaugural speech was spoken to tens of millions of Americans, waiting to hear words of encouragement of what was to come. He then set forth his famous words:

“So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is … fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. And I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days …”

My friends, if you are reading this, you may have fear of what is to come. I have had many days of worry about the future. I have sat just tonight with a friend who shared his devastation about breaking up with his boyfriend.

Point of Grace

Photo Courtesy of 25 Artist Agency

As I said in last month’s letter, I have cried more since March than I have in my entire life. Fear is a terrible, terrible thing. We must not be afraid or what is to come. Instead, let us learn from this time. I hope that I will not make the same mistakes. I shared a song last month. This month, I want to share this one, also by Point of Grace, entitled, “Heal the Wound.” 1

I used to wish that I could rewrite history I used to dream that each mistake could be erased Then I could just pretend I never knew the me back then

I used to pray that You would take this shame away Hide all the evidence of who I've been But it's the memory of the place You brought me from That keeps me on my knees and even though I'm free

Heal the wound but leave the scar

A reminder of how merciful You are

I am broken, torn apart, take the pieces of this heart

And heal the wound but leave the scar

And every stone will sing of what You can redeem

Heal the wound but leave the scar A reminder of how merciful You are I am broken, torn apart, take the pieces of this heart And heal the wound but leave the scar Don't let me forget Everything You've done for me

Don't let me forget The beauty in the suffering Heal the wound but leave the scar A reminder of how merciful You are I am broken, torn apart, take the pieces of this heart

I have not lived a life that boasts of anything I don't take pride in what I bring

But I'll build an altar with the rubble that You've found me in

Heal the wound but leave the scar Heal the wound but leave the scar

A reminder of how merciful You are I am broken, torn apart, take the pieces of this heart And heal the wound but leave the scar, leave the scar 2

So, dear friends, let us learn from this traumatic time that we must endure. Let us grow. Let us learn. There is so much pain right now in our city, country, and world. But, somehow, somewhere, there is a rainbow of hope and joy abounding amidst this storm. We must be strong and fear not.

Much love,

Steven O. Evans, PhD

Publisher & Editor in Chief

1 Songwriters: Clint Lagerberg / Nicole Nordeman; Heal the Wound lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Warner Chappell Music Inc.

2 www.YouTube.com/Watch?v=8fcR_3xcpUo