STTA: Veterans Day

Here is Something To Think About (STTA) for Veterans Day.

Tonia Sargent's husband Kenny was seriously injured while serving in Iraq with the Marines 4 years ago. As she writes in the October 2008 issue of Guideposts magazine, "During a firefight in Najaf a bullet ricocheted off an armored personnel carrier and pierced his head, entering under his right eye and exiting the left side of his skull."

Kenny sustained serious injuries, and underwent many months of treatment and rehabilitation. Although he will be living with the effects of his injuries for the rest of his life, Kenny made a remarkable recovery. Rather than receiving a medical discharge, Kenny was able to finish out his time in the Marines and retire with 21 years of service.

At the end of her article, Tony writes: "No matter when the Iraq war ends, the warriors who come home will need more than slogans, more than bumper stickers and ribbon magnets on cars. They'll need resources to get the health care they need. Support for family members taking part in that care. A lot of prayer. And a nation committed to seeing them through."

On this Veterans Day, I say a hearty "Amen" to these words that Tonia Sargent hopes to share with all Americans.

Positive Thinking - R.I.P.

I was saddened to receive a notice from Guideposts today. In part, the letter read:

"We would like to thank you for your continued support of Positive Thinking magazine. We know how much this magazine means to you, but after careful consideration, we have found it necessary to discontinue publishing Positive Thinking after the July/August 2008 issue."

I have received Positive Thinking since the July/August 2007 issue. Positive Thinking began in January 2007 by the same folks who bring us Guideposts. Actually, this was not the first incarnation of Positive Thinking. For many years, the folks at Guideposts published a small pocket-size magazine called Plus: The Magazine of Positive Thinking. The title was later shortened to Positive Thinking, although the format remained the same--a small booklet of stories, without advertising--published 10 times a year.

Other than what I've listed above, no further explanation has been given as to why the recent incarnation of Positive Thinking was discontinued. I can only guess that the readership numbers were below the expectations of the publishers. Just like Life magazine which folded in 2000, economics have forced another "lily among the thorns" of periodicals to perish.

I will miss Positive Thinking. In a time when we are surrounded by negativity, fear mongering, divisive vitriol, and so-called "reality" programming, it was a breath of fresh air to receive a publication that actually offered hope for a meaningful life. I only hope that Guideposts can continue to be a beacon of light in a world filled with gloom and despair.

So, to my dear friend Positive Thinking--Rest In Peace.