Back to basics

There's a great debate going on in some circles about the effect of a phenomenon called relativism and its temptation toward another related reality known as individualism.  These two phenomena are rampant by some standards in countries and regions of the globe which also profess to be more advanced than others.  There are many dangers with the thinking that puts relativism and tempatation in the same basket as advancement, among them, the belief that each of us can go it on our own when it comes to living life.

In contrast to this, the lessons we first learned as children, about walking together at times hand in hand through the ravages that the world seems to through our way, can sometimes be put aside, but if they are, we are the ones who run the risk of being more in trouble than we might like to admit.  This is the time when we should take a step back and return to the basics.

From the time we are children, many of us learn the basics of life: love deeply, find a reason for laughter and don't forget about your prayers.  Even the words of prayer don't have to be complicated in order to be effective and beautiful.  Some of the most basic of prayers are also the source of the most effective consolation, and when they are recited with passion and belief, they take on a life all their own.  The same can be said of music well performed.  In fact, some would say that music can be prayed.  Take for instance the recording of Andrea Bocelli's concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, whenrein he sang a rendition of the famous Lord's Prayer which still makes the hair on some listeners necks stand on end.



The best prayers are simple.  They are often the most profound too.