health – La Vista Church of Christ

I feel so lazy and irresponsible

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 20:30:28 +0000

Question:

Hello,

I feel so bad, so guilty, so scared to lose my salvation because I've been ill and feel like I lost my first love. I was so active in the church, at home, and in my hobbies. I can do the bare minimum at home, and I've cut my work hours to a few per week to keep my health insurance. For God's work, I only have one student online once a week. I'm a Bible class teacher for little ones; I don't feel like I'm putting in much effort there. I teach a women's class online every other week; not much effort there, either. I don't like TV, and I've been watching TV lately, but I can't find the will to preach to others to get more students. When I have good moments, I work a little and also do household chores.

What can I do? Any advice?

By the way, my illness is not that bad. I've had sleep apnea all my life due to jaw malformation, but I guess now in my 50s it's caught up with me. It's untreated due to my jaw issues. My oxygen drops to 83% all night (just found out), and I stop breathing every 1.5 minutes. I've found a solution, and I'm working towards getting better, but for now, I feel so scared. I'm embarrassed to constantly ask God for forgiveness. Why ask if I'm not changing my ways?

I feel so bad because I feel lazy and irresponsible to God. I can do other work, but I can't do more for Him. In all honesty, what I do for Him doesn't feel like much; it doesn't cost me much effort.

Sincerely in Christ.

Answer:

People have a strong tendency to measure themselves against other people, including their past selves. Some can't let go of their past mistakes, to which Paul said, "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14). That same advice applies to past accomplishments. All the things you've done in the past are wonderful, and I'm glad to hear that you are not sitting back.

You are doing what your health allows. You would like to do more, and you are approaching the problem correctly by addressing the core issue (your sleep apnea). However, while you are healing, don't discredit what you are doing. To your students, the children you teach, and the women in your class, you are important. After all these years of teaching, it seems easy, but it is no less important.

If you are looking for some additional challenge, consider writing lessons and articles. You find teaching easy, so teach others to teach (II Timothy 2:2).

Instead of fighting to do all the things you used to handle, find what you can do. God is not looking for you to work your way into heaven. All the things we do cannot make up for our past sins. Yet, God's rich mercy offers us salvation, and in appreciation, we do what we can to serve Him.

This isn't an issue of laziness or sin. It is a matter of failing health and approaching old age. It requires adapting to your limitations and making the most of what you have. Don't waste time wishing for what you don't have.

Question:

Thank you, brother Hamilton. I'll keep that in mind and look for other ways to serve.

We are members of the Lord's Church and have been traveling to other countries to preach. We are helping to guide the few members in a congregation. My husband would like to improve his prayers during service. He's asked me for help, but I'm very afraid to cross the line. In what way could I help him?

Maybe there's a way for me to do some simpler things for God's Work.

Answer:

There is no reason you can't point out some passages that might help your husband improve his prayers, or find him a book that you think addresses the issues well, or even give him encouragement when he makes progress. The thing to avoid is telling him what he must do.

Response:

Ok, thank you.

I truly appreciate your advice and the work you do.

Marijuana Use Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

Jeffrey Hamilton — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:28:44 +0000

Source: "Marijuana use linked to higher risk of heart attack and stroke," American Heart Association News, 28 February 2024.

"The number of people using marijuana has increased significantly in recent decades in the U.S., where its recreational use has been legalized in 24 states and the District of Columbia. In 2019, a federal survey showed more than 48 million people ages 12 and older reported using marijuana at least once – nearly double the number in 2002."

"Any marijuana use was linked to a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes, but people who used it most frequently had the highest odds. Adults who used marijuana daily had 25% higher odds of having a heart attack and 42% higher odds of stroke than people who didn't use it at all."

"Cannabis smoke is not all that different from tobacco smoke, except for the psychoactive drug: THC versus nicotine"

Can taking Holy Communion miraculously heal?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 02:14:09 +0000

Question:

Dear friend,

I was baptized as an adult who believes in Christ. I was told that he is our Perfector and our Savior.

I had previously struggled with lust, hoping to rid my life of pornographic images. After the baptism, I would still sometimes masturbate, which a Christian friend said he once had problems with. I no longer do this. Is sexual sin forgivable after baptism?

And also, what do you teach about rebaptism? Some call it a grave sin or sacrilege if it is done intentionally to break a known rule. If it is, is it forgivable?

And finally, do you know of anyone who was ever healed miraculously through Holy Communion? I have been struggling with hyponatremia, obesity, and other normal health problems. I also feel a profound feeling of pain, decay, decrepitude, and despair inwardly. I can only wish that it were possible to be healed of my inward problems.

Can you respond to these questions at your next convenience?

Thank you again in advance.

Answer:

My impression from reading your note is that you make decisions more from what people tell you than from what you have learned from the Bible.

It is really good to hear that you've broken the habit of pornography. That is often a difficult habit for men to overcome. See A Look at Pornography and Is masturbation unacceptable?

All sins are forgivable when they are left behind through repentance (II Corinthians 7:10-11). Baptism does not prevent sins from happening. Everyone stumbles in sin at times, even Christians. "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us" (I John 1:8-10). The difference between a Christian and a sinner is that a Christian refuses to remain in sin. He does something about his sin.

You are looking for being baptized again because you think you should never sin as a Christian. Baptism might be done again if the person was not baptized for the right purpose. See What authority is there for re-baptism?

The Lord's Supper or Communion is taken to remember Christ's death on the cross. "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" (I Corinthians 11:23-26). It does not cause miracles to happen. It is a declaration by Christians that the Lord Jesus lived, died, and lives to return again.

The hardship and decay of this world are reminders to us that this world is not our permanent home. "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (II Corinthians 4:16-18).

Masks, Vaccines, and the Bible

Jeffrey Hamilton — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 16:24:00 +0000

by Matthew W. Bassford

The following restates the biblical principles that should govern our speech and behavior when it comes to masks, vaccines, and discussion of the same.

In areas where we are given liberty by man and God, we must respect the liberty of others. We must not judge or show contempt toward those who use their liberty differently (Romans 14:1-3).
When we talk about these things, we must speak graciously and in a way that edifies everyone. Speaking in a contentious, self-righteous, angry way is ungodly (II Timothy 2:23-25).
Elders must not lord it over the flock but rather lead by force of example (I Peter 5:3).
Christians under elders must obey, submit to, and follow them so that their conduct gives the elders joy rather than grief. "Am I making the elders' work harder or more unpleasant?" is a very important question for all of us to ask (Hebrews 13:17).
Christians must obey the government, saving only the times when it commands us to do something that directly contradicts the law of God (Romans 13:1-3).
We must not confuse our personal convictions, whether based on conscience, our understanding of the Constitution, or anything else, with the divine commandment. If we do, we likely will fall into serious error (Acts 26:9-10).

Is it a sin to get vaccinated?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 20:08:28 +0000

Question:

Hello beloved brother!

I always give thanks to God concerning you, for your exhortation, correction, encouragement.

The worldwide has been overtaken by the coronavirus pandemic, which is responsible for a scary number of deaths daily. The various religions seek responses to give to the hopeless world, trying to comfort the world. Many theories have been given concerning COVID-19, and many have come to agree that it will end up with the most expected event: The 666 mark! Many say that the COVID-19 vaccine is going to be that mark, without which none will be allowed to travel, buy, sell, etc. I look at what the Bible says and I find no place for such statements. But even so, it lets me confused!

Would you mind insuring the following questions?

Has the COVID-19 vaccine anything to do with Christ?
Is it a sin to get that vaccine?
Has it really to do with the end of the ages?
What could a Christian do in the vaccination process (accept or deny)?
Who is the evil man Paul talks about? (it won't be so until the evil one is revealed)

I hope to hear news from you and get biblical answers.

Answer:

"For thus the LORD spoke to me with mighty power and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying, 'You are not to say, 'It is a conspiracy!' In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy, and you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it. It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, and He shall be your dread'" (Isaiah 8:11-13).

You will always find people finding things to stir up feelings of panic. Ever since Jesus said that he would return, people have been seeing "signs" of his return in every event in the world despite the fact that Jesus said there would not be any signs.

"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone" (Matthew 24:36).

"For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Matthew 38-39).

"For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will" (Matthew 24:44).

"The master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know" (Matthew 24:50).

"Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour" (Matthew 25:13).

Revelation mostly deals with the fall of the Roman Empire and the mark of the beast had to do with providing evidence that a person was loyal to the emperor and worshiped at his altar. See 666 and the Mark of the Beast. Now, it is true that history repeats itself, so it is not surprising that we hear of places, like China, requiring Christians to denounce their religion in order to receive government services. These are not signs of Jesus' second coming. They are the product of men forgetting the lessons of history.

In regards to the man of sin, see The Man of Sin.

Does wearing a mask mean you don’t trust God?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 22:16:04 +0000

Question:

I am in a battle with some of my family members regarding following the CDC guidelines concerning COVID 19 (they are reckless). With the numbers going up where I live, I have chosen to follow the guidelines regarding wearing a mask in public and social distancing, and not socializing between households. My family members chastise me by telling me that God is our ultimate face mask and there is no need to follow man's guidelines. I tell them all the time that I trust God, and I also know that He provides tools to keep us safe according to His will. Their way of thinking scares me, but I also know that God is in control of all things and He is with us everywhere we go. We are about to take a trip to a part of the country where the numbers are quite high for a wellness check for a member of our family, and family members are refusing to heed the CDC and say that I don't trust God in all things, which I do. Because of their reckless behavior, I am at a dilemma as to socializing with them on this trip.

I am looking for godly wisdom as we move forward as a family.

Answer:

"If no one knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen? No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind, or authority over the day of death; and there is no discharge in the time of war, and evil will not deliver those who practice it" (Ecclesiastes 8:7-8).

As I was thinking about how to answer your question, I stopped at a fast-food restaurant for some sandwiches to take home. At the window, I notice that all the employees had masks. One was hanging from the cashier's ear and two people had them under their chins. At least the person preparing the food had her mouth covered, though not her nose. I'm not upset. I still enjoyed the sandwich. But my point is that people are people. They will avoid rules they don't agree with.

We also need to realize that the CDC is a human organization. It makes mistakes. It waffled for a while about whether masks would limit the spread of the virus or not. In fact, it appears that its biggest difficulty was that it was issuing rules when it did not really know if those rules were necessary. The result is that people lost their trust.

A third point that must be considered is that, in general, we have a poor track record in regards to stopping the spread of diseases. The only disease that has been eliminated in the general population is smallpox. We can slow down the spread for a while, but we never can stop it. The early concern was that CoVid-19 would overwhelm the hospital systems. That is why it was stated that the curve needed to be flattened. But a flattened curve also means the spread of the disease remains high for a longer period of time because you can't change the area under the curve (the number of people who will eventually catch this disease). We were so effective at flattening the curve that the hospitals were actually underutilized. Thus, rules are being lifted in most places while watching the hospitalization rates. So far, no hospital system has been overwhelmed yet, though a few came close for a short while.

Spreading out the length of time for when people contract the disease gave the doctors time to establish ways to treat the disease. You will notice that the death rate from this disease has dropped dramatically.

Adding this all up, we should be concerned about the disease, but it is not something to panic over. You also must remember that people are people and you can't control what others do. If you decide for your safety to wear a mask, then do so. If you don't want to be around people who aren't wearing masks, then that is your choice. Those who are ignoring the rules have basically decided they are accepting the risk of contracting the disease -- that is their choice.

However, holding people responsible for what might happen doesn't make sense.

"I have seen that nothing is better than that man should be happy in his activities, for that is his lot. For who will bring him to see what will occur after him?" (Ecclesiastes 3:22).

Love in the Time of an Epidemic

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 19:46:07 +0000

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

A friend of mine recently posted a passage written by Eusebius, an early historian of the church, which I wish to share with you. At the peak of the Cyprian Plague, which ran from about A.D. 249 to 262, there were as many as 5,000 deaths per day throughout the Roman Empire. The plague was named after Cyprian, the bishop of Carthage who witnessed the plague and wrote about it.

"Afterwards there broke out a dreadful plague, and excessive destruction of a hateful disease invaded every house in succession of the trembling populace, carrying off day by day with abrupt attack numberless people, every one from his own house. All were shuddering, fleeing, shunning the contagion, impiously exposing their own friends, as if with the exclusion of the person who was sure to die of the plague, one could exclude death itself also. There lay about the meanwhile, over the whole city, no longer bodies, but the carcasses of many, and, by the contemplation of a lot which in their turn would be theirs, demanded the pity of the passers-by for themselves. No one regarded anything besides his cruel gains. No one trembled at the remembrance of a similar event. No one did to another what he himself wished to experience." [Pontius of Carthage, Life of Cyprian].

"The Plague at Ashdod" by Nicolas Poussin

The plague nearly destroyed the Roman Empire.

"... the history of Rome is a confusing tangle of violent failures. The structural integrity of the imperial machine burst apart. The frontier system crumbled. The collapse of legitimacy invited one usurper after another to try for the throne. The empire fragmented and only the dramatic success of later emperors in putting the pieces back together prevented this moment from being the final act of Roman imperial history." [Kyle Harper, The Fate of Rome: Climate, Disease, and the End of an Empire," Chapter 4, 2017].

Yet, in the midst of this chaos, Eusebius records,

"Most of our brethren showed love and loyalty in not sparing themselves while helping one another, tending to the sick with no thought of danger and gladly departing this life with them after becoming infected with their disease Many who nursed others to health died themselves, thus transferring their death to themselves. The best of our own brothers lost their lives in this way -- some presbyters, deacons, and laymen -- a form of death based on strong faith and piety that seems in every way equal to martyrdom. They would also take up the bodies of the saints, close their eyes, shut their mouths, and carry them on their shoulders. They would embrace them, wash and dress them in burial clothes, and soon receive the same services themselves.

"The heathen were the exact opposite. They pushed away those with the first signs of the disease and fled from their dearest. They even threw them half-dead into the roads and treated unburied corpses like refuse in hope of avoiding the plague of death, which, for all their efforts, was difficult to escape." [Eusebius, The Church History, Dionysius and Dissent; Strife and Plague in Alexandria, 7.22.]

Because of the Christians' unwavering confidence in the face of death, many were drawn to the faith.

May we be like our brethren in the past. Whether the current concerns of the coronavirus proves deadly or not or whether we face a pandemic in the future, let us be resolved to never push away those who need comfort among the sick and dying. In showing love for our neighbors we glorify the name of our Lord. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

A Sound Mind in a Sound Body

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 23:55:00 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SoundMindInASoundBody.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Text: I Timothy 4:6-16

I. Back in the time of the early church, a Roman poet, Juvenal, stated “You should pray for a sound mind in a sound body.”

A. The thought is clear. To have one without the other is far from an enjoyable life.

B. But what is meant by “sound?”

II. Physical Health

A. “Sound” is usually used to translate the Greek word hugiaino, which means “to be in good health, wholesome”

1. A related word, hugies, carried the idea of that which is healthy, whole, or unbroken.

2. Literally it means to be in good health, free of injury or disease

3. You can see it in Luke 7:10 where the servant was found “whole” or “well” or “in good health”

4. Or in the case of the prodigal son’s return - Luke 15:27

B. It should be our concern that life goes well with our brethren - III John 1-2

1. John expressed a wish for financial, physical, and spiritual health for Gaius.

C. Interestingly, when the Septuagint was translated, the translators selected hugiaino to translate the Hebrew word shalom.

1. Normally we translated shalom as “peace” but it also carries the idea of wish for the well-being of the one greeted, as seen in the angel’s words to Daniel - Daniel 10:19

D. In Greek, when hugiaino was used to begin or end a letter, it was used to convey a wish for the well-being of the one receiving the letter.

1. We still keep the same idea when we tell some one “good-bye.”

2. It is a wish for a good, safe, healthy future (bye).

III. Spiritual Health

A. The idea of soundness is not limited to physical health.

1. Physical health has only a small benefit - I Timothy 4:6-10

2. God is concerned with the spiritual health of His people because that is what is lasting

B. Sound words

1. It is important to keep the pattern or form of sound words - II Timothy 1:13-14

2. The teachings of the gospel are wholesome words - I Timothy 6:3

3. The teachings of the gospel brings a person spiritual health. (The “nourished” in I Timothy 4:6)

4. The world is lost in the disease of sin, but the words delivered to us in the Bible can bring about a cure and restore us to health

5. We have purified our souls by the word of God - I Peter 1:22-25

C. Sound doctrine

1. “Doctrine” refers to the teachings or instructions.

2. The sound message must be soundly taught, as instructed of elders - Titus 1:9-11

3. In the conveyance of the message, it must not be broken or corrupted in any way, as instructed of preachers - II Timothy 4:2-5

4. Sinful living is contrary to sound teaching - I Timothy 1:8-11

a. You cannot live in sin and be sound in your teaching. The two do not mix.

b. Thus the warning - II John 9-11

(1) Notice the warning that greeting is sharing

(2) The common greeting is a wishing of good health or soundness

(3) To welcome an unsound teacher as sound is to corrupt your own life

D. Sound faith

1. A sound message delivered in a sound fashion does little good if it is not soundly accepted.

2. It must be carefully followed - I Timothy 4:6

3. Sometimes it takes sharp rebukes - Titus 1:13

4. But this is because it is important! The greatest teachings in the world are useless if message is not lived - Titus 2:7-8

IV. Mental health

A. The phrase “sound mind” is the translation of another Greek word, sophroneo. It means to be self-controlled, sensible, and serious

B. One of the things given to us is a sound mind - II Timothy 1:7

C. Teaching sound doctrine means teaching people to be sound minded.

1. Titus 2:1-6 “But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. Likewise urge the young men to be sensible;” (Titus 2:1-6 NAS95)

2. Salvation teaches us to live soberly - Titus 2:11-12

3. All Christians are to think soberly - Romans 12:3

D. Healthy thoughts lead to healthy actions

E. Or think of it this way, you cannot follow the sound message if your reasoning is unsound

V. Detecting soundness

A. We speak of sound congregations, but what makes a congregation sound? How can you tell that a congregation is sound?

1. When you buy a melon, they tell you to thump it and listen to see if it is good inside.

2. We need to put people to the test - I John 4:1

B. Do they have the unadulterated message?

1. Mormons and Muslims believe they have extra-biblical books. In fact they teach that our New Testaments have been corrupted

2. Jehovah Witnesses use a modified translation to support their teachings

3. Catholics believe that traditions of the ages are equal and sometimes superior to the words of the Bible

4. II Timothy 2:14-16

C. Do they teach accurately?

1. Methodist, Episcopals, and many other denominations are in constant flux debating what they are going to teach; debating and voting on what they will accept - Titus 3:9-11

2. Many twist the message - II Peter 3:15-16

D. Do they live it?

1. Rejected by Christ - Matthew 7:21-23

E. Do they think soberly?

1. Many give way to emotional appeals.

a. It feels good

b. It does good

2. But there is no soundness to their reasoning

3. Such people may start out with truth, but they have nothing to keep them within the truth - Ephesians 4:14-15

F. I’m always amazed how often people will accept error. They know something is wrong, but “it can’t be all that bad.”

1. “It’s just a cold”

2. Perhaps, but it is unhealthy

G. Let us be sound, healthy people in a sound body -- the body of Christ

What Do You Do For Fun?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Fri, 23 May 2014 00:32:00 +0000

by Jim McGuiggan
in The Irish Papers

A young man tried to talk a young lady into sexual intercourse but she wouldn’t hear tell of it. Then he offered her booze she wouldn’t touch. A little later he wanted to share some marijuana with her but she turned that down, too. By this time he was thoroughly disgusted and sulkily demanded to know what she did for fun. She said:

“I never have to worry about being diseased or pregnant. And that’s fun! That means I don’t have to wrestle with a decision to abort an unwanted baby; and that’s fun. And I don’t have to wonder if I’m being pawed over by someone who might not want to know me a couple of months from now. And that’s fun. I never have any difficulty remembering what I did the night before and who I did it with; and that’s fun, too. And I’m looking forward to the day when I can give myself totally to my husband rather than give a panicky fraction of me in the back seat of some car. And that’s fun. I can hardly wait, but I will. I won’t ever have to worry about getting a blood test that tells me I have AIDS or some other venereal disease; and believe me, that’s fun. My parents love me more than I can say and if I were to get into trouble, of any kind, they’d be right there with me. But I never have to worry about seeing them crushed and shamed by some disgraceful behavior of mine, and believe me, as much as I love them - that’s really fun.”

I have an incurable body odor issue. Why should I continue to live?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 03:32:00 +0000

Question:

My question straight forward and honest is would God send me to hell if I'm tired of living? Let me explain. For many years, I have been dealing with an incurable body odor issue, which causes me to smell of ammonia, regardless of how hygienic I am. This is not a matter of hygiene. I've visited numerous doctors and none of them can resolve this problem. This is my life and my quality of life has drastically changed for the worse. My career is destroyed and my social life is nonexistent. I've become for a lack of a better word, a recluse. I'm tired of dealing with this issue as it has ruined every aspect of my being. The bottom line here is I'm tired of living like this. I'm tired of asking God for help with no cure in sight. At this point in time, I seriously wonder what's the point in living? I mean let's get real here. I'm talking real talk right now. I don't want to die, but I seriously don't see a purpose or a reason to keep living like this? It's pointless, absolutely pointless.

Answer:

There have been numerous people in the Bible who were tired of living. Job and Jeremiah wondered why they weren't stillborn. Elijah saw himself as a failure. Even though at the moment these people didn't know why they needed to continue living, they understood that it was wrong to take their own lives. See: Why Is Suicide a Sin?

While you have become a recluse, you are not totally uninvolved in the world. After all, you and I are talking. And just because you haven't found a solution yet, it doesn't follow that a solution can't be found or that the effect can't be minimized to a tolerable level. See: "Body Odor" by Dr. Gabe Mirkin.

Meanwhile, find things you can do. Farm -- animals and plants don't care what you smell like, yet you can care for them. Be adventurous and live in the wilderness. Develop your ability to write. Be friends with people around the world through chats, Skype, Facebook, or whatever, and be a positive influence on others. My point is that you are focused on what appears to be blocked to you; instead, focus on the doors that are open.