Northern Reflections on Health

  • Home
  • About
  • Q&A
  • Contact

Unimpressed by the press

February 20, 2017 By Wendy Margolese 11 Comments

unimpressed by the mediaThe 24-hour news cycle makes it tough to get away from the multi-media frenzy that feeds non-stop it seems, on political pundits’ opinions or the latest global health hazard. And confusion can abound now between what is true and not – adding new lexicon such as “alternative facts”!

Add to that turmoil our current cloudy and cold days; and, mental health experts warn that all this can have significant effects on our mental and physical well-being.

While I’ve read helpful tips from mental health advocates that include taking breaks from the barrage of news to look for good headlines, I’ve found it important to reach out and help others who may feel vulnerable in the midst of this tumult.

Christian reformer Mary Baker Eddy recognized how the media of the day could influence our health. She writes in her seminal work: “The press unwittingly sends forth many sorrows and diseases among the human family. It does this by giving names to diseases and by printing long descriptions which mirror images of disease distinctly in thought… A minutely described disease costs many a man his earthly days of comfort.” (pg. 196)

As a counter to the yellow journalism of her age, in 1908 she established an international daily newspaper, the Christian Science Monitor, giving it this distinct purpose: to “injure no man, but to bless all mankind.” This venture went on to become an award-winning newspaper! It does not “gloss over serious global problems”, states the Nieman Foundation at Harvard, but “provides counterintuitive insights on issues from the crisis in Aleppo to global warming.” Getting the facts straight is just a given for this media outlet.

Intuitive insight is looking below the surface of disturbing headlines or, even more importantly, disturbing thoughts. Over the centuries, many truth-seekers in the world have looked to the Bible for insights into how to deal with troubling issues.

I had occasion to help a friend who felt overwhelmed by the daily barrage of news, which seemed to her too negative, with little hope for the future. She was unable to sleep and felt seriously depressed. Turning to the Bible to glean some insight, as I usually do for inspiration, I shared with her this promise: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer. 29:11 NLT)

This promise of hope is not some “Pollyanna” attitude that, if we ignore things, it will all work out. In my understanding of God as divine Love (see 1 John 4:16), I recognize that no one can be outside of His goodness and government.

Eddy writes about man’s relationship to a loving God with this insight: “God has endowed man with inalienable rights, among which are self-government, reason and conscience. Man is properly self-governed only when he is guided rightly and governed by his Maker, divine Truth and Love.” (Science and Health p.106)

My friend and I agreed that we needed to look at world events through the lens of God’s government.unimpressed by the press Reasoning that we could exercise our freedom of “self-government” (not getting caught up in media hype) and “conscience” (our moral compass set to Truth), we could gain balanced insight by looking at situations from a spiritually inspired standpoint.

Regardless of the continued world news that seemed chaotic at times, my friend regained her normal well-being – no more depression and a normal night’s rest. She was looking at the world through a lens that had God firmly in control. Sharing of opinions on the news with friends and colleagues took a more positive turn; and she was pleased to sometimes share excerpts from the Monitor’s headlines. Conversations about world affairs became less angst-ridden.

Every reader – even a ‘newshound’ – can watch their news diet and seek out sources that bring honesty and clarity, comfort and reconciliation to problems facing humanity. Greater mental peace can come from acknowledging only one power and control in our lives.

This article in published in Ontario Metroland Media sites such as Simcoe News.

Share this:

  • Email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest
  • Pocket

Filed Under: Health and Well-Being Tagged With: alternative facts, Christian Science Monitor, depression, headlines, Mary Baker Eddy, media, news, newspapers, stress

Comments

  1. Anne Cooling says

    March 11, 2017 at 11:57 am

    Thank you for addressing this timely topic and for the quote from Neiman Foundation at Harvard on The Christian Science Monitor.

    Reply
  2. Anne Hughes says

    March 8, 2017 at 12:48 pm

    Thank you, Wendy, from California. Our recent much-needed rain meant more dark days than we are used to, that on top of political turmoil. Keeping thought uplifted has been really important. The Christian Science Monitor has been essential reading to counter the negative media sources. What a blessing Mary Baker Eddy provided for our ongoing blessing.

    Reply
    • Wendy Margolese says

      March 9, 2017 at 12:12 pm

      Thank you, Anne! Yes, we cherish the Monitor and its purpose to bless mankind. Our prayers support its ongoing mission. xo

      Reply
  3. Nancy Stevens says

    February 21, 2017 at 5:46 pm

    Love to see the healing Christ is always active. Good work Wendy.

    Reply
    • Wendy Margolese says

      February 21, 2017 at 8:16 pm

      Thank you, Nancy! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Kathryn Hoyt says

    February 20, 2017 at 11:00 pm

    The Christian Science Monitor helps us to meet the head winds of news with a steady calm.
    And the Monitor directs us through “fake news” to find and to discern a clearer understanding of the facts.
    Well said. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Wendy Margolese says

      February 21, 2017 at 11:01 am

      Thank you, Kathryn. May the light, which the Monitor perspective throws on world events, shine more brightly.
      Much love to you.

      Reply
  5. Joy Hinman says

    February 20, 2017 at 10:16 pm

    This is such a calm, sane approach to the barrage of world news, which is too often upsetting. You have shared an instance where there was a healing of depression and hoplessness due to your friend
    taking in and being overwhelmed by the world news.
    I too love the balanced, fair, truthful, and solutions-seeking reporting of The Christian Science Monitor!

    Reply
    • Wendy Margolese says

      February 21, 2017 at 10:59 am

      Thank you, Joy! Imagine if everyone read the Monitor Daily News Briefing each day?! It so uplifts thought on world events.
      Hugs to you! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Jules Rensch says

    February 20, 2017 at 6:23 pm

    wow..Wendy…this is so timely…just as we being “tuned” by the unbridled fear, suspicion and paranoia found in today’s media….the bright spot appears….in fully clarity…the Christian Science Monitor….always to be relied on for truth with no bias.

    Bravo, Jules

    Reply
    • Wendy Margolese says

      February 21, 2017 at 10:58 am

      Thank you, Jules! Yes, the integrity of the Monitor shines even more brightly these days! 🙂

      Reply

Please feel free to leave a comment before you go! Cancel reply

Wendy Margolese

Wendy_Margolese

I was born and raised in a small Northern Ontario mining town. You can never take the warmth of the North out of a girl’s heart. So, I would like to take this opportunity to share heartfelt thoughts with you about a topic important to each of us – our health and well-being. Visit my About page to learn more.

Connect with me online!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Subscribe via Email!

Enter your email address to subscribe to my site and receive notifications of new articles by email.

Categories

  • Archives
  • Guests
  • Health and Well-Being
Copyright © 2021 ComPub Canada & Ontario / Privacy Policy / Terms of Service
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.