On our way to one of our annual church convocations, my wife and I realized one of my lifelong dreams by visiting Springfield, IL – state capitol and home of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. Going well back into my earliest school years, Lincoln has been of keen interest to me. For one reason, I grew up on Lincoln Place in my home town. For another, my mother was born and raised in Illinois, "The Land of Lincoln." Since this is the bicentennial year of his birth, I had even more reason to make a special effort to visit his hometown.

It was a family gathering. Three generations from far and wide taking advantage of the Labor Day weekend to honor the patriarch of the family, who was to turn 88 years of age the next day. He was a man who had served his country with distinction; a young pilot in WWII and later in the Korean Conflict. When asked about his wartime experiences, the Colonel usually responded by quietly saying: "I don't study war anymore."

"What's the use? Life is futile. Nothing will ever turn out right." This really is a very sad and self-destructive frame of mind. Many people fall into trials in life and are overcome with feelings of hopelessness and futility. It is an old story.

It has come to my attention this week—September 21, specifically—is the 34th annual International Day of Peace, declared by the United Nations: a time to focus on "peacebuilding" and putting an end to war and conflict. A noble idea, to be sure. But in its celebration, will the essential ingredients to peace be discussed anywhere, by anyone?

Political correctness: it is a term that brings with it a shudder, a twist of the mouth, and often a sarcastic remark. It has become so pervasive that it impacts all levels of our society and impedes our communication with others. What is the point? Why has this worthless concept and practice become so prevalent?