Submission by Dr. Glenn Mollette
A cloud of uncertainty has settled over the world. The Iran war affects us all in every corner of the planet. Once again, we see how dependent our world is on oil. Once again, America is fighting a war in the Middle East. This doesn’t feel good to Americans or much of the world.
We are asking questions in our country, and no one can give us solid answers.
How long will this last in Iran? Two more weeks or two more years? Or will this become our new normal? Will we wake up every morning to a new story about Iran?
How much will a gallon of gasoline cost tomorrow? What about a month from now? Will it be five dollars a gallon or even more? Will it cost $150 to fill up the average truck? What will it cost to fill up a truck hauling freight in an eighteen-wheeler? A lot.
What will our inflation numbers look like by the end of April? What will the interest rate be to buy a house or a car? The average American doesn’t want to think about trying to buy a new car. Who wants a $700-a-month car payment?
Will America have boots on the ground? How many more of our men and women will die because of Iran?
Is it now more dangerous to fly than ever? To what lengths will Iran go to bomb a plane or an American city? Is it really beyond their ability? Do we believe that Iran is incapable of touching us? Are we naïve?
How long will we, our children, and our grandchildren wonder about blowback from Iran or Iranian sympathizers?
On the flip side of these questions, we surely must agree with President Trump on one certainty: If Iran had developed a nuclear weapon and used it on Israel or Washington, D.C., the stock market crash would have been worse than we can imagine. The price of oil and the effect on our economy would have been beyond comprehension.
Still, none of us are enjoying all of this, and we pray and hope for it to end as soon as possible.
In the midst of this uncertainty, do the normal things as much as possible. Go to work. Take care of your loved ones. Pray and go to church. Pray for our President and national leadership. Pray that God gives them wisdom. Do your chores. Mow your grass and find healthy diversions. Artemis II was a beautiful diversion for us last week. The event was uplifting and triumphant for the American spirit. The space mission showed the side of America that we long for and hope to see. May this path be the direction we continue to follow as a country and as a world.
In the middle of all this uncertainty, let’s agree as Americans that we will find a way to rise above, move beyond, and strive together to make our world a better and safer place.
Feature photo: Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
