J. Davy Crockett III

What a mixed up age we live in today. Abnormal behavior is promoted as "normal" by special interest groups who aggressively press forward their agenda with public demonstrations, litigation and organized pressure to accept what was, for millennia, considered taboo in society.

How often has a plan for greatness been derailed or spoiled by some careless or foolish lapse of good judgment or morals? Many a politician has met with downfall because power and prestige went to his or her head, resulting in bizarre behaviors that cause them to stumble.

Similarly, many prominent preachers or religious figures have become filled with the importance and power of their position, and the money and influence that it brings, and they are brought down by actions they thought no one would notice or care about.

One of the favorite themes of literature is deliverance. We are thrilled by stories of daring and bravery, as one person or groups of people or whole armies are rescued, delivered from harm's way, sometimes at the last moment with great risk of danger.

A generation ago, audiences around the world were enthralled by the Star Wars Trilogy, an epic story about the struggle between good and evil. The colorful, memorable characters were either on the side of the "force" representing good or the "dark side" representing evil. One could envision a number of obvious analogies in this tale and it made for exciting entertainment.

But, why darkness? It seems that many people are fascinated by, and even drawn to, the "dark side."

What happened to the "functional" family?  You know, the one with a Dad and a Mom and children centered around the home, doing the things families do, working together, playing together, laughing and sometimes crying together.