we're already through the first quarter of 2004, and as the year progresses, we are finding ourselves faced with a growing list of alarming challenges.  Gas prices are nearing all time highs and threaten to go even higher.  The economy is still uncertain, and soaring gas prices only intensify the prospect of inflation.  Job losses continue to make headlines while new jobs remain scarce across many industry sectors.

We have a presidential election in November, and the airwaves are already being saturated with charges and counter-charges from the two leading presidential contenders.  We're left to consider which candidate really has what it takes to lead us safely and successfully through the next four years.

Then there's the threat of terrorism.  Since the beginning of the year, there have been several foiled terrorist plots in England and France, and one dreadfully successful attack in Spain.  Now, we're being told terrorists might strike in the United States this summer.

Over in Iraq, the news isn't good.  March was one of the deadliest months for our troops, and April quickly exceeded that level with more than 50 service personnel killed in just the first ten days of April.  It is heartbreaking to see our roster of service personnel killed in Afghanistan and Iraq grow at such a dramatic rate.  Even more disturbing is the apparent lack of a strategy to bring a fair and lasting democracy to the people of Iraq.  The situation is bad, and it appears to be getting worse.

With so much uncertainty, what can any of us do?

The answer for many has been to turn to their faith.  This month marks two of the holiest observances in the Jewish and Christian calendars -  Passover and Easter, respectively - and the faithful appear the marking the observances with great intensity.

Nationally, it appears that Americans have developed a renewed interest in spirituality, faith and religion. Just look at the phenomenal success of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ.  Here is a movie that many said would fail to attract an audience.  Still others warned that it would fuel bigotry and hatred in the United States and abroad.  Months prior to its release, the film was being labeled controversial, and Gibson was being viewed by some as a reckless provocateur.

In the weeks since the film has been released, there have been no headlines of movie-goers venting their anger over the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  All of the hype and hysteria that filled the airwaves prior to the film's debut have proven to be nothing more than noise and nonsense.

Instead of hate-filled throngs, I have encountered many individuals who have been deeply moved by the film.  Many were believers, some were not, but all were moved to talk about the film. 

Many of the people I've spoken with said the film made them think about their faith or their beliefs regarding Jesus and God.  Others I talked with spoke about the film's graphic depictions of Jesus' suffering.  Some viewers said the film underscored the horrors we've inflicted upon one another since the beginning of time.  Still others said the film reminded them of the power we all have to defy and rise above senseless violence.

What I find most inspiring about the film is not that it has caused people to "come to Jesus," as church-folk like to say, but rather that the film exists - and it exists as the director intended.

Mel Gibson succeeded in making his film his way by remaining focused on what was important to him. 

It was not important to Gibson to make a film that would satisfy every perspective on what did or did not happen during the final hours of Christ's life.  What was important to him was to tell the story of Christ's suffering as he interpreted it, and he did so despite a firestorm of criticism that was both unwarranted and unjustified.

Each of us faces varying degrees of uncertainty and concern as we gaze into the future and wonder what the rest of this year will bring.  Some 12,500 people will lose there jobs over the next two years in the wake of Bank of America's acquisition of FleetBoston Financial Corp.  Retirees and investors are growing increasingly concerned with the volatility of their portfolios as markets respond to political uncertainties and threats of terrorism around the world.  Many businesses, especially small businesses are considering the possibility of raising prices as soaring fuel costs pinch their profit margins.  And, many families are wondering whether it will be safe to visit major amusement parks or travel via rail or air this summer.

As I face my own uncertainties, I have elected to consider the path that Mel Gibson took.  He had a vision that he was willing to devote his time, energy and resources to.  It was a vision that came from deep within his soul and it was shaped by his personal relationship with his God.  Gibson was determined to see his project through, no matter how vicious the attacks.  He showed real courage and real fortitude.  He gave the project his all, and left the outcome to his God and to the marketplace. 

The results have stunned and silenced his critics.  Gibson's financial investment has already yielded a ten-fold return; and it looks as though Gibson will continue to reap substantial monetary reward for months and years to come.  More importantly, Gibson has succeeded in creating a film that has touched many spiritually, while informing and enlightening others.  In the end, Gibson did what was important to him: he made a film that matters.

Are you engaged in projects that matter?  Are you living your life in ways that matter?  If not, you might want to take inventory of what matter most to you and begin living your life accordingly. 

Each of us may encounter unforeseen challenges along the way, but if we have faith and stay true to our calling, we just might realize unexpected and exceedingly abundant rewards for our efforts.

Want proof of such a possibility?  Just look at what Mel Gibson accomplished with a little passion.

The End