**Looking at This Chaos in Today's World, I Just Feel Like Giving Up**

Dears Friends,

As I sat by the window, of my cosy apartment in front of my iPad getting ready to write my new story, my eyes gazed blankly at the cityscape below. The once-bustling streets were now eerily quiet, disrupted only by the distant hum of cars and the occasional passerby. I remembered when the world felt simpler when hope didn’t seem like a fading memory. But now, everywhere I looked, there was chaos.

Now that my parents are not there, but if they were they would have said “My son what is this world coming to with all this chaos?” Fortunately, they aren’t here, they are in a good place with God.

And there goes my phone buzzed incessantly with notifications from news apps, each alert more disheartening than the last—political scandals, economic downturns, social unrest, divorce, parental alienation, rape, child abuse, climate issues, natural disasters. The list goes on. The weight of the world’s troubles felt heavier with every scroll. I put the phone face down, hoping to drown out the noise, but the chaos lingered in my mind.

I sighed deeply and closed my eyes. "I just feel like giving up," I whispered to myself.

The thought had crept into my mind more frequently lately. It wasn’t just the state of the world; it was the small, personal battles I faced every day. My job was draining, my friendships had become distant, my family gone and the loneliness of living through a pandemic had carved out a hollow space in my heart. Every day felt like a struggle just to make it through. I had hoped for a break, a moment of peace, but the world outside seemed determined to deny me that.

As the sun began to set, casting a soft orange glow across my apartment, I was startled by a knock at the door. I hadn’t been expecting anyone. Curious and a little apprehensive, I made my way to the door.

When I opened it, my neighbour, Mrs. Fernandes, stood there with a tray in hand. She was a kind old woman, always offering small acts of kindness despite her difficulties. "I made too much dinner," Mrs. Fernandes said with a warm smile. "I thought you might like some."

I blinked, surprised by the gesture. "Oh, thank you… you didn’t have to," I replied, taking the tray.

"Nonsense, dear. We have to look out for each other these days, don’t we?" Mrs Fernandes's eyes sparkled with wisdom beyond her years. "The world may be chaotic, but a little kindness goes a long way."

I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. I didn’t know what to say. The gesture, small as it was, touched me deeply. Mrs. Fernandes's words lingered in the air even after she left—*a little kindness goes a long way.*

After finishing dinner, I found myself again drawn to my balcony. The cool breeze brushed against my face as I  looked out over the city. In the fading light, I could see the small moments of life still unfolding—children playing in the courtyard, an elderly couple walking hand in hand, and a street vendor closing up shop for the night. Despite the chaos that had consumed the world, there was still beauty, still hope.

I thought of Mrs. Fernandes's words again. Maybe giving up wasn’t the answer. Maybe, amid the chaos, what people needed most was to hold on to the small acts of kindness, the glimmers of hope that still existed. It wasn’t about changing the world all at once—no one person could do that. But perhaps, by focusing on the small things, life didn’t have to feel so overwhelming.

I took a deep breath and let the tension in my shoulders ease. I wasn’t naïve; I knew that the chaos wouldn’t disappear overnight. But for the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel so alone. There was still good in the world, even if it was hard to see at times.

Maybe tomorrow would be just as challenging as today. Maybe the news would still be filled with stories of division and disaster. But if I could find small pockets of peace, if I  could spread a little kindness like Mrs. Fernandes had done, maybe that was enough.

As I stood again there, a sense of quiet strength filled me. The chaos was still there, but I no longer felt like giving up.

Not today!!!

My Friends, there is still hope...

God Bless Us all...

Jacob M