Editorial November 12, 1990 Issue

When we can't see it, could progress be going on?

Elaine Natale

As we follow the news, we see hopeful signs that the people of the world are breaking free from restrictive patterns of thinking. When we watch some obvious forward step being taken, we applaud. But our hearts may also sink to watch backward steps, such as those taken in June 1989 by the communist government of the People's Republic of China against its citizens who stood for democratic reform.

Well over a year has passed since the terrible events at Tiananmen Square. The anniversary has come and gone. But has any significant progress been made? one wonders. The outward signs, as of this writing, might not indicate it. Repression and threats may seem as predominant as ever. Yet beneath the surface of events, a less visible but nonetheless profound kind of progress may be going on in people's thoughts. Although not immediately apparent, this kind of quiet progress can make possible, at some point, the outward changes so needed.

The story of the Hebrews' journey out of Egyptian bondage is a wonderful illustration of such development. The Bible tells us that Moses spent forty years exiled in the desert, tending sheep, before leading the children of Israel out of slavery. That might not appear to be the best training for a great leader! Yet during those years, he was growing spiritually. As his understanding of God developed, he overcame personal doubts about his ability to follow divine direction.

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