BELIEVE IN THE EXTRAORDINARY IN LIFE.

Byline: Stan Howse Local View

RECENTLY, I watched a movie that contained a line that struck me with such power that it has become like a mantra in my head. The movie was ``A Beautiful Mind,'' starring Russell Crowe (as John Forbes Nash Jr.) and Jennifer Connelly (as Nash's wife).

When it appeared that the most logical solution would have been for his wife to leave him, she decided to stay. When he questioned her decision (considering the personal danger she would be risking), her reason for staying began with the words that have been repeating themselves to me ever since: ``Because I need to believe that something extraordinary can happen in this world.''

From the moment I heard it until now I have sensed that these words speak to the human condition in today's world better than most of the sacred texts I have ever read.

My heart leaped into my throat as the power of that idea spoke to something deep inside me.

As I think of it now and consider the grip of fear on humanity's consciousness in view of the events of last year, I find myself thinking, ``Yes, yes! It has to be that something extremely extraordinary can happen in this world.''

Is not this the belief that so many people everywhere need so desperately today? Is not this the real message of the mystics and sages of ages past? How could any of them have said it more clearly?

Of course, what the world needs now is this simple but powerful trust - a faith that says no to the belief that fear of our differences must continue to dominate our world view and threaten the existence of humanity itself. A faith that says No! to the worn-out idea that love isn't real and caring for each other doesn't matter.

Let us listen to the truth.

There are faith-worthy possibilities in our world. There is love.

If we open our minds to the possibility that ``something extraordinary'' exists in every moment, in everything and everyone around us as well as within us, we will find it not only in the look of love in the eyes of our family, our spouses and partners, and our friends, but in the beauty of nature, the joy of discovery and the pleasures and even the pains of our senses.

There is cause for celebration in the darkest hours of our lives, and that cause can be found in the inner faith, love and hope that is the essence which calls forth a desire for miracles and shifts in perception that lead to peace and joy.

Yes, we all need to believe that ``something extraordinary'' can happen, for it is through choosing what we believe that we outline the destiny of our lives.

May this year call forth a new vision of peace on Earth.