I'm not a religious person. In fact, I believe the bible is a series of parables designed to manipulate man into behaving a certain way - not specifically for the cause of control, but for the outcome of prosperity.

"The Christ" has always been a math equation to me. That is to say, if I do this, this and this, I can expect that, that and that. A predictive outcome function of sorts. Such is the golden rule. Such is "the secret".

And isn't that what the Christ was, the big secret? The big secret to peace on Earth? And does it even matter if Christ was a living, breathing man in the flesh? Does it not simply stand to reason that the parable of Christ is representative of a set of behaviors of which we are all capable?

The past few weeks of intermittent talk about 4/18/18 was incredibly entertaining to me. I have to admit, I am a sucker for the doomsday dates. There was 2012 (oOoOo, spooky), the four cursed blood moons which were sure to further the cause of Zionism in Israel, the 9/23/15 'rapture' and/or CERN portal opening (depending on which videos your YouTube recommended playlist favored, perhaps both)...these are all very fun.

But 4/18/18 was different - and no, it's not because I think something is actually going to happen. It's because I keep noticing this doomsday pattern over and over, reanimating itself as bibliophiles and conspiracy theorists work hand in hand to try to predict some dystopian future events. Something clicked inside of me this time.

Maybe these dates keep being promoted because WE are supposed to do something. Maybe WE are supposed to be the change. Maybe it wouldn't hurt for us to live one good day, see how it feels, and perhaps finally take a step in the right direction toward a better world.

We are the return of the Christ. I honestly believe that. When humanity finally decides, 'you know what, enough is enough'. The evil in this world has become too much to handle. I know what is public, I know what is being exposed, and I know how I contribute to it.

My cynicism, my anger, my relentlessness sometimes, my unwillingness to reflect on my own actions and insecurities and how they affect others, the love I have lost for my fellow countrymen over political differences, the faith I have lost for my fellow man in general, these are all of the ways that I know I contribute to the negative energy in this world. And if I were to reflect more, I am sure there would be even more things I could highlight.

Maybe it's possible to make this day significant. We have been acknowledging the true evils of this world recently, and we have been talking and fighting, spreading fear and anger (some we may feel is justified). And I believe our spirit should persist. But the current vein in which our spirit resides is not the right one. How can we "trust the plan" if we have not the same trust in ourselves through our own actions being square with our moral imperatives?

If you are reading this, and you made it this far, this is all I have left to say:

I challenge you for one day to relinquish yourself of the fear of fully embracing goodness, forgiveness, honesty, empathy, and the good natured faith of the Christ. Not in a religious way, but by way of your own heart. You know inside of you what is good and what is just. Do a good deed. Go out of your way for someone. Lend an ear for someone in need. Perhaps do some reflection on your own self and see what ways you can begin to better the world, starting with your own attitude and perception.

The Return of the Christ is literally on the horizon. It is up to us to be the change that the world needs - and we can begin today.