What is going on, here on Earth?

[Shemaya]

I guess I'm just trying to comfort myself and believe that all is being taken care of, the universe is mostly benevolent and loving and that there is nothing to fear, but then there is that little voice in my head saying "what if".  

That is a catalyst of choice.  You can chose which voice to listen to

In truth, the universe is benevolent and loving and there is nothing to fear. You know this when connected to your higher self.

The dark forces are also loving and benevolent when connected to their higher nature, they just made a big sacrifice from their higher natures in order to fulfill a specific role in the game of life.  As awful as things are, and it is pretty bad, we are all one family of Spirit, and all will end up in unity. If you think from the perspective of the Spiritual realms, time is not a factor as it is here, a million years is one creative moment.

I don't think it's possible for you to be " captured". Your awareness and consciousness is too elevated.  Many people are unaware and caught in belief paradigms that may lead to a sort of " capture" , but as soon as they begin to understand the nature of their consciousness , they will find the way to freedom.

The way forward is to focus on your path. What is around you and ahead of you? I myself have found it hard to not get bogged down in negativity, but that is partly due to my role as an Empath and healer. I can't not feel the pain of the world. I understand that as I process the pain and discord that I experience, I am aiding in the lightening of the planetary vibration. It is part of my path and gift to the world. So I focus forward, and choose to be positive.