The first few years of the 21st Century have been so tumultuous that it is almost too difficult to take in.
Leadership scandals are no longer shocking, they are expected. Truth is used however one sees fit, making the 'new' truth indistinguishable from a lie. Wars are called just by some, while still others question how something can be called just when innocent blood is shed in the name of the 'righteous' cause.
Leadership scandals are no longer shocking, they are expected. Truth is used however one sees fit, making the 'new' truth indistinguishable from a lie. Wars are called just by some, while still others question how something can be called just when innocent blood is shed in the name of the 'righteous' cause.
The paradoxes and incongruities of the postmodern world leave us hungering for a more authentic existence. We long for at least one thoughtful relationship not based on pride or selfish ambition. And if we are lucky enough to find a cause to believe in, we choose not to hang on too tightly for fear it might all unravel in our hands.
A culture of cynicism tries to take over. In a world of lies, corruption, war, famine, terrorism, death and the resulting, pervasive disillusionment, heroes shine through because it takes very little light to be bright amidst such darkness.
I think of my father's parents who now nearly ninety still treat others with deference and respect. Though their bodies are deteriorating, they do not find that an excuse to complain or become bitter because they understand that once the soul becomes sick, the body doesn't stand a chance. Even though she is legally blind, you can always get a hot meal at Grandma's house because for her, serving others is not just a way of life, it's a pleasure.
I think of my mother's mother who now widowed still keeps a full calendar with family, friends and church. In between trips and phone calls to check on other widowed friends, Pastor Anna still leads multiple, weekly worship services at the local nursing homes for those less fortunate than she. She knows that being single does not exempt her from serving her community but only allows for more time to give back.
Then there are those that daily face trouble, even death, and still press forward. I think of a friend who refuses to leave the squalor and death of Haiti even though he many times has been robbed, carjacked, and threatened with death. Some would call him unwise. But he knows he has no other choice because someone must stay and make a difference. He knows that someone must live the ideals for Haiti, and if not him, then who?
Heroes like my grandparents and Haitian friend may seem ordinary. But really they are living extraordinary lives. They have resolved in their hearts that kindness, deference, peace-making, and altruism are not just useless romantic notions but are the ideals that preserve life, community, and civilization itself.
How are you serving your neighbor today? Is the cause you are living for bigger than yourself or your own capacity? How are you standing up for those oppressed or less fortunate? Do the right thing. Live for something larger. Live the ideal. Because it is right. And it works.
I keep getting drawn back to this article -read it a least 3 time.
'He knows that someone must live the ideals for Haiti, and if not him, then who?'
Makes me realize that ideals are more than just fantasy, but hopes/dreams/desires that we are to bring into reality - but the cost is great.
Posted by: jtg | August 07, 2006 at 04:45 PM