“Those who you want (and seek) to change you must first love.”
Category: love
Hope, Faith , Love and Joy : God has a Great and Unique Plan for YOUR Life
HOPE, FAITH, LOVE , and JOY- GOD HAS A GREAT AND UNIQUE PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE
Just sharing a few thoughts on hope faith, love, spiritual growth, faith
I truly believe that, no matter how bad or traumatic an event appeared at the time, absolutely everything happens for a reason – to teach us lessons in the ‘scholarly journey’ of life… and that this only means that something much bigger and better, something way more beautiful is waiting for you – somewhere, somehow! God can weave a beautiful tapestry from even the most tangled thread of a shattered life.. It’s just a matter of “hanging in by the fingernails” with the hidden strength of character that we all have deep within us…and which is only severely tested in trials and tribulations. Like the ‘pearl of great’ price, which is produced by the great irritation of the oyster. This suffering breeds our great strength of character, which is within every one of us.
It’s not what happens to us in life…it’s how we react to what has happened to us…and our success will largely depend on our ATTITUDE to life: by remaining optimistic and open to new opportunities in the face of hardship, when all seems lost. Continue to do your part to open new doors amidst your trials and tribulations. All we need is FAITH to keep going. So many miners gave up within inches of finding the gold in the seam of life.
I have an absolute faith in a Power way beyond ourselves, God, Life, Spirit of the Universe, Higher Authority, Infinite Intelligence, the Ultimate Source, the Creator (whatever you wish to call Him/It). However, I also believe that God, first helps those who help themselves. He may steer the course of our lives, but we have to take action and start peddling. He always gives us HOPE and LOVE when we may think we have nothing left…and God, Life Force, the Universe wants what is best for us and for us to be fulfilled and happy. That, I believe, is why , I believe God always conspires to deliver when we want something with all our heart and soul. God can make our wildest dreams come true -ones that are far bigger and more magnificent than we could ever have dreamed ourselves.
craig
Find your life purpose and BE HAPPY along the magical journey of life.
“God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another”
– John Henry Newman.
Article Title: Hope, Faith , Love and Joy : God has a Great and Unique Plan for YOUR Life
Author: Craig Lock
Key words: God, hope faith, love, spiritual growth, faith, thoughts on God
Web Sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com
http://religiousunity.wordpress.com
www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com
http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)
Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration
Publishing Guidelines:
This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely reproduced, electronically or in print. If they help at all, or make any difference in people’s lives by bringing a ray of some joy in a sometimes very dark, but always beautiful world, then I’m very happy.
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
##
HOPE, FAITH, LOVE , and JOY- GOD HAS A GREAT AND UNIQUE PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE
Just sharing a few thoughts on hope faith, love, spiritual growth, faith
I truly believe that, no matter how bad or traumatic an event appeared at the time, absolutely everything happens for a reason – to teach us lessons in the ‘scholarly journey’ of life… and that this only means that something much bigger and better, something way more beautiful is waiting for you – somewhere, somehow! God can weave a beautiful tapestry from even the most tangled thread of a shattered life.. It’s just a matter of “hanging in by the fingernails” with the hidden strength of character that we all have deep within us…and which is only severely tested in trials and tribulations. Like the ‘pearl of great’ price, which is produced by the great irritation of the oyster. This suffering breeds our great strength of character, which is within every one of us.
It’s not what happens to us in life…it’s how we react to what has happened to us…and our success will largely depend on our ATTITUDE to life: by remaining optimistic and open to new opportunities in the face of hardship, when all seems lost. Continue to do your part to open new doors amidst your trials and tribulations. All we need is FAITH to keep going. So many miners gave up within inches of finding the gold in the seam of life.
I have an absolute faith in a Power way beyond ourselves, God, Life, Spirit of the Universe, Higher Authority, Infinite Intelligence, the Ultimate Source, the Creator (whatever you wish to call Him/It). However, I also believe that God, first helps those who help themselves. He may steer the course of our lives, but we have to take action and start peddling. He always gives us HOPE and LOVE when we may think we have nothing left…and God, Life Force, the Universe wants what is best for us and for us to be fulfilled and happy. That, I believe, is why , I believe God always conspires to deliver when we want something with all our heart and soul. God can make our wildest dreams come true -ones that are far bigger and more magnificent than we could ever have dreamed ourselves.
craig
Another one… from craig’s first book ‘Handbook To Survive’
HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL…
Dream big dreams.
Have a goal and plan to achieve.
Love doing what you do.
Listen to the advice of your spouse/partner.
Seek help from those whose skills you don’t have.
Believe you are a winner, or one who CAN be.
Work smarter, not necessarily harder.
Fly with the eagles, don’t scratch with the turkeys.
Be prepared to take calculated risks.
Be aware that opportunities are always around.
Promote your product well.
Satisfy customers needs completely.
Be decisive, determined and self-disciplined.
Encourage others constantly.
A strong belief in yourself.
A stronger belief in a higher power
from http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Survive-Life-Nineties-ebook
Find your life purpose and BE HAPPY along the magical journey of life.
“God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another”
– John Henry Newman.
About the Submitter:
Craig’s mission is to encourage people to believe in themselves and try to help inspire people around the world to achieve their goals and dreams in life, whatever they may be.
Craig’s mission is to encourage people to believe in themselves and try to help inspire people around the world to achieve their goals and dreams in life, whatever they may be.
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.”
“A good book should take you from your everyday life to another place entirely.”
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com
http://religiousunity.wordpress.com
www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com
http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)
““Change YOUR world and you help change THE world…for the better
“Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, uplift, encourage … and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”
THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED
Here was a light behind the despair, beyond the darkness. At first a flicker of an ember, just a tiny pin-prick of dawning possibilities. Then burning slowly, brightly and bigger, a glimmer, a candle in the blackness of despair, which gave off just enough of a glow (luminescence?) to light a path. And so show the rest of us the way ahead… a path to endless possibilities…from the darkness into the eternal light.”
as adapted (slightly) from Rian Malan’s powerful words in ‘My Traitor’s Heart’ (pg 413)
“When (or perhaps if ever) you arrive in heaven, let faith and love be the wings that carried you there.”
– as adapted from the inspiring words of Jonathan Edwards, former minister in New England, Massachusetts
– as adapted from the inspiring words of Jonathan Edwards, former minister in New England, Massachusetts
“The Greatest Race: Living by (with) faith, hope and love is the highest podium any person can reach, God’s podium that anyone stand on.”
– craig
Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ESMt4rnn3c for a great song The Power of Love by Jennifer Rush
(Thanks dearest mom, your spirit of immense love lives on through Jennifer’s words)
” I truly believe we can ALL create and enthuse magic into ‘so-called humdrum little lives’. You don’t just have to be the choreographer, or the conductor of your life script – rather paint your life as the masterpiece it could (one day) be. There is a rich tapestry of talent in every human soul, that flows through the spirit of God. So don’t spend your days stringing and tuning your instrument; start making and playing your unique tunes of music right now.”
– “totally unmusical” craig
A NEW HEART (Part Two)
Picture: beautiful and deserted Wainui beach, Gisborne, East Coast , New Zealand…a place where I often get my dose (“fill”) of upliftment and inspiration
A NEW HEART (Part Two)
by craig lock
Stories of hope, renewal, transformation, the redemptive power of LOVE and ultimately the pursuit of PEACE. A never-ending” story!
“We can learn far more from our tears than from our laughter”
“This too shall pass and things WILL get better”
“Peace: This does not mean that we are immune from life’s daily struggles, trials and tribulations (and also the tragedies and wars occurring around the globe. It’s a choice of living amidst the disappointments, the daily “ups and downs”, yet having a calmness in our hearts and truly being at peace …with ourselves and the world.”
craig (20th Dec 2011)
Have just started this ebook 20th Dec and will upload to Amazon as I write. Enjoy …
“Let us tear down the walls of our hearts in order to tear down the walls of concrete”
– Fouad Twal (top Roman Catholic official in the Holy land and Palestinian citizen of Jordan)
A NEW HEART (Part Two)
by craig lock
Stories of hope, renewal, transformation, the redemptive power of LOVE and ultimately the pursuit of PEACE. A never-ending” story!
“We can learn far more from our tears than from our laughter”
“This too shall pass and things WILL get better”
“Peace: This does not mean that we are immune from life’s daily struggles, trials and tribulations (and also the tragedies and wars occurring around the globe. It’s a choice of living amidst the disappointments, the daily “ups and downs”, yet having a calmness in our hearts and truly being at peace …with ourselves and the world.”
craig (20th Dec 2011)
Havejust started this ebook 20th Dec and will upload to Amazon as I write. Enjoy …
“Let us tear down the walls of our hearts in order to tear down the walls of concrete”
– Fouad Twal (top Roman Catholic official in the Holy land and Palestinian citizen of Jordan)
* *
CONTENTS
“PRELUDE”
Chapter One:
“We must NOT Hate”
To The End of the New Rainbow
The Spiritual Path: “The Way (of Spirit)”
Chapter Two
The Pursuit of Excellence (Racing and Writing in the Zone) The Chequered Flag: The (My) Greatest Race
CHAPTER SOME SPIRITUAL “TORTS”, FORGIVENESS and THOUGHTS ON PEACE
The Legacy of Amy Biehl
“PRELUDE”
The Story of a Humanitarian Aid Worker in Africa
“I work for the betterment and upliftment of humanity, working for and attempting in some small way to advance the cause of peace… or at least a slightly better and more peaceful world.”
“We can choose” to do the highest good for the greatest number of people.”
Go to http://eastafricanfamine.wordpress.com/ and http://eastafricafamine.wordpress.com/
Make a donation to this worthy cause, should you wish (not me, but Oxfam or another charity)
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
“The power of love and knowing that you have made a difference keeps you strong.”
**********************
CHAPTER ONE: “We must NOT Hate”
The redemptive power of love in action.
“I have a passion for mutual tolerance, moderation and self-responsibility.. and I want to break down barriers between people and cultures.”
“Treat everybody with respect, no matter who they are…or where they come from.”
just click on the image above (or the link below)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JD1XTO
“I try to give people their humanity.”
“The principles you live by create the world you live in.”
TO THE END OF THE NEW RAINBOW
“I write to impel some kind of ACTION (or reaction) in readers. YOU CAN , one person at a time, make some impact on the world, through planting “seeds of hope” (from ‘Seeds of Hope to Endless Possibilities’, ‘Far and Grand Horizons’).”
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
just click on the image above or the link below (got it now!)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006OBB6GQ
“There are better ways than war to resolve conflict.” “Together, let’s sow a seed, one mind, one soul, one life at a time.”
The Spiritual Path: “The Way (of Spirit)”
“I truly believe in the triumph of the human spirit; so love writing about and sharing stories of ‘seemingly ordinary’ (what’s that?) people and the resilience of humanity.”
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006M4IP7I
“Your goal in life is to create the perfect conditions for the full flowering of your essential self.”
“Together, one mind, one heart, one soul , one life at a time, let’s plant and sow seeds of hope,
***************
CHAPTER TWO
The Pursuit of Excellence (Racing and Writing in the Zone) “Your goal in life is to create the perfect conditions for the full flowering of your essential self.”
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006KXUWAE
“Respect everybody
Do your best Never Give up and Don’t take life (and yourself) too seriously.”
THE CHEQUERED FLAG: THE (MY) GREATEST RACE
“It takes self reliance + self discipline + self sacrifice.”
’Enter a new golden age of self responsibility… a new dawn’
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064R6D36
“The principles you live BY create the world you live in.”
CHAPTER “LUCKY SEVEN RACING (and WRITING) IN THE ZONE:
“CHOOSE to do the highest good for the greatest number of people.”
“Plant seeds of hope.”
Together, One Mind, One Heart, One Life at a Time, Let’s Break Down Barriers and Build Bridges of Reconciliation (The Greatest Race: The Race of Life) |
Click on http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006G0A4TA
Then if you like the “airey-fairey” realm (dimension) of
SPIRIT
“Plant seeds of hope.”
“Every problem has a spiritual solution.”
“CHOOSE to do the highest good for the greatest number of people.”
“Sow a seed, one mind, one soul at a time.”
Perhaps even write about…
THE PURSUIT OF PEACE???
Themes of renewal
The Resurrection of Jesus. Values of justice, truth and grace
“I try to give people their humanity.”
“The principles you live by create the world you live in.”
Sow a seed, one mind, one soul at a time.”
A NEW HEART
By craig lock
Stories of hope, renewal, transformation, the redemptive power of LOVE and ultimately the pursuit of PEACE. A never-ending” story!
“We can learn far more from our tears than from our laughter”
“This too shall pass and things WILL get better”
“Peace: This does not mean that we are immune from life’s daily struggles, trials and tribulations (and also the tragedies and wars occurring around the globe. It’s a choice of living amidst the disappointments, the daily “ups and downs”, yet having a calmness in our hearts and truly being at peace …with ourselves and the world.”
craig (20th Dec 2011)
Will start putting together today – writing, testing and further developing this “interactive” ebook
Themes of justice, hope, love and peace.
The great power of LOVE to effect transformation…in people’s lives, in countries…everywhere.
The characters (and readers) can/will choose different stories, different paths…and we’ll see where it all leads (and test my creative imagination)…
*
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”
Mary Stevenson, 1936
Footprints
Also Known As “I Had a Dream”
One night I dreamed a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.
When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.
“Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I’m aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don’t understand why, when I need You most, You leave me.”
He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you.”
Margaret Fishback Powers, 1964
Footprints
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.
This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.
The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.
Carolyn Carty, 1963
*
“‘The Journey’ entails a man or woman confronted with reversals, difficulties or tragedy, but who through courage and perseverance confronts each of these in turn and overcomes them.
At each step the hero ascends to a higher level of wisdom or maturity, until by the completion of the journey, she or he has reached some state of equilibrium, an accommodation with life, a sense of serenity or acceptance. Or NOT!”
– fine words on writing by John Cranna (Founder of the Creative Hub* and AUT Centre for Modern Writing) * Web site: http://www.thecreativehub.net.nz/page/tutors_and_workshop_leaders.html
and like John, Craig too loves to write about similar uplifting, empowering and inspiring themes in his various books.
Craig Lock has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally so cruel, yet always amazing world He loves ‘telling tales’, sharing true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and perhaps hopefully even inspired. He loves to try to “test his writing limits and imagination “and is currently writing ‘To The End of the Rainbow’.
“Together, one mind, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, encourage, empower, uplift and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4
“A book is small enough to hold in your hand; but when you read it, the walls fall away and you’re in a room as big as the world.”
A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.”
– Chinese proverb
“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside a dog it’s too hard to read.”
– Groucho Marx
Craig’s lists of blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at www.craigsblogs.wordpress.com and http://craiglock.wordpress.com
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light… and where there is sadness, joy. I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
– St Francis of Assisi (thanks, dearest mom for sharing those inspirational words with me)
Together, one mind, one heart at a time, let’s walk (or march) bravely into a bright new tomorrow
***************************************
Some thoughts (key themes) which are central to my stories and on which to elaborate (big word, eh!)
There are better ways than war to resolve conflict
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
– Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi
Themes (points) to include
threads of hope
“I try to give people their humanity.”
“We can choose” to do the highest good for the greatest number of people.”
The redemptive power of love in action.
“Respect everybody
Do your best
Never Give up
Don’t take life (and yourself) too seriously.”
*
SPIRIT
SPIRITUAL “TORTS”
“Every problem has a spiritual solution.”
Themes of renewal
A new golden age of self responsibility
+ self reliance + self discipline + self sacrifice
The Resurrection of Jesus (whether literal or symbolic?) . Values of justice, truth and God’s Infinite Grace
“I try to give people their humanity.”
“The principles you live by create the world you live in.”
“Lord,
Let me be a channel for your peace, a window for Your light to shine through… to everyone I meet.
Lord
Use my ‘liitle’ life as a focus for your (infinite) possibilities
Let YOUR Spirit shine through these words.
CHOOSE to make God as BIG, as you can possibly conceive
“A New God for a New World”??
THOUGHTS ON FORGIVENESS
FORGIVE. Move ahead (see the following chapter)
Sow a seed, one mind, one heart, one life at a time
CHAPTER A Story of Forgiveness: The Legacy of Amy Biehl
Article Title: A Story of Forgiveness: The Legacy of Amy Biehl
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Web site: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com
Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig)
Article Summary:
At the age of 26, Amy gave her life in South Africa for the cause of freedom, peace and justice. Upon winning a scholarship from Fulbright University, Amy decided to go to South Africa to aid in the country’s efforts to end racial apartheid. She was murdered by four violent, angry protestors on August 26, 1993.
#
South Africa honours US woman who forgave daughter’s killers
Reuters | Wednesday, 23 April 2008
An American woman was awarded one of South Africa’s highest state honours for forgiving the men who stoned her daughter to death in the dying days of apartheid.
Linda Biehl was named to the Order of Companions of O R Tambo by President Thabo Mbeki at a ceremony in Pretoria, the office of the presidency said in a statement on its website.
Biehl and her husband Peter captured the hearts of South Africans in 1993 when they publicly forgave the killers of their daughter, Amy Biehl, a Fulbright scholar who was working with poor communities in the country.
The 26-year-old woman was killed on August 25, 1993 when she drove into the Guguletu township outside Cape Town to drop off three black friends and was attacked by a crowd returning from a rally of the militant Pan African Congress.
Members of the mob chased Biehl and stoned and stabbed her to death as she begged for mercy in the dust.
The murder, coming about one year before the country’s first all-race elections, shocked the country and the world.
The four black youths convicted of the crime were released from prison in 1998 after they were granted amnesty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was set up in 1995 to investigate rights abuses during apartheid.
The Biehls did not oppose the amnesty, and they later hired two of the murderers to work in a foundation they set up in their daughter’s name. The foundation helps community projects in the townships where Amy Biehl worked.
Linda Biehl was among some three dozen people honoured for contributing to South Africa’s democracy. Previous winners of the Tambo award include US civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi, the father of Indian independence.
For further information on the life of Amy Biehl and her parents, an amazing story of forgiveness, “google” her or visit
http://www.capetimes.co.za/?fSectionId=273&fArticleId=nw2008042118552924…
http://myhero.com/myhero/hero.asp?hero=a_biehl
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24242249/page/1/.
http://www.theforgivenessproject.com/stories/linda-biehl-easy-nofemela
*
To end off, here are a few thoughts on forgiveness…
“Forgiveness is not an occasional act – it is an attitude of mind.”
– Martin Luther King
“The noblest revenge is to forgive.”
– Thomas Fuller, English author (1608-1661)
“If I don’t forgive my enemies, I deny my right to have power over them.”
– Martin Luther King or Robert Kennedy??
“One man (or woman) can make a difference.”
– Robert Kennedy
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
– Martin Luther King, Jr (1929-1968, American Black Leader, Nobel Prize Winner, 1964)
“Violence breeds violence, repression brings retaliation, and only a cleansing of our whole society can remove this sickness from our soul.”
So eulogised Robert Kennedy after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr in April 1968.
“Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the opression or persecution of others.”
– John F Kennedy
“Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tide and gravity,
we shall harness for God the energies of love.
Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”
– Teilhard De Chardin
About the submitter:
Craig is passionate about his former country, South Africa and writes about the “Beloved Country” in his novels. The inspiring story of Amy Biehl has a lot of
meaning to his life and shares important themes from his own writings.
The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock (e-books) http://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html and www.lulu.com/craiglock
“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com
“Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it’s an ongoing state of mind. A long and ardous journey that starts with a single large step – in spite of immense pain, the decision to forgive, a commitment to the ideal… and one that gives freedom… to the forgiven, yet also to the forgiver.”
“When you forgive (another person or country), you empty your mind of negative thoughts (perhaps even thoughts as strong as hate). Then the infinite Spirit of God makes a fresh space in our hearts to allow new positive feelings to take their place.. to pour into our hearts. The ‘freed’ person then moves forward with a new spirit…which takes root in people’s minds, hearts, spirits and even in the deepest recesses of their souls.”
– craig
“First steps on the path to peace begins with talking, which leads to some
understanding… which then leads to negotiation.. which leads to eventual
peace.”
– craig (as inspired by the words of Amy Biehl)
*********************
CHAPTER: THOUGHTS ON PEACE
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light… and where there is sadness, joy. I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
– St Francis of Assisi (thanks, dearest mom for sharing those inspirational words with me)
“God needs human beings ‘working’ in partnership to help make peace become a reality in the world. God works through the hands and minds of ‘ordinary people’, who attempt extraordinary things through making ‘seemingly unrealistic’ decisions and are sustained by the amazing power of faith.” – craig
Thanks for being such a channel of inspiration and hope… and an instrument of peace (even at times of severe provocation) throughout your life, Archbishop Tutu
*
FORGIVENESS
“Forgiveness is not an occasional act – it is an attitude of mind.” – Martin Luther King
Forgiveness gives us the capacity to make a new start… And forgiveness is the grace by which you enable the other person to get up with dignity to begin anew…In the act of forgiveness we are declaring our faith in the future of a relationship and in the capacity of the wrongdoer to change.
‘For true reconciliation is a deeply personal matter. It can only happen between persons who assert their own personhood and who acknowledge and respect that of others.’
– Extract from a speech given at Steve Biko’s funeral, September 1977
We have a capacity to feed all and yet millions starve, because we seem to lack the moral and political will to do what we know is right.
It is unity we are talking about, not uniformity. What is needed is to respect one another’s points of view as a ‘person of integrity’. Our maturity will be judged by how well we are able to agree to disagree and yet continue to love (and respect) one another…and to cherish one another and seek the greater good of the other.” (Inaugeration as first black Archbishop of Cape Town, Sept 1988)
Instead of seperation and division, all distinctions make for a rich diversity to be celebrated for the sake of the unity that underlies them. We are different, so that we can know our need of one another.”
“When you forgive (another person or country), you empty your mind of negative thoughts (perhaps even thoughts as strong as hate). Then the infinite Spirit of God makes a fresh space in our hearts to allow new positive feelings to take their place.. to pour into our hearts. The ‘freed’ person then moves forward with a new spirit…which takes root in people’s minds, hearts, spirits and even in the deepest recesses of their souls.” – craig A last thought…. LET YOUR LIFE BE A LIVING EPISTLE TO GOD
And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:32
“To everything there is a season, A time for everything under heaven. A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing. A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to weep and a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.”
-Ecclesiastes 3
Shared by craig
About the submitter: Craig believes in the great potential of every human being in the journey of life and loves to encourage people to share their individual spirits, so that they become all that they are CAPABLE of being.
Craig’s new blog with thoughts and extracts from various writings is at craiglock.wordpress.com and http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22 http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html http://www.craiglockbooks.com The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at http://www.webng.com/writernz/index.html http://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html http://www.lulu.com/craiglock and http://www.myspace.com/writercraig THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED (with acknowledgment to the source, thanks) Shine YOUR own bright light on humanity.
Here are my notes in point form. Elaborate and include in the story (stories)
break down barriers
“The power of love and knowing that you have made a difference keeps you strong.”
“Your goal in life is to create the perfect conditions for the full flowering of your essential self.”
*
THOUGHTS ON JESUS
Jesus is the human face of God – ‘the author of reconciliation’.
*
A new God for a new world
The ‘Prince of Peace’.
CHOOSE to make God as BIG as you can possibly conceive.
YOU choose.
“Without the Father I can do nothing.”
“The principles you live BY create the world you live in.”
“Plant seeds of hope.”
“From seeds of hope to endless possibilities, far and great horizons.”
“CHOOSE to do the highest good for the greatest number of people.”
Lord, use me to share your message. Use my life as a focus for Your endless possibilities.
Let Your Spirit shine through these words.
Embrace the light.
“Lord,
Use me as a channel for your peace, a window for Your light to shine through to everyone I meet.”
“Sow a seed, one mind, one soul at a time.”
22nd Dec 2011
If you are “into” the spiritual journey and like me are fascinated and intrigued by Jesus , you may be interested in my various books on Jesus Christ: ‘The Real Jesus’, Jesus Meets Muhammad’ (have already forgotten the names of all the others) and so on.
Enough for now (till tomorrow…perhaps!)
TBC
To be continued…perhaps
Otherwise go straight to my next Amazon e-book
From Seeds of Hope to Endless Possibilities: Far and Grand Horizons
“totally impulsive”
craig
********************
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Acknowledgment:
I’m learning about ebooks and publishing, so am not quite sure of the rules on cover images.
Anyway thanks to Neal Clayton of Gisborne, New Zealand for the great cover picture for this ebook.
Your artistic talents are gratefully acknowledged. Thanks Neal.
craig
APPENDIX
TOLERANCE, MODERATION AND RESPECT FOR ALL
WALLS
“Man is a great wall builder The Berlin Wall The Wailing Wall of Jerusalem But the wall most impregnable Has a moat flowing with fright around his heart A wall without windows for the spirit to breeze through without a door for love to walk in.” – OSWALD MTSHALI, Soweto (South African) poet from the compelling book, ‘My Traitor’s Heart’ by Rian Malan (published by Vintage 1990)
“It is time for people of good will from every faith, culture and nation to recognise that a terrible danger threatens humanity. We must set aside the partisan bickering between nations and join together to confront the danger that lies before us. Let us seek common ground between peoples around the globe… because what unites us is far more important than what divides us.
In our own little ways in our individual lives we can touch so many others and share our common humanity. And in so doing we can illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity. We must offer a compelling alternate vision for the world: a bright future of justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values and especially a vision of goodness and hope fuelled by the flame of love – one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged.” – craig (as inspired by and adapted from the words of Abdurahman Wahid, former President of Indonesia)
“What we believe is not nearly as important as how we relate, interact with each other… and how we live. Only when we can say, ‘I am first and foremost a human being, and second a Jew, Muslim, Shi’ite, a Sunni, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu ,or a Sikh…’ will we progress and break down barriers between peoples, nations and cultures, both east and west. Let not our beliefs , but our shared humanity (ALL of us) define who we really are. “
“Let us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Rather than borders, let us look at distant horizons together…in the common spirit of the value and dignity of a shared personhood – our common humanity as citizens of planet earth.”
Craig’s various books are at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4
WHAT IS UBUNTU?
see
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujbz9NVWkgQ
http://www.globalonenessproject.org/videos/Ubuntu
*
SOME YOUTUBE VIDEOS ON TOLERANCE AND RESPECT
http://imagineaworldof.blogspot.com/2008_03_09_archive.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZroURxhigI
| News – Libya interim leaders vow tolerance and respect for law | ||
| ► 3:59► 3:59 | Tempest Smith [Mere Tolerance Isn’t Enough …youtube.com1 Apr 2009 – 4 min – Uploaded by XbutterXbeckyX Tolerance is not enough, we must learn to respect and learn about others and …. But I want everyone to … |
|
| ► 1:24► 1:24 | Barack is Dignity, Tolerance and Respect – Videometacafe.com28 Sep 2008 – 1 min Barack is Dignity, Tolerance and Respect. Tags: Barack Obama …. By videodetective · Zelda: Skyward … |
| ► 2:45► 2:45 | Teaching Respect to Young Children – Preview – YouTubeyoutube.com14 Aug 2010 – 3 min – Uploaded by CharacterInAction All About Respect Song- Respect Stories f…by HarryKindergarten 66745 … All About Tolerance– Mr … |
| ► 7:23► 7:23 | Westboro Baptist Church Pickets American University …youtube.com17 Jan 2011 – 7 min – Uploaded by noahgraychannel … in the form of a rally for love, tolerance and respect for everyone. … start writing stories about it and … |
| ► 1:20► 1:20 | Friends of the UN “WEAR MY HAT” Tolerance …youtube.com1 Apr 2011 – 1 min – Uploaded by FOTUN777 Stories of divorce and how to avoid it -TheDe…by khalifahklothing17758 views … The Campaign- Peace … |
| ► 8:03► 8:03 | September 10, 2010 ~ The Limits of Religious …pbs.org10 Sep 2010 – 8 min APPLEBY: I think it is different in two respects. First of all, stories like this are immediate. They are broadcast … |
| ► 5:41► 5:41 | LIGALY Featured in News 12 LI’s 2-Part Series on …youtube.com8 Dec 2010 – 6 min – Uploaded by liglbtnetwork In this case, the story was about transgender bullying. … We should not teach tolerance, but respect and … |
| ►► | UNifeed: SOUTH AFRICA / SPORT FOR …unmultimedia.org27 Aug 2011 New stories are posted on the UNifeed website as soon as they … peace and tolerance and teach important … |
| ► 3:17► 3:17 | “All About Responsibility” song- Mr. Stanley tells …youtube.com21 Oct 2009 – 3 min – Uploaded by HarryKindergarten Mr. Stanley is back to sing stories about September’s B.A.R.K. with Character word … Respect Songby … |
| ► 3:03► 3:03 | Kid time – YouTubeyoutube.com30 Jun 2009 – 3 min – Uploaded by nekidtater Braving the kids to teach a lesson in tolerance and respect. … All About Kindness- Stories about showing … |
Craig’s various books are at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4
From
toleranceandrespect.wordpress.com
“Love conquers all”
THE END
Tags: renewal, Stories of hope, the redemptive power of LOVE and ultimately the pursuit of PEACE, Transformation
A New Heart: Stories of Hope, Renewal, Transformation and ultimately PEACE is already available at
http://www.amazon.com/New-Heart-Transformation-ultimately-ebook/dp/B006P9GNVU/
From Seeds of Hope to Endless Possibilities: Far and Grand Horizons (A New Heart) [Kindle Edition]
http://www.amazon.com/From-Seeds-Endless-Possibilities-ebook/dp/B006PHAU4I/
The Story of the Four Candles
The Story of the Four Candles
The Four Candles burned slowly.
Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak…
The first candle said, “I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit.”
Then Peace’s flame slowly diminished and went out completely.
The second candle said, “I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable.”
Then Faith’s flame slowly diminished and went out completely.
Sadly the third candle spoke, “I Am Love and I haven’t the strength to stay lit any longer.”
“People put me aside and don’t understand my importance.
They even forget to love those who are nearest to them.”
And waiting no longer, Love went out completely.
Suddenly…
A child entered the room and saw the three candles no longer burning.
The child began to cry,
“Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end.”
Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy,
“Don’t be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn,
we can re-light the other candles.”
With shining eyes, the child took the Candle of Hope
and lit the other three candles.
Never let the Flame of Hope go out.
With Hope in your life, no matter how bad things may be,
Peace, Faith and Love may shine brightly once again.
“Those whom you want (seek) to change, you must first love.”
“Those whom you want (seek) to change, you must first love.”
– Dr Martin Luther-Ling, jr
“When (or if ever) you arrive in heaven, let faith, hope and love be the wings that carried you there.”
“When (or if ever) you arrive in heaven, let faith, hope and love be the wings that carried you there.”
– as adapted from the inspiring words of Jonathan Edwards, former minister in New England, Massachusetts
“The Greatest Race: Living by (with) faith, hope and love is the highest podium any person can reach, God’s podium that anyone stand on.”
– craig
Having pursued the goals, the dreams set before us and run the race with persistence and endurance, after giving it all. Then one day standing on the summit of life, breathing in the pure sweet oxygen of achievement, totally satisfied in running the greatest race, the race of life one that ANYONE can run and win.
craig 11/11/11
- Picture: beautiful and deserted Wainui beach, Gisborne, East Coast , New Zealand…a place where I often get my dose (“fill”) of upliftment and inspiration
“When (or perhaps if ever??) you arrive in heaven, let hope, faith and love be the wings that carried you there.”
“When (or perhaps if ever??) you arrive in heaven, let hope, faith and love be the wings that carried you there.”
– as adapted from the inspiring words of Jonathan Edwards, former minister in New England, Massachusetts
“The Greatest Race: Living by (with) faith, hope and love is the highest podium any person can reach, God’s podium that anyone stand on.”
– craig
“There is only one thing that has power completely, and that is love.”
“There is only one thing that has power completely, and that is love. Because when a man loves, he seeks no power, and therefore he has power. Only strive for power if it is not at the cost (expense) of other men (people). Power corrupts. You first have to be pure and righteous first before one can attain power. I believe that love is a greater force than power.
I see only one hope for our country, and that is when white men and black men, desiring neither power nor money, but desiring only the good of their country, come together to work for it. He was grave and silent, and then he said sombrely, I have one great fear in my heart, that one day when they are turned to loving, they will find we are turned to hating.”
Alan Paton: Cry the Beloved Country (first published 1948)
Penguin Books UK
“There is only one thing that has power completely, and that is love. Because when a man loves, he seeks no power, and therefore he has power. Only strive for power if it is not at the cost (expense) of other men (people). Power corrupts. You first have to be pure and righteous first before one can attain power. I believe that love is a greater force than power.
I see only one hope for our country, and that is when white men and black men, desiring neither power nor money, but desiring only the good of their country, come together to work for it. He was grave and silent, and then he said sombrely, I have one great fear in my heart, that one day when they are turned to loving, they will find we are turned to hating.”
-powerful and amazing writing by Alan Paton in Cry the Beloved Country (first published 1948)
Penguin Books UK
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at
Sharing some Thoughts (and Quotations) on the Power of Love to Make a Difference (through Helping Make a Shift in Global Consciousness)
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.
– Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
“Love is the only force that can erase the difference between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness. In a changing world, it is a constant. It is the security of the home. It is a beacon of hope in a world of distress.” *
– Wayne R. Bills, MA
“Faith is the pillar of strength that allows man to achieve the impossible, reach the unattainable and solve the unfathomable.”
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13 (NIV)
“There is only one thing that has power completely, and that is love. Because when a man loves, he seeks no power, and therefore he has power. Only strive for power, if it is not at the cost of other people. Power corrupts. You first have to be pure and righteous, before one can attain power. I believe that love is a greater force than power.”
– Alan Paton, great South African humanitarian and author of the classic ‘Cry the Beloved Country”
Great inspiring words of wisdom!
Through violence you may murder a murderer, but you can’t murder
murder. Through violence you may murder a liar, but you can’t establish
truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can’t murder
hate. Darkness cannot put out darkness. Only light can do that…
Difficult and painful as it is, we must walk on in the days ahead with
an audacious faith in the future. When our days become dreary with
low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a
thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in
this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a
power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark
yesterdays into bright tomorrows. Let us realize the arc of the moral
universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
– Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.
“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr
I love the following quote which guides and inspires me daily, so am sharing…
“The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed.”
– J. Krishnamurti (thanks dearest mom)
“There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer. There is no disease that enough love will not heal. No door that enough love will not open. No gulf that enough love will not bridge. No wall that enough love will not throw down. And no sin that enough love will not redeem. It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble. How hopeless the outlook. How muddled the tangle. How great the mistake. A sufficient realisation of love will dissolve it all. And if you could love enough, you would be the happiest and most powerful person in the world.”
– Emmett Fox
“When the power of love overcomes (or conquers) the love of power, man and the world will at long last know peace.”
– adapted slightly from American musician, Jimi Hendrix
I see only one hope for our very troubled world, and that is when all peoples, black, brown and white desiring neither power, money nor especially a sense of self importance, come together to work hard for it with the creative spirit, that is in every one of us. With economic growth and the creation of jobs, people feel secure with a sense of well-being…and are happy.
When people act in a spirit of goodness, concern for humanity and especially utmost integrity, desiring only the good of their countries and so the world, the world be a far more prosperous and peaceful place – a world perhaps one day even at peace with itself.
– craig
LOVE is the greatest and most powerful force in the world (as was the simple message of Jesus Christ);
so shine your own unique bright light on an often darkened world …in a spirit of living at the highest level of humanity.
“When the world is filled with love, people’s hearts are overflowing
with hope.”
– craig
Article Title: Sharing some Thoughts (and Quotations) on the Power of Love to Make a Difference (through Helping Make a Shift in Global Consciousness)
Author Name: Craig Lock
Key Words: Love, power of love, inspiration, inspirational thoughts, spirituality, spiritual thoughts, love, power of life, empowerment, words of empowerment, transformation
Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekis.com/amazon.html and http://goo.gl/vTpjk
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://peacepursuit.wordpress.com/ http://breakdownwalls.wordpress.com/ www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com
Other Articles are available at:
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig)
Publishing Guidelines:
These writings (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print. Enjoy (hopefully)…
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
*
Sharing some Thoughts (and Quotations) on the Power of Love to Make a Difference (through Helping Make a Shift in Global Consciousness)
… which I believe is the only way the world will move towards a more peaceful planet.
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.
– Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
“Love is the only force that can erase the difference between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness. In a changing world, it is a constant. It is the security of the home. It is a beacon of hope in a world of distress.” *
– Wayne R. Bills, MA
“Faith is the pillar of strength that allows man to achieve the impossible, reach the unattainable and solve the unfathomable.”
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13 (NIV)
“There is only one thing that has power completely, and that is love. Because when a man loves, he seeks no power, and therefore he has power. Only strive for power, if it is not at the cost of other people. Power corrupts. You first have to be pure and righteous, before one can attain power. I believe that love is a greater force than power.”
– Alan Paton, great South African humanitarian and author of the classic ‘Cry the Beloved Country“
Great inspiring words of wisdom!
from http://www.sawriter.wordpress.com
Through violence you may murder a murderer, but you can’t murder
murder. Through violence you may murder a liar, but you can’t establish
truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can’t murder
hate. Darkness cannot put out darkness. Only light can do that…
Difficult and painful as it is, we must walk on in the days ahead with
an audacious faith in the future. When our days become dreary with
low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a
thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in
this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a
power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark
yesterdays into bright tomorrows. Let us realize the arc of the moral
universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
– Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.
“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr
I love the following quote which guides and inspires me daily, so am sharing…
“The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed.”
– J. Krishnamurti (thanks dearest mom)
“There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer. There is no disease that enough love will not heal. No door that enough love will not open. No gulf that enough love will not bridge. No wall that enough love will not throw down. And no sin that enough love will not redeem. It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble. How hopeless the outlook. How muddled the tangle. How great the mistake. A sufficient realisation of love will dissolve it all. And if you could love enough, you would be the happiest and most powerful person in the world.”
– Emmett Fox
“When the power of love overcomes (or conquers) the love of power, man and the world will at long last know peace.”
– adapted slightly from American musician, Jimi Hendrix
I see only one hope for our very troubled world, and that is when all peoples, black, brown and white desiring neither power, money nor especially a sense of self importance, come together to work hard for it with the creative spirit, that is in every one of us. With economic growth and the creation of jobs, people feel secure with a sense of well-being…and are happy.
When people act in a spirit of goodness, concern for humanity and especially utmost integrity, desiring only the good of their countries and so the world, the world be a far more prosperous and peaceful place – a world perhaps one day even at peace with itself.
– craig
LOVE is the greatest and most powerful force in the world (as was the simple message of Jesus Christ);
so shine your own unique bright light on an often darkened world …in a spirit of living at the highest level of humanity.
“When the world is filled with love, people’s hearts are overflowing
with hope.”
– craig
About the submitter:
Craig is passionate about a more peaceful world; so in his various writings Craig strives in some small way to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through “planting, then sowing ideas as ‘seeds of hope’”. He believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share is way more important than what divides us. Craig’s new work ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: To attempt to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. “A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.”
The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekis.com/amazon.html and http://goo.gl/vTpjk
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://peacepursuit.wordpress.com/ http://breakdownwalls.wordpress.com/ www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com
“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”
“Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”
– Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
“Be the very best person you can be. Become the person you are CAPABLE of being … and ALL the person God,
the Ultimate Source, the Essence of Existence intended and CALLED us to become….and most importantly, have ‘loads’ of FUN along the journey.”
– craig
Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, today let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better future … a brighter tomorrow
THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED
The Politics of Love (from a book ‘The Passing Summer’ by Michael Cassidy)
“A man has not started living, until he can embrace the concerns of all humanity.”
– Booker T Washington (or was it Dr Albert Schweizer??)
WINNING IN THE WORLD’S WORKSHOP
Try to ‘THINK SOLUTIONS’ for the problems of this world.
South Africa is the one nation in the world, which approximately reflects the racial composition on planet earth (as well as being a country with a mix of Jews, Christians and Moslems living harmoniously). As such, it’s a microcosm of the world in terms of its population demographics..and as a result it’s the “workshop of the world”.
This is a debate about the future of our life together on this small earth – about relations between rich and poor, between races and ideologies. Indeed about the meaning of freedom, peace and justice in a deeply disordered world. I’m talking here about ALL of us and ALL of our lives.
Let’s see the ‘politics of love’ prevail in this ‘workshop of the world.’
THE POLITICS OF LOVE MEANS DEALING WITH ONE’S OWN HEART
The answer for South Africa (and the world) lies in the POLITICS OF LOVE. However the first step is a difficult one. It involves dealing with ones own heart. This is where the primary battlefield lies…and where we will reap the bitter fruit in full measure.
Article Title: The Politics of Love (from a book ‘The Passing Summer’ by Michael Cassidy)
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Key words (tags)
: Books, ‘The Passing Summer’ , Michael Cassidy, South Africa, Negotiation, Love, Hope, Dreams, Peace, Inspiration, Pursuit of Peace, Good Books, Politics, Political Negotiations (enough there now)
Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock
The submitter’s other blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com
Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig)
Publishing Guidelines:
These writings (as with all my articles) may be freely published electronically or in print (with acknowledgment to Michael Cassidy, please).
Introduction:
Craig is currently researching and writing his latest novel based on fact, set in the the “beloved country” of South Africa: To try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous and volatile world. And as he learns from his research, is sharing this extract from a chapter of Michael Cassidy’s excellent book ‘THE PASSING SUMMER’. Though “rather religious” from my perspective, I believe Michael Cassidy makes some excellent points and his book written many years ago in the darkest days of repression has a vitally important message for today’s turbulent world.
A South African pilgrimage in the politics of love.
(Published by Hodder and Stoughton, 1989)
by Michael Cassidy*
* Michael Cassidy is the author of ‘Burning the Wineskins’, ‘Chasing the Wind’ and ‘A Witness Forever’. He is the founder of African Enterprise, a continent wide evangelic association.
*
“A man has not started living, until he can embrace the concerns of all humanity.”
– Booker T Washington (or was it Dr Albert Schweizer??)
WINNING IN THE WORLD’S WORKSHOP
Try to ‘THINK SOLUTIONS’ for the problems of this world.
South Africa is the one nation in the world, which approximately reflects the racial composition on planet earth (as well as being a country with a mix of Jews, Christians and Moslems living harmoniously). As such, it’s a microcosm of the world in terms of its population demographics..and as a result it’s the “workshop of the world”.
This is a debate about the future of our life together on this small earth – about relations between rich and poor, between races and ideologies. Indeed about the meaning of freedom, peace and justice in a deeply disordered world. I’m talking here about ALL of us and ALL of our lives.
Let’s see the ‘politics of love’ prevail in this ‘workshop of the world.’
THE POLITICS OF LOVE MEANS DEALING WITH ONE’S OWN HEART
The answer for South Africa (and the world) lies in the POLITICS OF LOVE. However the first step is a difficult one. It involves dealing with ones own heart. This is where the primary battlefield lies…and where we will reap the bitter fruit in full measure.
However, if love and forgiveness conquer in individual hearts, then love and forgiveness will conquer the country. If largeness of heart can vanquish shrunken narrowness of mind and spirit in you and me as individuals, if love can banish fear, if hope can overwhelm despair, if the positive can swamp the negative, then the nation can be born again.
But it has to start in the individual human heart. That is the battleground. If enough people win there, the nation wins. And if enough lose there, not only does the nation lose, but the nation is lost.
With a spirit of love, the highway then opens up to the politics of love.
“You may hate the sin, but never the sinner.”
Profess love for humanity. Love simply means desiring the highest and the best for the other person, respecting his dignity and viewing him with compassion and forgiveness. Conquer anything with God’s infinite Grace.
If I don’t let it start in my own mind, I cannot let it start at all.
As Alan Paton once said,’ This is a country where you hope on Monday and despair on Tuesday.’ Where in the world is there such a positive challenge for young people as here?
May South Africa emerge finally under God as a nation which will not only bless the continent of Africa, but the whole world!
“For with me all things are possible.”
BELIEVE it and work hard for it.
(Matt 19:26
Mark 9:23, 10:27
Luke 18:27 )
Different perceptions lead to different solutions and it’s up to us to ‘dream the impossible dream’.
We are made or unmade by how we think. So programme our individual souls and thence the national soul with positive thoughts (“be transformed by the renewing of your mind” – Romans 12:2).
God is love, and on God’s self-giving rests the only ultimate hope of humanity. Let the spirit of love begin to take hold on the national soul, so that groups of people (different races, ethnicities) begin to think of the other before themselves and fully embrace virtue of love: to ‘do unto others what you would have them do unto you.’ (Matthew 7:12)
Trust in the Lord and do good, dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture (Ps 37:3)
Work hard doing one’s very best
then
LET GO, LET GOD, LET GOOD.
*
Now onto the controversial concept (in Jesus’s time and today) of
ENEMY LOVE:
Abraham Lincoln: “The only way to destroy your enemy is to make him your friend.”
When Christ said: “Forgive your enemies”, it is not only for the sake of the enemy, but for one’s own sake, ‘ because love is more beautiful than hate’. Hatred, like rust, eats into the soul of the individual and then an entire nation.
Jomo Kenyatta at Kenya’s independence said: “Unless we build our nation on forgiveness, we will lose the day.”
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven’ (Matthew 5:43-45).
“Do not be overcome with evil; but overcome evil with good.”
(Rom 12: 14-21)
Enemy love needs to become part of a new vision, a new style of thinking and part of a moral ‘about face’, which so many of the world’s societies desperately need.
It worked for Gandhi in India, Martin Luther King in America, between black and white in South Africa!
Enemy love and the ‘politics of forgiveness’ will attempt its utmost to see the plight and real humanity of the enemy. Not “our cause is noble and theirs is evil.”
Enemy love and the politics of forgiveness require us to hate conditions, situations and policies; not individuals, who are never as evil as the social and political situations in which they are involved, and which they symbolise.
Forgiveness implies a willingness to seek to reshape the future in the light of the wrong, in the most creative way possible.
As Martin Luther King said at the height of the Civil Rights struggle:
“We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies…
Forgiveness is not just an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude.”
Each ONE of us can be a facilitator and mediator in this process.
William Wilberforce believed that submission to Christ was a man’s most important political, as well as religious decision. Define one’s political ideals in terms of freedom and equality…the highest good.
Mutual care, concern, unselfishness, conscience, worth, political vigilence and insight all form part of the ‘politics of love’.
My prayer is that all leaders of the world may find ‘the mind of Christ’. If all converged on that ‘mind’, all the problems of the world would be solved.
The politics of love means working for structural reconciliation.
On this path lies the answer for South Africa. Inspire the planet with a new vision of hope. The golden rule is what life is all about. Jesus meant love to be the way in every area of life, including the political, because it is the BEST way….and the only way which works ALL of the time.
For these principles to work, it requires every person of good will, from the lowest to the highest to say: “I want to be part of the solution. What the ‘ordinary’ person does is critical here. For change will assuredly come from the grassroots of society… when enough people really want it and are prepared to be part of the process and press their leaders to bring in a new day. As Martin Luther King said:
“When evil men plot, good men must plan. When evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind. When evil men shout ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the glories of love. Where evil men seek to perpetrate an unjust ‘status quo’, good men must seek to bring into being a real order of justice.”
Coretta Scott King: The Words of Martin Luther King (London Collins Found, 1985 – Pg 51)
South Africa can and WILL encourage, inspire and bless the world.
We are to make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.”
– Isiah 40:3
My prayer is that all leaders of the world may find ‘the mind of Christ’. If all converged on that ‘mind’, all the problems of the world would be solved.
Nothing is impossible and absolutely anything is possible with God.
Dream the impossible dream.
Michael Cassidy (from ‘The Passing Summer’, 1989)
About the author:
* Michael Cassidy is the author of ‘Burning the Wineskins’, ‘Chasing the Wind’ and ‘A Witness Forever’. He is the founder of African Enterprise, a continent wide evangelic association.
#
Submitted by Craig Lock (Eagle Productions)
About the author:
* Michael Cassidy is the author of ‘Burning the Wineskins’, ‘Chasing the Wind’ and ‘A Witness Forever’. He is the founder of African Enterprise, a continent wide evangelic association.
About the Submitter
In his various writings Craig attempts in some small way to advance the cause of peace. He is currently “working” on his latest manuscript – a “novel”, yet a true story of transformation … from hatred to love in the cauldron of the Middle East titled ‘From Seeds of Hate to the Bonds of Love’.
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock
The submitter’s other blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com
“See things not as they are…
but what they can one day be.”
“When people’s hearts are filled with love, the world is full of hope”
– craig
These writings may be freely published electronically or in print (with acknowledgment to Michael Cassidy, please).
PPS
“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”
– craig
To end off, lets reflect on the words of a leader who stood steadfastly for the values and for the causes of justice and freedom for all…
“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
– Dr Martin Luther King, Jr
Together, one mind, one heart, one small step at a time, let’s march into a bright new tomorrow
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