From Seeds of Hate to the Bonds of Love

From Seeds of Hate to the Bonds of Love

A “Review” of the Book ‘Once An Arafat Man’ by Tass Saada

“Those whom you seek to change you must first love.”

 

“Those whom you seek to change you must first love.”

The Politics of Love (from a book ‘The Passing Summer’ by Michael Cassidy)

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 site:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4

The submitter’s other 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 andhttp://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’(originally published in the darkest days of 1989). 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??)

As the great South African writer, 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’, allthe 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’, written in the darkest days of 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)

 

and this is for you my good friends, Donovan and Lynda

“Let’s 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

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 at a time, let’s march into a bright new tomorrow.”

Author’s Bio:

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/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

http://creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-bookshttp://goo.gl/vTpjk andhttp://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

Craig’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at

www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.comwww.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com

http://religiousunity.wordpress.com

www.peacepursuit.wordpress.comhttp://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)

“Together, one mind, one heart at a time, let’s march into a bright new tomorrow.”

“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

“There’s Something in the Struggle”

“THERE’S SOMETHING IN THE STRUGGLE”:

HOPE, BELIEVE, continue to DREAM and then CONQUER!

from a TV address by New Zealand pastor, Tak Bhana

We all need to learn how to handle times of struggle and darkness, so we come out stronger.

“God is too good to be unkind. He is too wise to be confused. If I cannot trace His hand, I can always trust His heart.”

― Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-92)

6 positive things we can learn in the “valleys of life”:

1. Struggle can press you into finding your destiny (as evidenced in the lives of David, King of Israel, Moses, Joseph in prison).

Later we can all see the unmistakable hand of God . Look for the hand of God in your time of struggle

2. Struggle can lead to a new direction (critical) in your life, like with my writing.

Listen to the voice of Spirit (Holy)

Even when nothing seems to be happening and you are stumbling around in the darkness, God is always up to something, something good. Later, you will be able to trace the hand of God in your life, directing each step along he way. Just TRUST. God is with you in the midst of the storm!

3. Struggle develops qualities of greater effectiveness – you become stronger in learning new coping strategies. Most importantly, it builds character.

Studies have shown that 95% of great achievers have had to overcome incredible hardships in their lives. Strength is being forged in the “crucible of life”. Like the caterpillar having to struggle, to fight its way out of the cocoon, so as to be able to fly!

“When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take the step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for us to stand on or we will be taught to fly.”

~Patrick Overton

It’s in the struggle, the transformation that God is working a miracle in your life. God has  created something, new – something that can fly…high! The struggle strengthens us, fortifies us to fly higher, like the eagle.

4  In the valleys we discover more about ourselves through the struggle. We learn things, qualities, like the ability to change and extend ourselves, perseverance, faith, Most importantly you (we) discover OURSELVES- who we really are…and perhaps what our “mission”, our calling truly is!

5. Struggle exposes the pessimists in the crowd, the “grass-hoppers”, the “nay-sayers” (though well-meaning), who say “it’s impossible” , “it hasn’t been done before”, “it won’t work” (they should step aside to make way for those who say “it can be done- it IS possible!”.

In the valley of life you soon discover your true friends, who will support you

God DOES supply

and finally.

6.  Struggle qualifies you to help others through their struggles. Once you’ve conquered, you can help someone else in the “valley of life”.  Because you’ve learnt to get up yourself (off the canvas) – because you’ve “been there”, you can say: “You WILL get through this valley, fight the battle and overcome your problems, conquer your giants.

Getting through your own struggles (how) can be a beacon of hope to others.

Always remember: God will see you through to eventual victory.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”                                                 *

*

Always remember, the struggle doesn’t last forever… and can even be the making of us.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!”

Even the depths of winter you can’t stop the coming of the bright spring. So look forward to the future and be happy.

Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder)

 

“In the midst of darkness, light exists and persists.”

“The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within you…and the seemingly difficult path ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies within you.”
– craig

“Trust in the Lord with your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him

and he will make your paths straight.”*

– Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

* and/or “direct our path and make the right way through life for you”

“‘For I know the plans I have for you:, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be fond by you,’declares the LORD.”

– Jeremiah 29:11-13

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

– Romans 8:28

“If you can’t see His way past the tears, trust His heart.”
― Charles H. Spurgeon *

* Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-92) was England’s best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century.  He was to nineteenth-century England what D. L Moody was to America. Although Spurgeon never attended theological school, by the age of twenty-one he was the most popular preacher in London.

You can click on:

There’s Something in the Struggle (by Tak Bhana)

Also from my brand new e-book The Victory Lap already available at http://www.amazon.com/Victory-Yellow-Helmets-Greatest-ebook/dp/B00BD9HLC2

HOPE, BELIEVE, continue to DREAM and then CONQUER!

“Those whom you seek to change, you must first love.”

“Those whom you seek to change, you must first love.”

– Dr Martin Luther-King, jr

How to Turn the Ordinary into the Extra-ordinary in your Life (from Charles Price)

Article Title: How to Turn the Ordinary into the Extra-ordinary in your Life (from Charles Price)
Shared by: Craig Lock
Category (key words/tags): Spiritual Growth, Faith, Christianity, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Charles Price, Living Truth, Thoughts on Jesus, Empowerment, Transformation, Quotations, Thoughts, Inspiration “Inspiration, Spiritual”, Inspirational Writings (enough there now, craig)
Web site: www.livingtruth.ca

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at https://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
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 some joy, then I’m very happy.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

*

HOW TO TURN THE ORDINARY INTO THE EXTRA-ORDINARY IN YOUR LIFE

Here are my notes from Charles Price (Living Truth Ministry 30th August 2009)

My Note:
Where the term “Him” is used, use whatever term which you use (She, It, Ultimate Source, Ground of All Being, Higher power, Universal Consciousness???) to describe God, Source of Life, Infinite Spirit
*
“The Son can do nothing without the Father.”

“I am here to fulfil.”

Whatever He says, DO IT! (don’t be scared, my good friend “John boy”!)
Listen. Ask for His co-operation.
God is the initiator of anything significant.
Jesus gives a command: “Speak it into existence!”
Every act is precipitated by an act of obedience.

Depend on Him. Just TRUST
He takes the ordinary and produces the extra-ordinary – his raw material is the ordinary.
God does things you and I could never do… so revealing His glory. Jesus’s disciples put their faith in Him.
*
THE (MY) GREATEST RACE

Paul had a purpose in living – he had the single-mindedness of an athlete in training. St Paul lived with a selfless attitude in serving and giving.

What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. Paul tells us to program our mind with thoughts that are true, honourable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise.

Don’t let anything take your eye off the goal – knowing Christ. Focus all your energies towards winning the race.

DEPEND, SUBMIT and simplyTRUST

Shine your light brightly for Christ, the One who makes the ordinary in our lives extra-ordinary.

Charles Price

www.livingtruth.ca

“Lord,
Use my ‘little’ life as a vehicle for Your endless possibilities.”

 

Shared by craig

“When (or is it perhaps if??) you arrive in a place (or rather state ) known as heaven, let faith, hope and love be the wings of the chariot that carried you there.”

– me (as adapted from the words of Jonathan Edwards, a former minister in Massachusetts (New England)

About the submitter:

In his life mission Craig hopes to encourage, motivate and inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials and live their very best lives (without being too much of a “boring Mr Goody-goody two shoes” (as he’s lost the other one!). Craig believes in the great potential of every human being in the journey of life and loves to encourage people to share their individual (and guiding) spirits, so that they become all that they are CAPABLE of being.

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

He is presently “working” on his latest novels ‘The Awakened Spirit’ and ‘From Seeds of Hate to the Bonds of Love’, based on some true and inspiring stories
of the unquenchable, the indomitable human spirit, that lies within each one of us. Stories of ‘Endless Possibilities, Far and Unlimited (Grand) Horizons’

“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.”

“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside a dog it’s too hard to read.”

– Groucho Marx

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at https://sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

“Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, lets see how many people we can impact, encourage, empower and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

“Our prayers are answered not when we are given what we want; but when we are challenged to be what (all that) we can become.”
– Morris Adler

“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

May (let) the light of God shine brightly on your path up ahead

 

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)

 Havejust started this ebook 20^th 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.”

http://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Spirit-Craigs-SPIRITual-ebook/dp/B005GXS2XS/ref=sr_1_20?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314372628&sr=1-20

“CHOOSE to do the highest good for the greatest number of people.”

“Sow a seed, one mind, one soul at a time.”

http://www.amazon.com/A-New-Dawn-ebook/dp/B005GXS350/ref=sr_1_21?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314372718&sr=1-21#reader_B005GXS350

Perhaps even write about…

THE PURSUIT OF PEACE???

http://www.amazon.com/Peace-Lives-Within-ebook/dp/B005H3N4D0/ref=sr_1_26?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314372844&sr=1-26

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.”

22^nd 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.

www.kiwicaptureit.co.nz

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

http://www.amazon.com/Shall-Not-Hate-Doctors-Journey/dp/0802779174/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324886626&sr=1-1

“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/

 

A NEW HEART

Picture (right): A bright new Makorori (Gisborne NZ) dawn

A NEW HEART

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)

Themes of justice, hope, love and peace.

“There are better ways than war to resolve conflict.”

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: 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 *************

“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. He 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(New)’.

“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.”

“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