Tag: Desmond Tutu

A Review of the Book ‘God Has A Dream’ by Desmond Tutu

A REVIEW OF THE BOOK ‘GOD HAS A DREAM’ by Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams

A Vision of Hope for Our Time

Tags: Religion, faith, South Africa, Desmond Tutu, hope, politics, Christian life, Christian theology Book Title: God Has a Dream , a Vision of Hope for Our Time Authors: Desmond Tutu, Douglas Abrams

Book overview Sourced from: http://www.google.com/books

Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu has long been admired throughout the world for the heroism and grace he exhibited while encouraging countless South Africans in their struggle for human rights. In ‘God Has a Dream’, his most soul-searching book, he shares the spiritual message that guided him through those troubled times. Drawing on personal and historical examples, Archbishop Tutu reaches out to readers of all religious backgrounds, showing how individual and global suffering can be transformed into joy and redemption. With his characteristic humour, Tutu offers an extremely personal and liberating message. He helps us to “see with the eyes of the heart” and to cultivate the qualities of love, forgiveness, humility, generosity, and courage that we need to change ourselves and our world.

Echoing the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., he writes, “God says to you, ‘I have a dream. Please help me to realize it. It is a dream of a world whose ugliness and squalor and poverty, its war and hostility, its greed and harsh competitiveness, its alienation and disharmony are changed into their glorious counterparts. When there will be more laughter, joy, and peace, where there will be justice and goodness and compassion and love and caring and sharing. I have a dream that my children will know that they are members of one family, the human family, God’s family, my family.'”

Addressing the timeless and universal concerns all people share, God Has a Dream envisions a world transformed through hope and compassion, humility and kindness, understanding and forgiveness

Image

Article Title: A Review of the Book ‘God Has A Dream’ by Desmond Tutu

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (Key words/Tags): Inspiration, hope, faith, love, dreams, believe, peace, pursuit of peace, Desmond Tutu

Web site: http://www.flipkart.com/god-has-dream-desmond-tutu/1844135675-6zx3f7dxqc

Submitter’s web sites:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

Craig’s 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: This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print, provided the sources are acknowledged, thanks.

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

#

A REVIEW OF THE BOOK ‘GOD HAS A DREAM’ by Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams

A Vision of Hope for Our Time

Tags: Religion, faith, South Africa, Desmond Tutu, hope, politics, Christian life, Christian theology Book Title: God Has a Dream , a Vision of Hope for Our Time Authors: Desmond Tutu, Douglas Abrams

Book overview Sourced from: http://www.google.com/books

Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu has long been admired throughout the world for the heroism and grace he exhibited while encouraging countless South Africans in their struggle for human rights. In ‘God Has a Dream’, his most soul-searching book, he shares the spiritual message that guided him through those troubled times. Drawing on personal and historical examples, Archbishop Tutu reaches out to readers of all religious backgrounds, showing how individual and global suffering can be transformed into joy and redemption. With his characteristic humour, Tutu offers an extremely personal and liberating message. He helps us to “see with the eyes of the heart” and to cultivate the qualities of love, forgiveness, humility, generosity, and courage that we need to change ourselves and our world.

Echoing the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., he writes, “God says to you, ‘I have a dream. Please help me to realize it. It is a dream of a world whose ugliness and squalor and poverty, its war and hostility, its greed and harsh competitiveness, its alienation and disharmony are changed into their glorious counterparts. When there will be more laughter, joy, and peace, where there will be justice and goodness and compassion and love and caring and sharing. I have a dream that my children will know that they are members of one family, the human family, God’s family, my family.'”

Addressing the timeless and universal concerns all people share, God Has a Dream envisions a world transformed through hope and compassion, humility and kindness, understanding and forgiveness.

Source: http://www.google.com/books

Editorial Review – Reed Business Information (c) 2003 Reading this book is like having a long, and somewhat homiletical, afternoon tea with former Archbishop of Cape Town and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Tutu. Four years after No Future Without Forgiveness, Tutu’s reflection on his role as Chairman of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, comes this deeply personal book that Tutu calls “a cumulative expression of my life’s work.” Each chapter begins “Dear Child of God,” and goes on to reflect on vulnerability, transfiguration and the human condition with winding anecdotes from Tutu’s personal and public life, stories he delivers with his trademark humour and a deceptive simplicity. For example, when Tutu says we are all one family, what emerges is not some churchy optimism, but a highly developed theology of relationship, what Tutu has earlier called ubuntu (“a person is a person through other people”), with political as well as interpersonal implications. This book is highly readable, perhaps because, like other Tutu books, it is culled in large part from lectures and sermons delivered in Tutu’s very public life. That this book aims for more than an afternoon tea becomes clear at its close: we are God’s partners, Tutu exhorts. We are humanized or dehumanized in and through our actions toward others. Tutu grounds this appeal most concretely, ending with a list of Web sites from organizations that need more partners for their outreach. (Mar. 23)

Sourced from http://www.flipkart.com/god-has-dream-desmond-tutu/1844135675-6zx3f7dxqc

Desmond Tutu’s best-selling inspirational book for a general audience, now available in paperback ‘God Has A Dream’ is an extremely personal and liberating message of hope and light in dark times. In it, the Archbishop shows how important it is that, even as we face the harsh realities of our individual lives and global conditions, we remember the importance of hope and dreams – for it is on hope and dreams that a better future will be built, and that God’s dream for us will be fulfilled. And Tutu also demonstrates how to bring these dreams to fruition in very practical terms, for example in learning how to love, ridding ourselves of our prejudices, opposing injustice, promoting the qualities of forgiveness, humility and generosity in ourselves, taking time to be still and quiet and in being patient. Meant not only for a Christian audience, but also for those of all faiths – and none – who are drawn to a life of more inspiration and integrity, ‘God Has A Dream’ is highly readable and very relevant to the times we live in. Instead of being a political document (as was his previous book No Future Without Forgiveness) this is a major work of contemporary spirituality from a Church leader known for his charisma, robust approach and humour.

http://www.flipkart.com/god-has-dream-desmond-tutu/1844135675-6zx3f7dxqc

Live YOUR dream and be happy along the amazing journey that is life

Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

“Faith is the pillar of strength that allows man to achieve the impossible, reach the unattainable and solve the unfathomable.”

“When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are able to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.”

– Barbara J Winter

“God creates us with different gifts. Each one of us comes into the world with a different collection of life circumstances that often severely challenge us, things that give us joy and in expressing our talents allow us to bless the people, the world around us.”

“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

“When I let go of what (and who) I think I am, I become all that I can be… and am capable of being.”

– craig (as adapted and inspired from Lao Tzu)

About the submitter:

Craig believes in (and loves) sharing information and insights to make a difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey … and that brings him the greatest joy. Craig has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally cruel, yet always amazing world – true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and hopefully even inspired.

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 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

 

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

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstores”

“You can cut down the flower, but nothing can stop the coming of the spring.”

“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.”

“Together, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, let’s march together towards a better future…and plant the seeds of a far brighter tomorrow”

A Review of the Book ‘God Has A Dream’ by Desmond Tutu

A REVIEW OF THE BOOK ‘GOD HAS A DREAM’ by Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams

A Vision of Hope for Our Time

Tags: Religion, faith, South Africa, Desmond Tutu, hope, politics, Christian life, Christian theology Book Title: God Has a Dream , a Vision of Hope for Our Time Authors: Desmond Tutu, Douglas Abrams

Book overview Sourced from: http://www.google.com/books

Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu has long been admired throughout the world for the heroism and grace he exhibited while encouraging countless South Africans in their struggle for human rights. In ‘God Has a Dream’, his most soul-searching book, he shares the spiritual message that guided him through those troubled times. Drawing on personal and historical examples, Archbishop Tutu reaches out to readers of all religious backgrounds, showing how individual and global suffering can be transformed into joy and redemption. With his characteristic humour, Tutu offers an extremely personal and liberating message. He helps us to “see with the eyes of the heart” and to cultivate the qualities of love, forgiveness, humility, generosity, and courage that we need to change ourselves and our world.

Echoing the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., he writes, “God says to you, ‘I have a dream. Please help me to realize it. It is a dream of a world whose ugliness and squalor and poverty, its war and hostility, its greed and harsh competitiveness, its alienation and disharmony are changed into their glorious counterparts. When there will be more laughter, joy, and peace, where there will be justice and goodness and compassion and love and caring and sharing. I have a dream that my children will know that they are members of one family, the human family, God’s family, my family.'”

Addressing the timeless and universal concerns all people share, God Has a Dream envisions a world transformed through hope and compassion, humility and kindness, understanding and forgiveness.

Source: http://www.google.com/books

Article Title: A Review of the Book ‘God Has A Dream’ by Desmond Tutu

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (Key words/Tags): Inspiration, religion, faith, South Africa, Desmond Tutu, hope, politics, Christian life, Christian theology

Web site: http://www.flipkart.com/god-has-dream-desmond-tutu/1844135675-6zx3f7dxqc

Craig’s web sites:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html www.lulu.com/craiglockand http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

The submitter’s 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: This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print, provided the sources are acknowledged, thanks.

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

#

A REVIEW OF THE BOOK ‘GOD HAS A DREAM’ by Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams

A Vision of Hope for Our Time

Tags: Religion, faith, South Africa, Desmond Tutu, hope, politics, Christian life, Christian theology Book Title: God Has a Dream , a Vision of Hope for Our Time Authors: Desmond Tutu, Douglas Abrams

Book overview Sourced from: http://www.google.com/books

Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu has long been admired throughout the world for the heroism and grace he exhibited while encouraging countless South Africans in their struggle for human rights. In ‘God Has a Dream’, his most soul-searching book, he shares the spiritual message that guided him through those troubled times. Drawing on personal and historical examples, Archbishop Tutu reaches out to readers of all religious backgrounds, showing how individual and global suffering can be transformed into joy and redemption. With his characteristic humour, Tutu offers an extremely personal and liberating message. He helps us to “see with the eyes of the heart” and to cultivate the qualities of love, forgiveness, humility, generosity, and courage that we need to change ourselves and our world.

Echoing the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., he writes, “God says to you, ‘I have a dream. Please help me to realize it. It is a dream of a world whose ugliness and squalor and poverty, its war and hostility, its greed and harsh competitiveness, its alienation and disharmony are changed into their glorious counterparts. When there will be more laughter, joy, and peace, where there will be justice and goodness and compassion and love and caring and sharing. I have a dream that my children will know that they are members of one family, the human family, God’s family, my family.'”

Addressing the timeless and universal concerns all people share, God Has a Dream envisions a world transformed through hope and compassion, humility and kindness, understanding and forgiveness.

Source: http://www.google.com/books

Editorial Review – Reed Business Information (c) 2003 Reading this book is like having a long, and somewhat homiletical, afternoon tea with former Archbishop of Cape Town and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Tutu. Four years after No Future Without Forgiveness, Tutu’s reflection on his role as Chairman of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, comes this deeply personal book that Tutu calls “a cumulative expression of my life’s work.” Each chapter begins “Dear Child of God,” and goes on to reflect on vulnerability, transfiguration and the human condition with winding anecdotes from Tutu’s personal and public life, stories he delivers with his trademark humour and a deceptive simplicity. For example, when Tutu says we are all one family, what emerges is not some churchy optimism, but a highly developed theology of relationship, what Tutu has earlier called ubuntu (“a person is a person through other people”), with political as well as interpersonal implications. This book is highly readable, perhaps because, like other Tutu books, it is culled in large part from lectures and sermons delivered in Tutu’s very public life. That this book aims for more than an afternoon tea becomes clear at its close: we are God’s partners, Tutu exhorts. We are humanized or dehumanized in and through our actions toward others. Tutu grounds this appeal most concretely, ending with a list of Web sites from organizations that need more partners for their outreach. (Mar. 23)

Sourced from http://www.flipkart.com/god-has-dream-desmond-tutu/1844135675-6zx3f7dxqc

Desmond Tutu’s best-selling inspirational book for a general audience, now available in paperback ‘God Has A Dream’ is an extremely personal and liberating message of hope and light in dark times. In it, the Archbishop shows how important it is that, even as we face the harsh realities of our individual lives and global conditions, we remember the importance of hope and dreams – for it is on hope and dreams that a better future will be built, and that God’s dream for us will be fulfilled. And Tutu also demonstrates how to bring these dreams to fruition in very practical terms, for example in learning how to love, ridding ourselves of our prejudices, opposing injustice, promoting the qualities of forgiveness, humility and generosity in ourselves, taking time to be still and quiet and in being patient. Meant not only for a Christian audience, but also for those of all faiths – and none – who are drawn to a life of more inspiration and integrity, ‘God Has A Dream’ is highly readable and very relevant to the times we live in. Instead of being a political document (as was his previous book No Future Without Forgiveness) this is a major work of contemporary spirituality from a Church leader known for his charisma, robust approach and humour.

http://www.flipkart.com/god-has-dream-desmond-tutu/1844135675-6zx3f7dxqc

Live YOUR dream and be happy along the amazing journey that is life

Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

“Faith is the pillar of strength that allows man to achieve the impossible, reach the unattainable and solve the unfathomable.”

“When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are able to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.”

– Barbara J Winter

“God creates us with different gifts. Each one of us comes into the world with a different collection of life circumstances that often severely challenge us, things that give us joy and in expressing our talents allow us to bless the people, the world around us.”

“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

“When I let go of what (and who) I think I am, I become all that I can be… and am capable of being.”

– craig (as adapted and inspired from Lao Tzu)

About the submitter:

Craig believes in (and loves) sharing information and insights to make a difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey … and that brings him the greatest joy. Craig has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally cruel, yet always amazing world – true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and hopefully even inspired.

Craig 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 – true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and hopefully even inspired.’

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Z6BFX0

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

C

“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 www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

“You can cut down the flower, but nothing can stop the coming of the spring.”

“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.”

A BOOK “REVIEW”: THE RAINBOW PEOPLE OF GOD by Desmond Tutu

Image

Article Title: A BOOK “REVIEW”: THE RAINBOW PEOPLE OF GOD by Desmond Tutu

Shared by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Books, Desmond Tutu, South Africa, Touching the Rainbow, spiritual thoughts, Jesus, Jesus Christ, inspiration,  empowerment, peace and the pursuit of peace, reconciliation (enough there for now, craig)

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

 

 

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com 
www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com www.religiousunity.wordpress.com www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

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:

We hope that the following piece may be thought-provoking, interesting, informative and helpful* to your e-zine readers, or on your web site.
* enough adjectives, Craig?

This article may be freely reproduced. If it helps others “out there” on the pathway to success and more importantly, joyful living, then we’re very happy.

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

#

A BOOK “REVIEW”: THE RAINBOW PEOPLE OF GOD by Desmond Tutu

Edited by John Allen

Foreword by Nelson Mandela

First published in 1994 by Doubleday, a division of Transworld Publishers

“The Rainbow People of God serves as a powerful reminder of the social and political upheaval in South Africa in recent years. It also highlights the courage, passion and dedication of one man driven by his own values, faith, and sense of justice to overcome one of this century’s greatest abuses of human rights.”

“At home in South Africa, I have sometimes said in big meetings, where you have black and white together:

‘Raise your hands!’ Then I’ve said, Move your hands,’ and I’ve said: ‘Look at your hands – different colours representing different people. You are the rainbow people of God.’

And you remember the rainbow in the Bible is the sign of peace. The rainbow is the sign of prosperity. We want peace, prosperity and justice…. and we can have it when all the people of God, the rainbow people of God work together.”

– Desmond Tutu, preaching in Tromso, north of the Arctic Circle in Norway (5th December 1991)a

#

Submitter’s Note:

Here are my notes in point-form (together with some personal thoughts) from this excellent book, the most important message of which transcends boundaries and is eternal… and this is why I’m sharing. In addition, Desmond Tutu’s great book brings back memories of the dark days under apartheid in South Africa, but also in many ways parallels my own journey…from the walking from darkness into the light.

All in “a land of laughter and joy, of justice and reconciliation, of peace and unity, of compassion, sharing and caring.”

Craig

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Help develop a culture of “live and let live” tolerance

“Let each one of us be channels of love , peace , justice and reconciliation.”

“The light shineth in the darkness and the darkness did not overwhelm the light.”

“God bless Africa

Guard her children

Guide her rulers

And give her peace.”

– former Achbishop Trevor Huddlestone (banned, then expelled from South Africa)

#

The application of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the situation of injustice and oppression and exploitation (the very essence of apartheid).

Each person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26)

Apartheid policies are not only unjust and oppressive – they are positively unbiblical, unchristian, immoral and even evil.

If there is to be reconciliation, we who are the ambassadors of Christ… must be instruments of peace

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself”, declares St Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:9), summing up the teaching contained in other parts of the New Testament (John 12:32, Ephesians 1:10, Ephesians 214 and so on)

“The aim of the Church is to bring about social justice. Justice must be done to the poor and the oppressed, and if the present system does not serve this purpose, the public conscience must be roused to demand another.”

The hallowed tradition of direct non-violent action.

” I support the ANC in its objectives to establish a non-racial democratic South Africa; but I do not support its methods…

I am committed to work for a non-racial, just and democratic South Africa.”

I work for God’s Kingdom.”

Stand for the Truth

God came down in Jesus Christ to deliver us from bondage.

“If God be for us, who can be against us!”

Jesus was fully human (with fears, emotions, like each one of us). On earth he lived as no more than a man! He came to preach the gospel to those whom we call the marginalized members of society, to bind-up and heal the broken-hearted, to comfort those who mourn.

“If the Son sets you free, you will be truly free.”

– John.

We (each one of us, if we so choose) have been given the ministry of reconciliation, of liberation, of justice, of peace and of love. No encircling gloom can snuff out the light of Christ, the light of love, joy, peace, justice and reconciliation.

The resurrection of Jesus is our guarantee that right has triumphed and will triumph over wrong, that good has triumphed and will triumph over evil; it’s our guarantee that love has triumphed and will triumph over hate. Jesus Christ has broken down all kinds of walls of separation. You and I know despite all the evidence to the contrary that we, black and white together, are one in the Spirit. You and I know that we will hold hands, black and white together, with our heads held high, as we stride into the glorious future which God holds out to us, black and white together, as we work with Him for the fulfilment of the vision of St John, the Divine.

‘Salvation comes from our God, who is on the throne, and from the Lamb!”

The central work of Jesus was to effect reconciliation between God and us and also between man and man.

“True science cannot contradict true religion.”

St Paul says: God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself.”

– 2 Corinthians 5:19

Shared by craig
 
 

The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.htmland http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007360X2O

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’

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com www.religiousunity.wordpress.com www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

“Lord, make me a channel for Your peace to flow through to everyone I meet”

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

Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, today let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better future … a far brighter tomorrow
 

“Together, lets join (link) hands and march into a brighter future.”

– Amy Biehl (a young Fulbright scholar, tragically killed in South Africa in the lead-up to the first democratic election of 1994)

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

A Review of the Book ‘God Has A Dream’ by Desmond Tutu

A Vision of Hope for Our Time

Tags: Religion, faith, South Africa, Desmond Tutu, hope, politics, Christian life, Christian theology Book Title: God Has a Dream , a Vision of Hope for Our Time Authors: Desmond Tutu, Douglas Abrams

Book overview Sourced from: http://www.google.com/books

Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu has long been admired throughout the world for the heroism and grace he exhibited while encouraging countless South Africans in their struggle for human rights. In ‘God Has a Dream’, his most soul-searching book, he shares the spiritual message that guided him through those troubled times. Drawing on personal and historical examples, Archbishop Tutu reaches out to readers of all religious backgrounds, showing how individual and global suffering can be transformed into joy and redemption. With his characteristic humour, Tutu offers an extremely personal and liberating message. He helps us to “see with the eyes of the heart” and to cultivate the qualities of love, forgiveness, humility, generosity, and courage that we need to change ourselves and our world.

Echoing the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., he writes, “God says to you, ‘I have a dream. Please help me to realize it. It is a dream of a world whose ugliness and squalor and poverty, its war and hostility, its greed and harsh competitiveness, its alienation and disharmony are changed into their glorious counterparts. When there will be more laughter, joy, and peace, where there will be justice and goodness and compassion and love and caring and sharing. I have a dream that my children will know that they are members of one family, the human family, God’s family, my family.'”

Addressing the timeless and universal concerns all people share, God Has a Dream envisions a world transformed through hope and compassion, humility and kindness, understanding and forgiveness.

Article Title: A Review of the Book ‘God Has A Dream’ by Desmond Tutu

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (Key words/Tags): Religion, faith, South Africa, Desmond Tutu, hope, politics, Christian life, Christian theology

Web site: http://www.flipkart.com/god-has-dream-desmond-tutu/1844135675-6zx3f7dxqc

Craig’s web sites:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

The submitter’s 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: This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print, provided the sources are acknowledged, thanks.

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

#

A REVIEW OF THE BOOK ‘GOD HAS A DREAM’ by Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams

A Vision of Hope for Our Time

Tags: Religion, faith, South Africa, Desmond Tutu, hope, politics, Christian life, Christian theology Book Title: God Has a Dream , a Vision of Hope for Our Time Authors: Desmond Tutu, Douglas Abrams

Book overview Sourced from: http://www.google.com/books

Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu has long been admired throughout the world for the heroism and grace he exhibited while encouraging countless South Africans in their struggle for human rights. In ‘God Has a Dream’, his most soul-searching book, he shares the spiritual message that guided him through those troubled times. Drawing on personal and historical examples, Archbishop Tutu reaches out to readers of all religious backgrounds, showing how individual and global suffering can be transformed into joy and redemption. With his characteristic humour, Tutu offers an extremely personal and liberating message. He helps us to “see with the eyes of the heart” and to cultivate the qualities of love, forgiveness, humility, generosity, and courage that we need to change ourselves and our world.

Echoing the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., he writes, “God says to you, ‘I have a dream. Please help me to realize it. It is a dream of a world whose ugliness and squalor and poverty, its war and hostility, its greed and harsh competitiveness, its alienation and disharmony are changed into their glorious counterparts. When there will be more laughter, joy, and peace, where there will be justice and goodness and compassion and love and caring and sharing. I have a dream that my children will know that they are members of one family, the human family, God’s family, my family.'”

Addressing the timeless and universal concerns all people share, God Has a Dream envisions a world transformed through hope and compassion, humility and kindness, understanding and forgiveness.

Source: http://www.google.com/books

Editorial Review – Reed Business Information (c) 2003 Reading this book is like having a long, and somewhat homiletical, afternoon tea with former Archbishop of Cape Town and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Tutu. Four years after No Future Without Forgiveness, Tutu’s reflection on his role as Chairman of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, comes this deeply personal book that Tutu calls “a cumulative expression of my life’s work.” Each chapter begins “Dear Child of God,” and goes on to reflect on vulnerability, transfiguration and the human condition with winding anecdotes from Tutu’s personal and public life, stories he delivers with his trademark humour and a deceptive simplicity. For example, when Tutu says we are all one family, what emerges is not some churchy optimism, but a highly developed theology of relationship, what Tutu has earlier called ubuntu (“a person is a person through other people”), with political as well as interpersonal implications. This book is highly readable, perhaps because, like other Tutu books, it is culled in large part from lectures and sermons delivered in Tutu’s very public life. That this book aims for more than an afternoon tea becomes clear at its close: we are God’s partners, Tutu exhorts. We are humanized or dehumanized in and through our actions toward others. Tutu grounds this appeal most concretely, ending with a list of Web sites from organizations that need more partners for their outreach. (Mar. 23)

Sourced from http://www.flipkart.com/god-has-dream-desmond-tutu/1844135675-6zx3f7dxqc

Desmond Tutu’s best-selling inspirational book for a general audience, now available in paperback ‘God Has A Dream’ is an extremely personal and liberating message of hope and light in dark times. In it, the Archbishop shows how important it is that, even as we face the harsh realities of our individual lives and global conditions, we remember the importance of hope and dreams – for it is on hope and dreams that a better future will be built, and that God’s dream for us will be fulfilled. And Tutu also demonstrates how to bring these dreams to fruition in very practical terms, for example in learning how to love, ridding ourselves of our prejudices, opposing injustice, promoting the qualities of forgiveness, humility and generosity in ourselves, taking time to be still and quiet and in being patient. Meant not only for a Christian audience, but also for those of all faiths – and none – who are drawn to a life of more inspiration and integrity, ‘God Has A Dream’ is highly readable and very relevant to the times we live in. Instead of being a political document (as was his previous book No Future Without Forgiveness) this is a major work of contemporary spirituality from a Church leader known for his charisma, robust approach and humour.

http://www.flipkart.com/god-has-dream-desmond-tutu/1844135675-6zx3f7dxqc

Live YOUR dream and be happy along the amazing journey that is life

Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

“Faith is the pillar of strength that allows man to achieve the impossible, reach the unattainable and solve the unfathomable.”

“When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are able to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.”

– Barbara J Winter

“God creates us with different gifts. Each one of us comes into the world with a different collection of life circumstances that often severely challenge us, things that give us joy and in expressing our talents allow us to bless the people, the world around us.”

“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

“When I let go of what (and who) I think I am, I become all that I can be… and am capable of being.”

– craig (as adapted and inspired from Lao Tzu)

About the submitter:

Craig believes in (and loves) sharing information and insights to make a difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey … and that brings him the greatest joy. Craig has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally cruel, yet always amazing world – true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and hopefully even inspired.

Craig 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 – true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and hopefully even inspired.’

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available athttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

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

“You can cut down the flower, but nothing can stop the coming of the spring.”

“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.”

A Review of the Book ‘God Has A Dream’ by Desmond Tutu

“Faith is the pillar of strength that allows man to achieve the impossible, reach the unattainable and solve the unfathomable.”

“When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are able to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.”

– Barbara J Winter

“God creates us with different gifts. Each one of us comes into the world with a different collection of life circumstances that often severely challenge us, things that give us joy and in expressing our talents allow us to bless the people, the world around us.”

“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

“When I let go of what (and who) I think I am, I become all that I can be… and am capable of being.”

– craig (as adapted and inspired from Lao Tzu)

“You can cut down the flower, but nothing can stop the coming of the spring.”

“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.”

Article Title: A Review of the Book ‘God Has A Dream’ by Desmond Tutu

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (Key words/Tags): Religion, faith, books, South Africa, Desmond Tutu, hope, politics, Christian life, Christian theology

Web site: http://www.flipkart.com/god-has-dream-desmond-tutu/1844135675-6zx3f7dxqc

Craig’s 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 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: This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print, provided the sources are acknowledged, thanks.

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

#

A REVIEW OF THE BOOK ‘GOD HAS A DREAM’ by Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams

A Vision of Hope for Our Time

Tags: Religion, faith, South Africa, Desmond Tutu, hope, politics, Christian life, Christian theology Book Title: God Has a Dream , a Vision of Hope for Our Time Authors: Desmond Tutu, Douglas Abrams

Book overview Sourced from: http://www.google.com/books

Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu has long been admired throughout the world for the heroism and grace he exhibited while encouraging countless South Africans in their struggle for human rights. In ‘God Has a Dream’, his most soul-searching book, he shares the spiritual message that guided him through those troubled times. Drawing on personal and historical examples, Archbishop Tutu reaches out to readers of all religious backgrounds, showing how individual and global suffering can be transformed into joy and redemption. With his characteristic humour, Tutu offers an extremely personal and liberating message. He helps us to “see with the eyes of the heart” and to cultivate the qualities of love, forgiveness, humility, generosity, and courage that we need to change ourselves and our world.

Echoing the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., he writes, “God says to you, ‘I have a dream. Please help me to realize it. It is a dream of a world whose ugliness and squalor and poverty, its war and hostility, its greed and harsh competitiveness, its alienation and disharmony are changed into their glorious counterparts. When there will be more laughter, joy, and peace, where there will be justice and goodness and compassion and love and caring and sharing. I have a dream that my children will know that they are members of one family, the human family, God’s family, my family.'”

Addressing the timeless and universal concerns all people share, God Has a Dream envisions a world transformed through hope and compassion, humility and kindness, understanding and forgiveness.

Source: http://www.google.com/books

Editorial Review – Reed Business Information (c) 2003 Reading this book is like having a long, and somewhat homiletical, afternoon tea with former Archbishop of Cape Town and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Tutu. Four years after No Future Without Forgiveness, Tutu’s reflection on his role as Chairman of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, comes this deeply personal book that Tutu calls “a cumulative expression of my life’s work.” Each chapter begins “Dear Child of God,” and goes on to reflect on vulnerability, transfiguration and the human condition with winding anecdotes from Tutu’s personal and public life, stories he delivers with his trademark humor and a deceptive simplicity. For example, when Tutu says we are all one family, what emerges is not some churchy optimism, but a highly developed theology of relationship, what Tutu has earlier called ubuntu (“a person is a person through other people”), with political as well as interpersonal implications. This book is highly readable, perhaps because, like other Tutu books, it is culled in large part from lectures and sermons delivered in Tutu’s very public life. That this book aims for more than an afternoon tea becomes clear at its close: we are God’s partners, Tutu exhorts. We are humanized or dehumanized in and through our actions toward others. Tutu grounds this appeal most concretely, endi ng with a list of Web sites from organizations that need more partners for their outreach. (Mar. 23)

Sourced from http://www.flipkart.com/god-has-dream-desmond-tutu/1844135675-6zx3f7dxqc

Desmond Tutu’s best-selling inspirational book for a general audience, now available in paperback ‘God Has A Dream’ is an extremely personal and liberating message of hope and light in dark times. In it, the Archbishop shows how important it is that, even as we face the harsh realities of our individual lives and global conditions, we remember the importance of hope and dreams – for it is on hope and dreams that a better future will be built, and that God’s dream for us will be fulfilled. And Tutu also demonstrates how to bring these dreams to fruition in very practical terms, for example in learning how to love, ridding ourselves of our prejudices, opposing injustice, promoting the qualities of forgiveness, humility and generosity in ourselves, taking time to be still and quiet and in being patient. Meant not only for a Christian audience, but also for those of all faiths – and none – who are drawn to a life of more inspiration and integrity, ‘God Has A Dream’ is highly readable and very relevant to the times we live in. Instead of being a political document (as was his previous book No Future Without Forgiveness) this is a major work of contemporary spirituality from a Church leader known for his charisma, robust approach and humour.

http://www.flipkart.com/god-has-dream-desmond-tutu/1844135675-6zx3f7dxqc

Live YOUR dream and be happy along the amazing journey that is life

Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

“Faith is the pillar of strength that allows man to achieve the impossible, reach the unattainable and solve the unfathomable.”

“When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are able to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.”

– Barbara J Winter

“God creates us with different gifts. Each one of us comes into the world with a different collection of life circumstances that often severely challenge us, things that give us joy and in expressing our talents allow us to bless the people, the world around us.”

“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

“When I let go of what (and who) I think I am, I become all that I can be… and am capable of being.”

– craig (as adapted and inspired from Lao Tzu)

About the submitter:

Craig believes in (and loves) sharing information and insights to make a difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey … and that brings him the greatest joy. Craig has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally cruel, yet always amazing world – true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and hopefully even inspired.

Craig 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 – true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and hopefully even inspired.’

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglockhttp://www.creativekiwis.com/books.htmlwww.lulu.com/craiglock and www.craigsbooks.wordpress.com

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

“You can cut down the flower, but nothing can stop the coming of the spring.”

“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.”

A “Review”: Hope, Love, Dream, Believe, Peace (from the words and inspiration of Desmond Tutu)

SUCCESS

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

THE POWER OF LOVE

EQUALITY IS ESSENTIAL TO HUMAN LIFE AND WELL-BEING.

A Ministry (Mission) of Reconciliation (the mission of Jesus)

“To love someone more dearly every day To help some wandering child to find its way To ponder over noble thoughts and pray And smile when evening galls. To seek the Truth as blind men long for light To do our best from dawn till night To keep our hearts fit for His Holy sight And answer when He calls.”

“We are true witnesses, if we are on the side of the weak, the powerless, the exploited.” (Just as Jesus was a voice for the “voiceless”.)

“If I diminish you, I diminish myself.”

“I am what I am because of what we all are.” A person is a person through other persons. We need other human beings in order to be human. I am because other people are.

If we could but recognise our common humanity, that we do belong together, that our destinies are bound up in one another’s, that we can be free only together, that we can be human only together, then a glorious world would come into being where all of us lived harmoniously together as members of one family, the human family. Differences are not intended to seperate, to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realise our need of one another.

People are really wonderful. The only way we can survive is together, black and white; the only way we can be truly human is together, black and white.

Let us come together and be one, let us be people of peace, let us be people of harmony.”

Those who forget the past, as many have pointed out, are doomed to repeat it.

One has got to say to our people, ‘I love you, I care for you, enormously.’ And when I care about black liberation, it is because I care about white liberation.

*

HOPE

We humans can tolerate suffering, but we cannot tolerate meaninglessness (As Viktor Frankl said in his book ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’)..

At times of despair, we must learn to see with new eyes.

*

PEACE

“Peace without justice is an impossibility.

Peace involves inevitable righteousness, justice, wholesomeness, fulness of life, participation in decision making, goodness, laughter, joy, compassion, sharing and reconciliation.

“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, drearest 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

*

Article Title: A “Review”: Hope, Love, Dream, Believe, Peace (from the words and inspiration of Desmond Tutu)

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category/Key Words: Desmond Tutu, Hope, Love, Dream, Believe, Peace, Inspiration, Words of Inspiration and Empowerment, South Africa

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 by Craig 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:

All my articles may be freely published, electronically or in print. In this article please acknowledge the source, ‘Hope, Love, Dream, Believe, Peace from the words and inspiration of Desmond Tutu’.

 

                                                                                       *

A “REVIEW”: HOPE, LOVE, DREAM, BELIEVE, PEACE (from the words and inspiration of Desmond Tutu)

Submitter’s Note:

Craig was privileged to hear Desmond Tutu speak many times and has been collecting (and been ‘inspired by’) the churchman’s most uplifting and inspirational thoughts and quotations over many years. I was kindly given the gift of this great series of booklets from the words and inspiration of the former Archbishop of Cape Town, so am sharing a few thoughts from the great little book ‘BELIEVE’ (together with a few of my own) in the spirit of encouraging and uplifting others… because , I believe it’s in the small things we do that make a difference in the world. So ENJOY….

*

from

LOVE DREAM

BELIEVE PEACE

(published by Ubuntu, which roughly translated, means humanity towards others, ie. “I am because of who and what we ALL are”)

The 20th century’s most remarkable humanitarians. Take inspiration from the African concept ‘ubuntu’, which shows that the only way we can ever be human is together. The only way we can be free is together. Each book is founded on the work and example of one of the 20th century’s most remarkable humanitarians. I think these books are available from major booksellers and at Amazon. Royalties (kindly) to Tygerburg Children’s Hospital and Philani Clinic in Cape Town . Thanks Archbishop Tutu for sharing your great generosity of spirit throughout your life.

craig

*

SUCCESS

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

THE POWER OF LOVE

EQUALITY IS ESSENTIAL TO HUMAN LIFE AND WELL-BEING.

A Ministry (Mission) of Reconciliation (the mission of Jesus)

“To love someone more dearly every day To help some wandering child to find its way To ponder over noble thoughts and pray And smile when evening galls. To seek the Truth as blind men long for light To do our best from dawn till night To keep our hearts fit for His Holy sight And answer when He calls.”

“We are true witnesses, if we are on the side of the weak, the powerless, the exploited.” (Just as Jesus was a voice for the “voiceless”.)

“If I diminish you, I diminish myself.”

“I am what I am because of what we all are.” A person is a person through other persons. We need other human beings in order to be human. I am because other people are.

If we could but recognise our common humanity, that we do belong together, that our destinies are bound up in one another’s, that we can be free only together, that we can be human only together, then a glorious world would come into being where all of us lived harmoniously together as members of one family, the human family. Differences are not intended to seperate, to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realise our need of one another.

People are really wonderful. The only way we can survive is together, black and white; the only way we can be truly human is together, black and white.

Let us come together and be one, let us be people of peace, let us be people of harmony.”

Those who forget the past, as many have pointed out, are doomed to repeat it.

One has got to say to our people, ‘I love you, I care for you, enormously.’ And when I care about black liberation, it is because I care about white liberation.

*

HOPE

We humans can tolerate suffering, but we cannot tolerate meaninglessness (As Viktor Frankl said in his book ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’)..

At times of despair, we must learn to see with new eyes.

*

PEACE

“Peace without justice is an impossibility.

Peace involves inevitable righteousness, justice, wholesomeness, fulness of life, participation in decision making, goodness, laughter, joy, compassion, sharing and reconciliation.

“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, drearest 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 separation 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 (and loves) sharing information and insights to try to make a difference in the world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey … and that brings him the greatest joy. He 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.

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

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

Together, one mind, one soul at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, encourage and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials. Change YOUR world and you help change THE world.”

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED (with acknowledgment to the source, thanks)

Shine YOUR own bright light on humanity.

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