A Story of Forgiveness: The Legacy of Amy Biehl

Article Title: A Story of Forgiveness: The Legacy of Amy Biehl
Submitted by: Craig Lock

Key words (tags): Transformation, Amy Biehl, the legacy of Amy Biehl, South Africa, Cape Town, reconciliation, forgiveness

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

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

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.
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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

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it’s an on-going state of mind. A long and arduous 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

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” (including ‘Endless Possibilities, Far and Great Horizons’) 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 www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, let’s plant seeds of hope …

and you and I, let’s march towards a better future…together to a brighter tomorrow

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

“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)

Amy Biehl’s Legacy in Cape Town: Click on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7M1LIIFDbg

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

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

Craig’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html http://www.lulu.com/craiglock 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 http://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/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Z6BFX0

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

Craig’s various books on Jesus and the spiritual; journey are available at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock&sort=relevance&ie=UTF8&qid=1374375740

“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://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.”

“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

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.c om

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

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

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.”

– Barbara J Winter

“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 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

“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.c om

“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

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/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

http://www.amazon.com/Chequered-Flag-Greatest-Race-Life/dp/1490395202 and http://www.amazon.com/CHEQUERED-FLAG-GREATEST-RACE-ebook/dp/B0064R6D36

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

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/B005GGMAW4 http://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

Touching the Rainbow (Rainbows)

Touching the Rainbow

a book still being written (and being updated as I write)

A collection of thoughts on the often very difficult, yet amazing and magical journey that is life…

“Do not follow the well-beaten track of others towards success – like the rainbow, it is often an illusion always just beyond our reach. Make your own path and let your spirit blaze a brilliant trail towards the pot of gold, the prize for the gift – one that is uniquely you and YOUR successful journey down the mysterious and magical river of life.”

“Life is about finding, then following the dream… and one’s dream/vision comes to reality through believing in yourself, making the commitment and then creating it.”

– craig

“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)

From 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

High Flight

“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew –
And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.”

– Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee
No 412 squadron, RCAF
Killed 11 December 1941

See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qqVRBZO5gc

John Denver sings High Flight

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Published on 1 Aug 2012

On a NASA tribute show, John Denver sings High Flight after joshing with Bob Hope a bit during the intro. High Flight is a poem written by John Gillespie Magee.

Also see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjzcdvF3gDc

“No vision and you perish; No Ideal, and you’re lost; Your heart must ever cherish Some faith at any cost. Some hope, some dream to cling to, Some rainbow in the sky, Some melody to sing to, Some service that is high.”

– – Harriet Du Autermont

The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including his various books on South Africa) are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and his various books on the spiritual journey are available at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock&sort=relevance&ie=UTF8&qid=1374375740

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

WINNING IN THE WORLD’S WORKSHOP

Try to ‘THINK SOLUTIONS’ for the problems of this world.

South Africa is the one nation in the world, which approximately reflects the racial composition on planet earth (as well as being a country with a mix of Jews, Christians and Moslems living harmoniously). As such, it’s a microcosm of the world in terms of its population demographics..and as a result it’s the “workshop of the world”.
This is a debate about the future of our life together on this small earth – about relations between rich and poor, between races and ideologies. Indeed about the meaning of freedom, peace and justice in a deeply disordered world. I’m talking here about ALL of us and ALL of our lives.

Let’s see the ‘politics of love’ prevail in this ‘workshop of the world.’

THE POLITICS OF LOVE MEANS DEALING WITH ONE’S OWN HEART

The answer for South Africa (and the world) lies in thePOLITICS OF LOVE. However the first step is a difficult one. It involves dealing with ones own heart. This is where the primary battlefield lies…and where we will reap the bitter fruit in full measure.

However, if love and forgiveness conquer in individual hearts, then love and forgiveness will conquer the country. If largeness of heart can vanquish shrunken narrowness of mind and spirit in you and me as individuals, if love can banish fear, if hope can overwhelm despair, if the positive can swamp the negative, then the nation can be born again.

But it has to start in the individual human heart. That is the battleground. If enough people win there, the nation wins. And if enough lose there, not only does the nation lose, but the nation is lost.

With a spirit of love, the highway then opens up to the politics of love.
“You may hate the sin, but never the sinner.”
Profess love for humanity. Love simply means desiring the highest and the best for the other person, respecting his dignity and viewing him with compassion and forgiveness. Conquer anything with God’s infinite Grace.

If I don’t let it start in my own mind, I cannot let it start at all.

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/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

http://creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-books http://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.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com

http://religiousunity.wordpress.com

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

“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

A Story of Forgiveness: The Legacy of Amy Biehl

Article Summary:

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.

“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

“Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the opression or persecution of others.”
– John F Kennedy

Article Title: A Story of Forgiveness: The Legacy of Amy Biehl
Submitted by: Craig Lock

Key words (tags):

Transformation, Amy Biehl, the legacy of Amy Biehl, South Africa, Cape Town, reconciliation, forgiveness

lions-head-signal-hill-robben-island_20110728_1272644607 — Lions Head, Cape Town, the beautiful Mother City of South Africa with Table Bay and Robben Island in the distance (where Nelson Mandela, “a true champion of justice, peace and reconciliation” made huge sacrifices being imprisoned all those long years in his pursuit of his cause, his ideals, his dream for a “unified Beloved Country”)

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com .wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com http://religiousunity.wordpress.com www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)