Perfect Balance

Ironbridge, Shropshire
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Sometimes I get a sense of guilt that I dont do more to highlight the injustices of this world.

Besides merely writing about things, the effort to actually get up and do something physically, often passes me by. It is not there inside. I am like a lazy bystander, an observer I suppose to many. Standing on a bridge as a lookout. Yet, there are most certainly times, when I would risk losing everything, for that which I know is true.

Where the world once seemed silent to me on the hypocrisy, the persecution, and the unfairness, that those in power had over us lesser mortals; these days I now see a host of people coming forward to speak up and expose that which is unfair and unjust on a whole range of subjects. There are millions of lies, inflicting themselves upon us. Though refreshing to hear people speak up, and the more the better, there is also a danger I think of becoming part of an identity, which can also act as a distraction to our own personal shortcomings. A sense of being a crusader, and a speaker, and activisit, can also act as a windshield and protector for our own ugly shortcomings, unless we are very careful.

There are many in the public eye, who can say and do the right things. They have the words, and they have the passion. They see. Yet behind closed doors there are many large and smaller lies that are covered. A life the public doesnt see. There is denial.

Often when these heros die, we wonder why. Were they good and genuine in heart, or were they distracted by their very own words and ideals. Thinking they had it, when really they hadn't. Conditioned by what is right, and understanding the words, rather than deeply loving with all their heart, what is right. Who is Who, in this mad crazy world we live in.

We suffer in the same way when we see preachers speak of Gods love. They know it, they speak it passionately. Yet, that small detection of them being caught up in image can be very confusing for searchers of truth. It can lead others astray.

And then there are the religious and contemplatives who have completely removed themselves from all physical existence and concerns of the world to devote themselves entirely to a life of quietness and prayer. Do they love God more?

Am I a hypcrite. Yes, at times. The relief of getting something out and on to paper, and the peace of seeing truth, sometimes distracts me from the little things, whilst I'm talking on the big things. But its those little things that really matter I think.

Times when I spend just 20 minutes in the morning, being still in prayer. And times when I fall into bed without prayer at all. Small instances when I see myself talking of another. Assumptions I sometimes take too much notice of. And times when I laugh at jokes on TV when really I shouldn't. Shortcuts I make when I'm pushed for time. Times when I dont listen to my conscience. Times when I sit and write, whilst being late for work - I can justify my actions when I do that one!!

So there seems to be a very strange pull between wordly affairs and a place of nothingness and stillness. The importance of being active and the importance of being still. How much do we lose about ourselves until we become a really genuine authentic born again person.

Are there many people who could live without an identity at all whilst udergoing a transformation. Die to an indetity, rather than add on to an identity.

There must be times we have to completely come out of the world altogether and not be concerned for what is happening too much, if only for short times. A vanishing. Is there a silent group of people undergoing this change

Surely we must love this place, more than the world. Is it a matter of perfect balance?

Saved Alone

FreeDigitalPhotos.net

There are not many hymns that I like, and I dont sing much, but now and then, quite by accident, I do take note of the words of a hymn that I happen to hear. Some of the old hymns seen to convey a deeper message....

'Saved Alone' are the words sent by telegram to Horatio Spafford from his wife, after the ship she were sailing on from America to Britian, SS Ville du Havre, sank in 1873. On board had also been their four daughters.

Horatio Spafford had not been meant to set sail with his wife and daughters that fateful day. He had been called away at the very last moment.

Prior to the trip Horatio Spafford had lost his business through a fire that had devasted the city of Chicago. And prior to that fire, Horatio and his wife had lost their only son too. The trip to England was meant to be a new start. A short reprieve from their terrible misfortune.

After the survivors were finally landed somewhere at Cardiff, Wales, Spafford's wife had cabled her husband with those two simple words, "Saved alone." Shortly after, Spafford left by ship on his way where his beloved four daughters had drowned, and pen at hand, wrote this most poignant text so significantly descriptive of his own personal grief – "When sorrows like sea billows roll..." The hymn "It is Well with My Soul" was born.

The poignancy of the telegram maybe indicates that we overcome our own personal griefs alone, but only with the help of someone who can save us, which no other man can do for us during such terrible times.

Often I will hear the words All is Well.

If we could bear grief with the same faith, to really know that it is well, we would indeed be free.

His story makes you think about being saved, and faith through terrible trajedies. There are not many people who could overcome such terrible loss. The inspiration to write this hymn at that particular time must have came from somewhere deep inside, where he knew he would have to go to rely upon to survive.


http://christianmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/hymn_it_is_well_with_my_soul

Quotes by A W Tozer

Constantly practice the habit of inwardly gazing upon God. You know that something inside your heart sees God. Even when you are compelled to withdraw your conscious attention in order to engage in earthly affairs, there is within you a secret communion always going on. A W Tozer.

Much of our difficulty as seeking Christians stems from our unwillingness to take God as He is and adjust our lives accordingly. We insist upon trying to modify Him and bring Him nearer to our own image. Religion today is not transforming people; rather it is being transformed by the people. It is not raising the moral level of society; it is descending to society's own level, and congratulating itself that it has scored a victory because society is smilingly accepting its surrender.

A generation of Christians reared among push buttons and automatic machines is impatient of slower and less direct methods of reaching their goals. We have been trying to apply machine-age methods to our relations with God. We read our chapter, have our short devotions, and rush away, hoping to make up for our deep inward bankruptcy by attending another gospel meeting or listening to another thrilling story told by a religious adventurer lately returned from afar. The tragic results of this spirit are all about us. Shallow lives, hollow religious philosophies, the preponderance of the element of fun in gospel meetings, the glorification of men, trust in religious externalities, quasi-religious fellowships, salesmanship methods, the mistaking of dynamic personality for the power of the Spirit; these and such as these are the symptoms of an evil disease, a deep and serious malady of the soul.

Because We Believe

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Andrea Bocelli: ****Despite the fact that I live in a fast-paced world, I live my life with a calm vision: I enjoy life's simple pleasures and face every challenge with passion. I try to always be optimistic by interpreting the real meaning of a quotation from the French novelist Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: "You see clearly only through your heart. The essential is invisible to your eyes."****

16 - Track 16.mp3

What Will Tomorrow's Mothers Be Like? > The Good News : November/December 2004

What Will Tomorrow's Mothers Be Like? > The Good News : November/December 2004

Posted using ShareThis

The Battle for Your Mind > The Good News : March/April 1997

The Battle for Your Mind > The Good News : March/April 1997

Posted using ShareThis

This is Bravery - It Matters How You Finish

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

I've heard a lot recently of Dignitas. The swiss clinic where people go to die. And I've listened to a lot of excuses being made that people should have a right to choose to take their own life. Much of this is based on the idea of compassion, and dying with dignity, without being a burden on society and family. The clinic has assisted 840 suicides.

People will always take this option to take their own lives, but legalising it is wrong. Further, the laws that are now being persued so that prosecution cannot be made against those who assist those who wish to take their own life, will open the doors for further abuse of the weak and vulnerable. Not only by friends and family, but those in the medical profession, who see euthansia as a way out of suffering. It will be a law to ease their conscience.

It is worth remembering that prior to the holocaust, it is reported that the Nazis legalized volutary euthanasia killing thousands of mentally ill patients. Also, the Dutch commenced with assisted suicide to voluntary euthanisa and now a doctor can kill a patient without their consent.

http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/holocaust/h-euthanasia.htm

http://www.ccfon.org/view.php?id=816

In order to win sympathy for their cause, supporters of euthanasia highlight the agony of suffering, the lack of quality of life and purpose, and also portray euthanasia as being a very brave choice. They have a different outlook to those who choose to overcome suffering in the correct way. They do not possess faith.
I am concerned for those who whilst suffering from severe depression, may succumb to the thought of assisted suicide and be talked into taking this option. Also those who think they are a burden, and the elderly who may have choice taken away from them. Society has a distorted view of caring. Legalisation of euthanasia will distort that view even further.

I also think that there is a side to suffering which gives us the opportunity to look within ourselves, to realize things about our lives, and to make peace with God. Dignity and Grace results from the bravery of doing this. Something beautiful can come out of darkness. The soul could be robbed of that. Killing someone, out of what we believe is compassion, is a cover up for convenience for some. What could be considered as compassion will be used as the ultimate excuse for many misdemeanours.
Dignitas was also recently approached by the wife of a dying patient, who decided she did not want to live without her husband. They were prepared to assist her. The incident was remanticized, when in reality this person was mearly fearful.

Dignitas are also being investigated for giving a lethal dose to a healthy person. This is evidence that the organisation and some of its supporters believe that assisted suicide should not just be confined to the terminally ill or severely disabled.

The founder, Ludwig Minelli, blames monotheistic religions, particularly christianity for the prohibition against suicide. He has written "what if there is no God" Suicide should be an option for those who do not believe

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/oct/08102704.html

The Daily Mail reported earlier this year that the Dignitas facility was pioneering new suicide methods apart from drugs. In March, the Mail said that a helium-filled plastic bag is put over a client's head until he suffocates. Juerg Vollenweider, deputy head of the Zurich Oberland Crown Prosecution, confirmed that Dignitas used the new method for the first time on February 18.

In contrast, I recently came across the ministry of Nick Vujicic, a young man who has no arms and legs, but works as an inspirational speaker. From the video below, I will say, So here is bravery. And here is his beauty. A reason for living. After you watch him for a while you see past the obvious. He has a wonderful smile.

But at 8 years old he wanted to take his own life. He saw no purpose, and believed that God had abandoned him. Watching him, one may say that he is like a circus sideshow, that he uses his disability to bring out emotional reactions. He does make fun of himself. But this man, has a love about him that chooses not to focus on himself, but chooses to help others see that it is not impossible to overcome severe disability and dissapointments, and have a purposeful life. He has faith. He also admits he still hopes that God may grow him arms and legs. He does not deny he would like that. He does not deny that God can do anything. Despite his infirmities. He chooses life. It could not have been easy for him or his family.

The finality of his bodily life will end like everyone elses at an appointed time. Some of us will die painless deaths, others will not. Some people die in terrible accidents.

In the meantime, true freedom can come whilst we are still here. We can learn to overcome our resentments and dissapointments in life, and our sufferings. The way is to have faith in God, Be Still, and to realize the example of Christ and the suffering he endured. He was resurrected.

I also think we must try and overcome to the end of our days. The gift of time has been given to us. We must not cut it short. This is Bravery to me. Because, like Nick Vujicic I think it really matters how you finish.

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


And the words of Terry Waite..................
I have to confess that in this bleakest moment of despair, I did think that death might be preferable to the life I was enduring. After all, within the grim walls of that Beirut block, my own failing body had become yet another place of torment. The end of my life, I mused, might be a merciful release.
But then the power of the human spirit prevailed - and Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1204861/I-longed-death-dungeons-Beirut--Im-proof-life.html#ixzz0OEQhGGQh

Faith in Action and Jimmy Mizen

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
Printed

March 18th 2008

In Memory of Jimmy Mizen

http://jimmymizen.org/

Though we speak often, of the rights and wrongs of this world, few bear the grace, to show it in their spirit when faced with their own personal dilemmas, especially when in times of true grief and adversity.

Each day, we face a world of extreme pettiness. Great resentment is displayed at the most simple of injustice. Imagined or otherwise. From the common cold to the state of the weather, mankind continually complains. Its rage transpires in one or two ways. Its either demands it rights through violent methods or it craves sympathy through self-pitying tears.

Few accept responsibility, or really crave or care to know the true and right way of dealing with that which is wrong, in the correct fashion. Whether on the giving, or whether on the receiving end of its dark power.

In a week in England, where a culture of uncontrollable, drunken football hooligans, both male and female, stormed the streets of Manchester, damaging everything and everyone in their path, elsewhere on the streets of London, a young boy visiting a bakery, became another victim of a senseless violent stabbing. Just another statistic in the UK where the increase in violence has reached epidemic proportions.

Whilst blame pointed the finger at the heavy handed tactics of the police on the streets of Manchester. CCTV footage showed the other side. A group of 20 men setting about one police office. A group of up to 50 overturning a car. Just because it happened to be nice, and just because it happened to be there.

Whilst debate raged, over the rights and wrongs of this event, in stark contrast, Mr and Mrs Mizen, the parents of Jimmy Mizen, the 16 year old, who had been violently stabbed, were showing a different side. Mr and Mrs Mizen, this very ordinary family, spoke not only eloquently on the need to not feed bitterness inside themselves, but their actions also displayed the true meaning of bearing pain, injustice and grief in correct proportion to the grace they had been given them through their faith. This they did on the world stage.

Many mock and belittle the gifts of faith. But, this week, in our very violent society, there are few who have not been extremely touched by the very real strength and dignity displayed by Mr and Mrs Mizen.

Real faith is not weak. Real faith should not be mocked, as so many of its opponents suggest and do. Faith is not always words. At times the spirit of it speaks far louder than mere words through someones actions.

We live in a world of great injustice. Not everything that happens to us is in proportion to what we deserve. Senseless and mindless acts of violence, terrorism and vandalism, hurt the innocent. How we deal with injustice in this world is whats important. It is agreed that harder penalties should be imposed on those who intentionally cause harm. Everyone knows the right thing to do. Society, and our government are not always doing the right thing. They are making too many allowances. So what do you do. The leniency being shown to violent criminal acts is creating further injustice. Creating further anger.

Mr and Mrs Mizen know what to do. Inside of them is the building block of something bigger. This week, during a time of great personal grief they displayed its strength. It was an inspiration to all. Everyone is talking about it. They made what was wrong, look pitifully wrong. This simple family made evilness look futile and decrepid. Small in the face of their bravery.In the face of the evil carried out on their son, they looked inside of themselves and saw the need to not let bitterness take root and destroy their family, despite its overwhelming temptation to do so. They have not excused evil. They have simply refused to let it destroy them further. Thus breaking the chains of its destruction.

It has been another dark week in british society but a ray of light actually shone through. And everyone sat up.

Faith in Action and the Family of Jimmy Mizen.

Out of the darkness, comes light.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/stabbed-teens-parents-plead-for-end-to-violence-830350.html

hthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWsu28oMrxE

Bearing Crosses

http://www.bigfoto.com/

Never having worn a cross as a statement of faith, I am often drawn to notice those who do wear a cross, and also their actions. I believe the responsibility of declaring yourself a Christian, has a high level of responsibility.

In todays mass marketing of fashion, the cross as a fashion accessory has produced some of the most glamorous and glitzy of crosses, from the fake jewelled cheap versions to the expensive diamond encrusted ones, worn arrogantly by many fashion gurus and celebrities.

Coupled with fashion accessories, we also have popular tee shirts depicting the crucifixion and also tattoos, which have been around much longer. The cross in the fashion industry has been trivialized over the years, together with the many churches who have removed the cross, in favour of the crown signifying victory over evil.

Unfortunately, the simple gold and silver crosses have also lost their power by the many who wear them unaware of the true meaning, sacrifice and significance the cross holds. It is also unfortunate that in the multi-cultural environment now created in the workplace, many people remove their cross in order not to offend another.

A well known female news-reader in the UK has been asked to remove her cross, and she has duly done so.

The cross is indeed offensive to those who do not believe. The fashionable jewelled accessory however, is much more acceptable and bearable, especially when paraded in a vulgar way. The fashion accessorized cross has become a new religion in a culture of drugs, sex, music and promiscuity, and in particular rap.

In the church near where I live, many adults and children will make the long walk up a hill through the churchyard on Good Friday. At 3 o clock, a man, carrying a large wooden and battered cross will lead a congregation up a long and winding path. In the past I have stood on top of that hill in a hushed silence, as the world below has carried on in its drama. It is a significant and very moving re-enactment to many.

It was sometimes in that silence, before the children would run down the hill, that a truer and more meaning message was conveyed.

The significance of the cross and the carrying of it, I believe, however, is lost on most of us. The path up hill, the pitfalls, the traps and the pain from splintered wood and piercing steel is not really for mere onlookers, no matter the joyous occasion celebrated in the resurection.

I think that trip up the hill is also the same way we have to go. It is not an easy journey. Trivializing the cross in fashion jewellery is for the faint hearted. Its statement whether fashionable or well intended does nothing for its true message. It has trivialized christianity, in a culture that definately needs to hear its true meaning. Sometimes, like the collar I see being worn by many pious preachers, crosses make me wonder if their bearer knows the impact its sign can have on another. Replacing the cross for a crown without the pain of repentance, is yet another con. Victory is only won through pain, and few of us are prepared to face the pain of our own faults.

The bearer and the holder of the real cross has a powerful force to which they are connected. Today, I ask myself, amidst the celebration of Spring and new life, will my cross be the glitzy fashionable imitiation one to be admired by the world, or will I be prepared to stay in that silence, the silence I glimpsed all those years ago, when the truer message tried to convey itself to me.

Being still in an imitation world is the cross no-one wants to wear.

Freedom Calls

Freedom Calls

by S Edwards

To be imprisoned in a 6 x 6 cell, by captors who play mental acrobats with the mind and soul is not for the faint hearted. Separated from her male companions, this is the position that seaman Faye Turney found herself in, when she was singled out as the only woman in the recent hostage crisis in the Middle East. It was a situation where the possibility of rape, and the unknown time span of imprisonment, must have played havoc in her thoughts. It was a time when the real possibility of permanent separation from her family and child were paramount, and it was ultimately the hope of being re-united with her family that apparently helped her to survive.

It was also seaman Arthur Bachelor, the youngest of the crew, who suffered and highlighted the pain of his torment in a recent press interview. Blindfolded, and taunted, he was also subjected to the fear of assault, when his captors lovingly caressed his hair. Afraid he was being singled out as the weakest and youngest of the crew, the fear of persecution, and indeed execution was possibly very real and threatening outcomes.

Since their release, much criticism, and much praise, has been heaped on the released sailors and marines. In particular, both Faye Turney and Arthur Bachelor have been criticized and condemned heavily for receiving six figure payments for their stories. Co-inciding with the death of four British army personnel, two of which were women, there actions were insensitive, yet permitted by the Royal Navy whose role it was to de-brief and advise these personnel.

In particular, the two weakest of the group should have received protection from the media interest and condemnation that would certainly pursue them. Not only have these two seaman been played with by the enemy overseas, but definately ill-advised, and possibly used by the enemy within their own homeland, and ultimately the enemy within themselves, whilst in this vunerable state.

Whilst not undermining the very real and very frightening reality of being held captive in a foreign land, few people watching the drama of this recent hostage situation, and commenting on the rights and wrongs of the Royal Navy have unfortunately failed to miss the point. Confinement, pressure, fear, blackmail and threats are the traits and spirits that live in every human heart and home. Few fail to realize that we live in a 6 x 6 cell, with an invisible wall of fear confining us each and every day of our lives from cradle to grave, unless we overcome the emotional blackmail that we encounter every day in the world inside and outside, in this world we call life. This most surely is the ultimate battle of our lives.

Freedom, never has, and never will be the ability to move and do exactly as we wish. Money, family, friends, and apparent good health still create a void in those fortunate enough to see that the apparent freedom they think they possess is really the chains that bind them further in the life they pursued in order search for this apparent illusion of freedom. The realization that the world possesses the ability to hold us captive, is a rude, but very blessed, awakening call to the seaman and marines, and the onlookers of the world. The backing and support of a whole human army did nothing to help them escape or overcome the very real trauma experienced, when confined and persecuted against our will.

In the apparent freedom they now possess on their return back to the UK, honest examination will reflect in the still moments of the day, the vunerability and lack of genuine strength, we all possess.The illusion of freedom, when compensated with money does nothing to heal the resentful heart. Unfortunately, both Faye Turney and Arthur Bachelor may be deeply regretting their ill informed choice, most especially, when in the realization of dawn, they may continue to suffer the aftermath of their ordeal.

The gift of apparent freedom, as a mark of respect for Easter, given by Mohammed Ahmadinejad, also did much damage to many unaware onlookers as to what true freedom is. After tormenting the hostages, his gift of freedom stood in sharp contrast in comparison to the real gift of Easter given to us by Jesus Christ. Tormented, persecuted and vilified, he suffered innocently in order to show us that evil can be overcome. He showed us the way. His example to us, is the true gift of freedom.

To be still and know is the gift of prayer. When practised, its deeper meaner can be witnessed throughout the bible. In particular, it is the Lords Prayer, and genuine love, that ultimately possesses you in its practise.

Understanding the subtle tricks of evil, the illusion of freedom, and the virtues that patience and stillness possess, are the gifts, that we are graciously given when we practice this prayer. In the small capitvating moments of every day, or in the larger world-wide events of evil displayed on the world wide stage, the answer continually calls. Be Still and Know. Submitting and surrendering to the right force brings the right freedom. It can be ours, when we yearn to be released from our captors.