I spend my days in a machine shop, cutting large pieces of metal into useable parts. I find that there is a certain freedom of thought that can only be realized when exposed to continuous monotony. I, for example, was pondering the word “attenuation” with much determination and frustration. It is a familiar word, but the spelling wasn’t immediately obvious to me; thus explaining my quandary. It may not seem a likely source of inspiration, but it is indeed synonymous with my current thoughts and view of life.
There are so many times when we tend to believe that if something is good it will last forever. We’ve all been disappointed in one way or another when our hopes are exposed as illusions of unattainable ideals. Perhaps it is not disappointment that is so worrisome, but rather our ability to discern falsehood from truth. We base every action on our perception of its effect, but rarely consider the motivation or reason for it.
What is it that causes things to momentum? Why can’t the term “renewable energy” be associated with long term happiness? I don’t know that there are any formulas that could promise to keep a person from “falling out of love” or perpetuate the enviable intimacies found among closest friends.
I think that is why eternity is such an incredible reality. There is no question that it could exist without a continual source of energy. It would be logical to conclude that the universe, as we know it, could never operate without sustained energy. Likewise our every action has far reaching consequence and significance. I believe there is truth found in the words of the Psalmist; The Lord is the strength of my life. I can think of no greater assurance than that of being renewed in purpose when I am at my weakest.
Nothing is static, nothing is real. It is all imagined, it is all surreal. How can we be so ignorant? Why do our minds sometimes go numb? Perhaps if we could clearly see that our Creator is present in all we do. We would be more apt to surrender our lives to His will. There is a cry in my heart that refuses to be extinguished or diminished;to pursue this life giving God relentlessly for all of eternity.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Spatial Relations
A thought process that doesn’t conform to a predetermined philosophic outlook is something that I wish to develop. I can’t help but wonder if I might just stumble across a frontier that hasn’t been discovered yet. Obviously there are many individuals who pride themselves on being “independent thinkers.” It’s probably a valid claim, but I am more interested in developing a pattern of right thinking than preoccupying my mind with obscure philosophy. It is on this premise that I have determined to examine life in all of its intricacies and establish what is right for me in relationship to eternity.
I have a friend with which I have the privilege of frequently debating the issues of life. We were talking about how incredibly illogical it is to pretend that there is not an afterlife. In this particular discussion we may have disagreed about what that would look like, but the important thing to recognize is that the things we say and do are directly linked to this reality. I don’t know about you, but that is a sobering consideration and I would strongly suggest that without making this assumption your life is aimless and insignificant.
What does eternity have to do with the thoughts that I think? The short answer is everything. The problem that we have is that we try to justify our actions in regards to what makes us feel good. When we are sufficiently happy we will, sparingly, give ourselves to better the life of someone else. This system is known as a hierarchy. I am not disputing the importance of social order, but rather illustrating the blatant narrowness of a self centered society.
For me to sit here and write about the errors of others is in itself a wrong approach to life. I read in the book of James today, he talks about not bragging about yourself: As it is you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil. This is pretty self explanatory, but it’s worth noting that doing an intentional wrong is equally detestable.
I will close by mentioning one other matter that is weighing on me quite heavily. I had a person tell me that they don’t want to come to church anymore because they are too big of a sinner. I was really quite surprised to hear them talk like this… because they know full well that God is always ready to forgive them. Going to church or not going to church really isn’t the issue though. This person is caught in a place where he can no longer justify two opposing ways of living. I think the danger for all of us is that we can so easily believe a lie rather than accept the truth that is so plainly laid out in front of us.
James 3: 13 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly.
I have a friend with which I have the privilege of frequently debating the issues of life. We were talking about how incredibly illogical it is to pretend that there is not an afterlife. In this particular discussion we may have disagreed about what that would look like, but the important thing to recognize is that the things we say and do are directly linked to this reality. I don’t know about you, but that is a sobering consideration and I would strongly suggest that without making this assumption your life is aimless and insignificant.
What does eternity have to do with the thoughts that I think? The short answer is everything. The problem that we have is that we try to justify our actions in regards to what makes us feel good. When we are sufficiently happy we will, sparingly, give ourselves to better the life of someone else. This system is known as a hierarchy. I am not disputing the importance of social order, but rather illustrating the blatant narrowness of a self centered society.
For me to sit here and write about the errors of others is in itself a wrong approach to life. I read in the book of James today, he talks about not bragging about yourself: As it is you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil. This is pretty self explanatory, but it’s worth noting that doing an intentional wrong is equally detestable.
I will close by mentioning one other matter that is weighing on me quite heavily. I had a person tell me that they don’t want to come to church anymore because they are too big of a sinner. I was really quite surprised to hear them talk like this… because they know full well that God is always ready to forgive them. Going to church or not going to church really isn’t the issue though. This person is caught in a place where he can no longer justify two opposing ways of living. I think the danger for all of us is that we can so easily believe a lie rather than accept the truth that is so plainly laid out in front of us.
James 3: 13 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
War and Peace
The topic I would like to discuss is centralized around this question; Is our understanding of heroism flawed? As with any such question, it is incredibly naïve to offer an answer that would satisfy all of the required elements to solidify it as absolute truth. It is easy to speculate that comic-book superheroes, sports figures, and literary ideologies have diluted the designation to something less prolific than it, perhaps, should be.
I was intrigued by the stories told about the veterans who returned after the Vietnam War – they were not welcomed as heroes. It is interesting to note that 2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers whereas 2/3 of the men who served in World War II were drafted. Those who returned from WWII were lauded for their valour, but it was a war that they were forced to fight in.
Were their individual contributions noteworthy? Absolutely, the issue is not one of military prowess, but of political ineptitude. It is difficult to convey the story in detail, as it has been incorrectly recounted from the start. General William Westmoreland outlined a three phase plan that put the Americans on the offense and increased their efforts to win the war. The plan was approved by President Johnson and marked a profound departure from the previous administration's insistence that the government of South Vietnam was responsible for defeating the guerrillas. Westmoreland predicted victory by the end of 1967. President Johnson did not, however, communicate this change in strategy to the media. Instead he emphasized continuity. The idea that the government of South Vietnam could manage its own affairs was shelved.
I will try to use discretion and objective reasoning to explain how I imagine returning veterans would have felt. I think that the stories of men coming home and being very emotionally unstable are probably true, but statistical evidence indicates that those who suffered in this way are far fewer than we have been led to believe. We could look at the Canadian soldiers that have fallen in Afghanistan. Those who are killed on duty and those who commit suicide while based in Afghanistan are collectively reported as the “loss of troops.” A distinction is not made between the two; they are expected to occur simultaneously.
I don’t know if I am any closer to arriving at a decisive answer. I am, however, left asking; what is the difference maker? Is it simply our perception? It is easy to recognize heroism when the appropriate action is made obvious. If someone rescues someone from a fire, that is heroic. However, it is much more difficult to intentionally determine to be a hero before an incident occurs. The nightmare doesn’t happen unless there is a conflict of interest. Here we discover the meaning of phrases such as
In war, truth is the first casualty. ~Aeschylus
A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon. ~Napoleon
War is fear cloaked in courage. ~William Westmoreland
I would also like to add two quotes of my own.
Throughout history we have been acutely aware of our projected personal identity and even embraced our corporate identity, but have forgotten to look in the mirror. – Nelson Windsor
It’s comparatively easy to write history… it’s another matter to change it. –Nelson Windsor
My original plan was to talk about heroism in its purist form, but I don’t know whether or not that is an aim after which I want to pursue. I think that there is no greater course of action that can be taken, if it is the right one. I absolutely agree that freedom should be something we fight for, but not without weighing the cost. What is glory, what is honour? I think they can be as illustrious as we imagine them to be; when the altar is built, and pride is obliterated.
I was intrigued by the stories told about the veterans who returned after the Vietnam War – they were not welcomed as heroes. It is interesting to note that 2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers whereas 2/3 of the men who served in World War II were drafted. Those who returned from WWII were lauded for their valour, but it was a war that they were forced to fight in.
Were their individual contributions noteworthy? Absolutely, the issue is not one of military prowess, but of political ineptitude. It is difficult to convey the story in detail, as it has been incorrectly recounted from the start. General William Westmoreland outlined a three phase plan that put the Americans on the offense and increased their efforts to win the war. The plan was approved by President Johnson and marked a profound departure from the previous administration's insistence that the government of South Vietnam was responsible for defeating the guerrillas. Westmoreland predicted victory by the end of 1967. President Johnson did not, however, communicate this change in strategy to the media. Instead he emphasized continuity. The idea that the government of South Vietnam could manage its own affairs was shelved.
I will try to use discretion and objective reasoning to explain how I imagine returning veterans would have felt. I think that the stories of men coming home and being very emotionally unstable are probably true, but statistical evidence indicates that those who suffered in this way are far fewer than we have been led to believe. We could look at the Canadian soldiers that have fallen in Afghanistan. Those who are killed on duty and those who commit suicide while based in Afghanistan are collectively reported as the “loss of troops.” A distinction is not made between the two; they are expected to occur simultaneously.
I don’t know if I am any closer to arriving at a decisive answer. I am, however, left asking; what is the difference maker? Is it simply our perception? It is easy to recognize heroism when the appropriate action is made obvious. If someone rescues someone from a fire, that is heroic. However, it is much more difficult to intentionally determine to be a hero before an incident occurs. The nightmare doesn’t happen unless there is a conflict of interest. Here we discover the meaning of phrases such as
In war, truth is the first casualty. ~Aeschylus
A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon. ~Napoleon
War is fear cloaked in courage. ~William Westmoreland
I would also like to add two quotes of my own.
Throughout history we have been acutely aware of our projected personal identity and even embraced our corporate identity, but have forgotten to look in the mirror. – Nelson Windsor
It’s comparatively easy to write history… it’s another matter to change it. –Nelson Windsor
My original plan was to talk about heroism in its purist form, but I don’t know whether or not that is an aim after which I want to pursue. I think that there is no greater course of action that can be taken, if it is the right one. I absolutely agree that freedom should be something we fight for, but not without weighing the cost. What is glory, what is honour? I think they can be as illustrious as we imagine them to be; when the altar is built, and pride is obliterated.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Doctor Doctor
It is not often that I feel an urgency to put my thoughts on paper, and to oppose such a peculiar state of mind is futile. Sometimes I like to revert to an objectively oriented style of writing; so as to make my point readily understood. There was this philosopher that I met about a year ago, who delivered his message in a much broader fashion. I enjoyed it because he didn’t stop to explain every point. He simply stated several relative points, and allowed his listeners to ponder them and arrive at their own conclusions.
As I’ve never attempted to pen an article in this manner, I hope that it will work as well as I imagine it should. I can’t help but wonder why it is that we want to categorize every little thing we feel (or don’t feel) and blame our actions on our emotional state. I’d rather that my actions preceded my emotions, and that they were directly related to each other. We are more accustomed to an inverse response. Our search for fulfillment should never overrule the underlying desire to do what is right.
This ineptitude to quantify comprehensibility is almost unbearable. There seems to be this passion that can only be identified as a projected fantasy. How can I pretend to love something that isn’t a present reality? It is so easy to affix our eyes on future achievements, without understanding that it is tangibly linked to the present. We understand the concept of work = success, but we don’t fully understand that our earthly work cannot be separated from our eternal work.
Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy; true fulfillment. – Anthony Robbins
When I read this statement two things came to mind. My instinctive reaction was to say yes absolutely, I cannot live a self-centered life and be happy living it. Secondly, I believe that you still have an obligation to discern for yourself an appropriate cause. If you spend your whole life working in the name of philanthropy you will become discouraged and ineffective. Our whole lives were essentially designed for one purpose only, and it is of utmost importance to align ourselves with a life-giving cause.
The other day I thought of this analogy. There is a Doctor who meets with each of his patients. He proceeds to prescribe the appropriate medication on a case-by-case basis. In the same way, we are each given a God given mandate, that if adhered to will result in full health. It is interesting to also ponder the reality that the Doctor will not refuse anybody, and that he offers healing to everyone that will receive it. Consequently we also are expected to take his healing power that lives within us to those who are broken. It seems to me that there is a certain ring to the words “cause and effect.”
As I’ve never attempted to pen an article in this manner, I hope that it will work as well as I imagine it should. I can’t help but wonder why it is that we want to categorize every little thing we feel (or don’t feel) and blame our actions on our emotional state. I’d rather that my actions preceded my emotions, and that they were directly related to each other. We are more accustomed to an inverse response. Our search for fulfillment should never overrule the underlying desire to do what is right.
This ineptitude to quantify comprehensibility is almost unbearable. There seems to be this passion that can only be identified as a projected fantasy. How can I pretend to love something that isn’t a present reality? It is so easy to affix our eyes on future achievements, without understanding that it is tangibly linked to the present. We understand the concept of work = success, but we don’t fully understand that our earthly work cannot be separated from our eternal work.
Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy; true fulfillment. – Anthony Robbins
When I read this statement two things came to mind. My instinctive reaction was to say yes absolutely, I cannot live a self-centered life and be happy living it. Secondly, I believe that you still have an obligation to discern for yourself an appropriate cause. If you spend your whole life working in the name of philanthropy you will become discouraged and ineffective. Our whole lives were essentially designed for one purpose only, and it is of utmost importance to align ourselves with a life-giving cause.
The other day I thought of this analogy. There is a Doctor who meets with each of his patients. He proceeds to prescribe the appropriate medication on a case-by-case basis. In the same way, we are each given a God given mandate, that if adhered to will result in full health. It is interesting to also ponder the reality that the Doctor will not refuse anybody, and that he offers healing to everyone that will receive it. Consequently we also are expected to take his healing power that lives within us to those who are broken. It seems to me that there is a certain ring to the words “cause and effect.”
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Halfway Gone
This summer I had the opportunity to run the half marathon in Regina, Sk. When I went to register I couldn’t help but notice that the half-marathon line didn’t look like the full-marathon line. There was a very distinct difference between those who run the half marathon, and those that run the full marathon. The half marathoners come in all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. The full marathon runners are almost exclusively tall, skinny, and in very good physical shape. It is reasonable to conclude that there is a certain echelon of individuals that have dedicated their time and energy to do effortlessly what most other people could only do with great difficulty.
I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit this past week. We’ve all been told a thousand times that practice makes perfect. When I ran I did well,but if I had trained more I could have placed better. The point I’m trying to make is that it is easy to go “halfway”, but it requires a certain type of discipline and vision to see a dream through to completion.
The Kingdom of God works very similarly, but I want to make it very clear, that it is an inverted Kingdom. The last go first, the servant is honoured. We understand all these things, and yet our tendency is to get frustrated when we feel that we don’t measure up to what we expect that God wants from us. I came across this verse in Matthew 11:28-30
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
It is so remarkable that despite our failures, God is always there to work alongside us, He takes the pressure off. I heard someone say the other day that Faith = Risk. Sometimes you will have to push yourself further than you have every gone before. It should be an element of daily thought to ask yourself the question, “How old are my stories?” Everyday you have the chance to get up and start a brand new day… and write it’s happenings in the pages of history, and relay them, as an inspiration, to others.
I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit this past week. We’ve all been told a thousand times that practice makes perfect. When I ran I did well,but if I had trained more I could have placed better. The point I’m trying to make is that it is easy to go “halfway”, but it requires a certain type of discipline and vision to see a dream through to completion.
The Kingdom of God works very similarly, but I want to make it very clear, that it is an inverted Kingdom. The last go first, the servant is honoured. We understand all these things, and yet our tendency is to get frustrated when we feel that we don’t measure up to what we expect that God wants from us. I came across this verse in Matthew 11:28-30
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
It is so remarkable that despite our failures, God is always there to work alongside us, He takes the pressure off. I heard someone say the other day that Faith = Risk. Sometimes you will have to push yourself further than you have every gone before. It should be an element of daily thought to ask yourself the question, “How old are my stories?” Everyday you have the chance to get up and start a brand new day… and write it’s happenings in the pages of history, and relay them, as an inspiration, to others.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Absurdity of Purposely Aiming at Nothing
I felt impressed this week to share a couple of verses that tie together some of the points that I have discussed in the last number of weeks. I think it would be helpful for me to explain why it is that I’ve chosen to live in a manner that is right in the eyes of God. For the sake of keeping this short, I will mention a few different topics, but I will be happy to expound upon them further in the comment section, as well as in future blogs.
The primary difference between Christianity and any other religion is that you are not required to earn your salvation. Ephesians 2: 8-10 says:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
It is not that we aren’t required to do what God asks of us, but it is why we were originally created. God has a very specific plan and purpose for every single one of us.
I’ve had some conversations recently that have touched on the question, “How to live without fear?” Some people would simply prefer not to believe that there are consequences associated with moral compromises. It is quite commonly misunderstood that a Christian must never make a mistake, because if they do they will go to hell.
Natural fear is the opposite of faith, so if you refer back to the verse that I’ve cited from Ephesians, it becomes clear that salvation itself would be made impossible. Fear of God, is explained in Psalm 130:3-4 If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
Basically the verse is saying that when we realize that God is so amazingly gracious, our response should be one of reverence and devotion in acknowledgement of our indebtedness.
More often than not people tend to believe that once they become a Christian they won’t be allowed to have a free-will. I don’t think that anything is more contentious, even within the Christian community. I will show you how it really doesn’t impede on your liberties, but rather allows for the experience of true freedom.
Paul is a man in the Bible who oversees the church in Thessalonica. He wrote two letters of encouragement to them. In 2 Thessalonians 1:10-12 he writes: Because we know that this extraordinary day (the day when Jesus will return) is just ahead, we pray for you all the time. We pray that our God may count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is so interesting how it says that God will “fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.” That verse speaks of the goodness of God, and how he has created each individual person with dreams and desires. He’s a good Father, and he wants nothing more than to show his love. His heart is for you to find purpose in life and live life as it was originally designed to be lived.
The primary difference between Christianity and any other religion is that you are not required to earn your salvation. Ephesians 2: 8-10 says:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
It is not that we aren’t required to do what God asks of us, but it is why we were originally created. God has a very specific plan and purpose for every single one of us.
I’ve had some conversations recently that have touched on the question, “How to live without fear?” Some people would simply prefer not to believe that there are consequences associated with moral compromises. It is quite commonly misunderstood that a Christian must never make a mistake, because if they do they will go to hell.
Natural fear is the opposite of faith, so if you refer back to the verse that I’ve cited from Ephesians, it becomes clear that salvation itself would be made impossible. Fear of God, is explained in Psalm 130:3-4 If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
Basically the verse is saying that when we realize that God is so amazingly gracious, our response should be one of reverence and devotion in acknowledgement of our indebtedness.
More often than not people tend to believe that once they become a Christian they won’t be allowed to have a free-will. I don’t think that anything is more contentious, even within the Christian community. I will show you how it really doesn’t impede on your liberties, but rather allows for the experience of true freedom.
Paul is a man in the Bible who oversees the church in Thessalonica. He wrote two letters of encouragement to them. In 2 Thessalonians 1:10-12 he writes: Because we know that this extraordinary day (the day when Jesus will return) is just ahead, we pray for you all the time. We pray that our God may count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is so interesting how it says that God will “fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.” That verse speaks of the goodness of God, and how he has created each individual person with dreams and desires. He’s a good Father, and he wants nothing more than to show his love. His heart is for you to find purpose in life and live life as it was originally designed to be lived.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Called to Action
Having been subjected to a primarily conservative upbringing leaves little room to entertain speculatory factions. Understand that I am talking about a conservative lifestyle, not the political party. This week I was very challenged by the words of Sir Winston Churchill.
I am known, to most people, as a man of few words. In many ways, it is an attribute that is easily rationalized. The idea is reinforced in the Proverbs; “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps his mouth shut.” There is indeed a certain element of truth conveyed in those words. However, this week I happened to stumble across this quotation: Too often the strong, silent man is silent only because he does not know what to say, and is reputed strong only because he has remained silent. -Winston Churchill
Those aren’t words that I necessarily like to hear, but I do not possess the genius required to refute them. Even when I’ve articulated an intelligent answer in the recesses of my mind; too often I allow silence to be my default response. We could look at the life of Moses, and how he was a man who loathed public speaking. He had a lisp, and therefore felt that he was an inadequate messenger. The truth of the matter is that greatness can only be achieved when it is in-spite of our short-comings.
I never worry about action, but only inaction. –Winston Churchill
It is of great importance that we act and speak when it is required, but it is equally as critical to do so when the time is right. For every action there is an equal and (appropriate) reaction. One need not look any further than the outrageous acts committed in protest of abortion. When so called “conservatives” take it upon themselves to purge the earth of men more vile then themselves; it is rightfully condemned. Their logic is so absurdly erroneous that it leads to delusion. My point being, that undoubtedly they felt compelled to action, they’ve responded incorrectly.
It is no use saying, 'We are doing our best.' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary. -Winston Churchill
This particular statement functions as a moniker or depiction of Churchill himself. It speaks so vividly of his determination and vision. He was responsible for the survival of a nation. Failure to achieve victory wasn’t optional. The road ahead was not mapped out for him. He had to rely on two things; his unshakeable belief that they would defeat the enemy, is the first. Secondly, he chose the most appropriate corresponding actions.
I looked up the definition of the word parochial this week. Literally, it means of or relating to a church parish. The word is used most often to convey a limitation in range or scope. I disagree that being so narrowly focused is entirely detrimental in this context. I am convinced that Britain would have been defeated, if their valiant leader did not properly understand the needs and ambitions of his own people. It is with this last thought that I will echo what was said earlier. If we are to move forward, we must do so with a careful confidence and a forward vision that isn’t motivated by unfounded ambition.
I am known, to most people, as a man of few words. In many ways, it is an attribute that is easily rationalized. The idea is reinforced in the Proverbs; “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps his mouth shut.” There is indeed a certain element of truth conveyed in those words. However, this week I happened to stumble across this quotation: Too often the strong, silent man is silent only because he does not know what to say, and is reputed strong only because he has remained silent. -Winston Churchill
Those aren’t words that I necessarily like to hear, but I do not possess the genius required to refute them. Even when I’ve articulated an intelligent answer in the recesses of my mind; too often I allow silence to be my default response. We could look at the life of Moses, and how he was a man who loathed public speaking. He had a lisp, and therefore felt that he was an inadequate messenger. The truth of the matter is that greatness can only be achieved when it is in-spite of our short-comings.
I never worry about action, but only inaction. –Winston Churchill
It is of great importance that we act and speak when it is required, but it is equally as critical to do so when the time is right. For every action there is an equal and (appropriate) reaction. One need not look any further than the outrageous acts committed in protest of abortion. When so called “conservatives” take it upon themselves to purge the earth of men more vile then themselves; it is rightfully condemned. Their logic is so absurdly erroneous that it leads to delusion. My point being, that undoubtedly they felt compelled to action, they’ve responded incorrectly.
It is no use saying, 'We are doing our best.' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary. -Winston Churchill
This particular statement functions as a moniker or depiction of Churchill himself. It speaks so vividly of his determination and vision. He was responsible for the survival of a nation. Failure to achieve victory wasn’t optional. The road ahead was not mapped out for him. He had to rely on two things; his unshakeable belief that they would defeat the enemy, is the first. Secondly, he chose the most appropriate corresponding actions.
I looked up the definition of the word parochial this week. Literally, it means of or relating to a church parish. The word is used most often to convey a limitation in range or scope. I disagree that being so narrowly focused is entirely detrimental in this context. I am convinced that Britain would have been defeated, if their valiant leader did not properly understand the needs and ambitions of his own people. It is with this last thought that I will echo what was said earlier. If we are to move forward, we must do so with a careful confidence and a forward vision that isn’t motivated by unfounded ambition.
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