THE ROOM

Editor's note:
This short story was sent to me by my sister. It has so impressed me by its
profound simplicity and power that I felt it worthy of wider circulation. I
trust that you too will be as moved as I was, and that you will also pass it
on to others who you care about.


17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class.
The subject was : What Heaven Was Like.
"I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce.

Here is Brian's essay entitled:
"THE ROOM"
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.

As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents."

I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I Have Watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.

One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them! In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room.. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.

Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files.. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.

The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
........John 3:16

Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home

from a friend's house when his car went off the road and struck a utility pole. He

emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was

electrocuted.

If you feel the same way forward it to as many people as you can so the love of Jesus

will touch their lives also.

...........My "People I Shared the Gospel With" file just got bigger,

How about yours?

A TALE OF TWO DISABILITIES-(Nick Vujicic/Tony Melendez)

"He could easily have played the victim in his life.
Instead he chose to overcome his disabilities and be an inspiration to others

because of his perseverance to live a normal life.
By doing so, he seems to be living a blessed life in many ways.
I know I felt blessed that I was able to see this man perform live.
It was indeed an uplifting experience."

These words were written by someone whose name I do not recall, but who spoke for all of us who had experienced those wonderful feelings that overwhelmed us after listening to a recital from great inspirational singer, Tony Melendez. The recital was performed in Los Angeles, California in September, 1987 in honor of the late Pope John Paul II and so moved the Pontiff that he rose from his chair and walked across to embrace him. This feat was even more impressive when one considered that Melendez was born without arms and played the guitar with his feet.
José Antonio Meléndez Rodríguez was born in Nicaragua in 1962. He was a thalidomide baby, born without arms, whose early life was one of intense loneliness subjected to the ridiculing and bullying by his peers in school, who did not hesitate to remind him,“No tiene brazos”. Being profoundly disabled caused him to feel intensely depressed and he would often express these feelings in such statements as, “Dolía el corazon" and "Me dolía mucho”. His only escape was the guitar which he taught himself to play, becoming quite proficient, using his feet and toes.

His life changed positively when he saw the video of an Australian motivational speaker, Nick Vujicic, almost 20 years younger. It became a source of great inspiration to him and an answer for how he will spend the rest of his life and career, in the service of his fellow man.

Nicholas James Vujicic was born in 1982 in Melbourne, Australia, the son of Croatian immigrants, with a rare condition, Tetramelia Disorder, characterized by almost complete absence of his upper and lower limbs. After an early life filled with difficulty, including serious suicidal consideration when he was about 8 years old, He was allowed to enter mainstream school and with the help and encorougement from his teachers, the use of gadgets and special devices to accommodate his disability, he not only completed school and began a very successful career as a motivational Christian speaker. His motto is simple and to the point:

“Life without limbs,
No arms, No legs, No Worries”

With neither arms nor legs, his life is still much like that of any normal person. He cooks his food, does computer work, answers his phone, listens to music, plays golf, and even goes into the swimming pool. He has visited at least 26 countries to deliver his message on behalf of his ministry, LIFE WITHOUT LIMBS.

He credits this change to a newspaper article he read when he was about 13 years old, about a disabled man who had managed to achieve great things and help many people. After reading it, he became so motivated that he resolved to dedicate his life to this ministry and believes that God has given him the strength to overcome what others might call physically insurmountable, and has placed in him a passion to share the hopes and genuine love he feels for everyone.

Isn’t strange, that these two men with almost identical disabilities, although born 6000 miles apart, and from different circumstances and cultures, should eventually find a common way of overcoming their handicap and a genuine reason for living and helping others. Even more so, they arose from the depth of their dispair and hopelessness as a result of a message and example from others in similar circumstances. They both credit their “conversion” to the service to God to the strong feeling that they both encountered that God was using them and their testimony to the touch “thousands of hearts around the world”.

But we should not be surprised that God does indeed act in mysterious ways for the good of his people. Throughout our lives we all encounter, or hear of instances in which people have behaved in extraordinary ways to the benefit of others. As Vujicic correctly noted on his website:
“Be encouraged today as you read this promise from the Lord found in

Jeremiah 29:11 of the Bible, “For I know the plans I have for you,

declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.”

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Disability is a matter of perception.
If you can do just one thing well,
You're needed by someone.
…….Martina Navratilova

The only disability in life is a bad attitude.
……Scott Hamilton

It is a waste of time to be angry about my disability.
One has to get on with life and I haven't done badly.
People won't have time for you
if you are always angry or complaining.
…… Stephen Hawking

Disability is not a brave struggle or courage in the face of adversity.
Disability is an art. It’s an ingenious way to live.
……Neil Marcus

I discovered early that the hardest thing to overcome
is not a physical disability,
but the mental condition which it induces.
…..Alexander de Seversky

LESSONS FROM THE BARRIOS - EL SISTEMO

“Ask him about it, and he'll tell you he owes it all to a remarkable program

in his native Venezuela, a social program that has used music to change his own

life and the lives of millions of children there. Venezuelans call it "El Sistema"

(The System), and Dudamel wants to bring it to the U.S., where he believes

it can work wonders.”

These words were spoken by CBS reporter, Bob Simon, as he introduced the great Venezuelan conductor, Gustavo Dudamel, the 29 year old, internationally acclaimed conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, on a recent “60 Minutes” television program. He then went on to describe Dudamel’s accomplishments since coming to the United States, as by far the youngest maestro and the most exciting conductor of any major orchestra in the world.

Amazing as this achievement was, the real story, which Simon went into great detail to elaborate, revolved around the work of a retired Venezuelan economist, social reformer and amateur musician, Dr. Jose’ Antonio Abreu, who founded “El Sistema” (The System) as a vehicle to deal with the large and growing problem of poverty, crime and illiteracy in the Barrios of Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela. He was convinced that exposure to the discipline and spiritual richness provided by classical music can achieve personal and social change among the most disenfranchised and hopeless sections of society.

Starting in 1975 with an idea that children would learn the discipline needed to succeed in life by exposure to classical music, he enlisted the help of a few fellow musicians, some donated instruments and 11 students and began his first “cell”. This concept quickly exploded as parents and students realized the great satisfaction and rewards derived from their efforts. It rapidly grew to include thousands of children from ages as early as 2 years, scattered in areas of the society spread across Venezuela. It now involves over 270,000 participants, organized in at least 60 children orchestras, 200 youth orchestras, 30 professional orchestras and many choirs, producing world class music. In addition there are various workshops teaching construction and repair of instruments, and a variety of specialized clinics providing remedial and therapy programs for impaired children. The great majority of these facilities are provided free of charge to all participants.

Since its inception, El Sistema has produced over 800,000 graduates. The orchestras have performed all over the world with universal acclaim and have produced musicians who now play in most of the world’s greatest orchestras. The most prominent and most respected product is Dudamel, who presently leads the Los Angeles Orchestra. Like every disciple of the System, he is driven to spread the concept all over the world and in fact, as Simon suggested:

“Dudamel was so sought after he could have conducted almost anywhere.

He chose Los Angeles in part because he thought it was a good place to

transplant the system to the U.S”.

Since arriving in Los Angeles, Dudamel has donated a great deal of time to developing the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA), with the explicit intention of following the pattern set in Venezuela to “transform the lives of thousands of L.A. youth through music”, and then by example, to spread the message nationwide. By all accounts, this venture has already begun to produce positive results, and in addition to Los Angeles, cells have been started in Baltimore and Chicago.

Even as we celebrate the genius of Dr. Abreau’s efforts and recognize the unqualified success of his system in the rehabilitation and preservation of thousands of young lives in the barrios of Venezuela, let us not forget that there are lessons to be learnt that can be applied to our own society. With the increasing incidence of violence in our schools, and indiscriminate drug use among the young , there is urgent need to address the deteriorating situation.

In this regard, I am convinced that our educational system, by its increasing liberal and less structured approach has lost its way. This is compounded by the lack of parental influence and increasing exposure to the negative effects of the modern TV/Video Games/Texting capabilities which serve to cheat the children of the all important opportunity of developing self-image. We are producing a generation of uncontrolled, self-serving people who have been left unsupervised, and have never been given the opportunity to really know who they are.

The strength of “El Sistema” is that it succeeds in attracting young minds and by dint of commitment and discipline, produces a mature, confident individual capable of carrying out complex, meaningful and rewarding activity. Whether this translates to a career in music or otherwise, the end result is the production of a meaningful individual with a positive attitude to life and to society.

Gretchen Nielsen, the YOLA philharmonic's education director, summarized these sentiments very accurately, thus:

"I think we're really striving to change the landscape of Los Angeles.
We want to see these kids graduate. We want to see them just connect

to the world in ways that they might not have normally otherwise,

….And we want to see it across this city."

This indeed is the real lesson to be learnt from the Barrios of Venezuela, and from the genius of a retired Venezuelan economist with a love for music who built “El Sistema” with “religious zeal, based on his unorthodox belief that what poor Venezuelan kids needed was classical music” (Bob Simon).

Perhaps the world’s politicians, teachers and parents will one day wake up to their responsibilities, and take back control of the children from the streets, drug dealers, television, video games, texting and facebook, and help them reach their full potential.

........The Barrios have taught us that this is possible!

(Kindly submit any criticism or comments to:
thepapadoc33@gmail.com)

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Reference Links:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/11/60minutes/main4009335_page4.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/05/14/60minutes/main6483731.shtml?tag=contentMain;cbsCarousel

THE OLD LADY AND ANA-PSALM 62:1-12

Editor’s Note: This is the tenth of series short stories dealing with

my personal interpretation of selected verses from the Holy Bible

offered under the title “The Old Lady and Ana”.

THE OLD LADY AND ANA
10. PSALM 62:1-12 (Trust in God Alone)

Ana listened intently, as her Uncle related his problems to her father. His business had suffered badly and he was worried that he might lose it. Yet he was calm and kept saying that he was not worried and had faith that God will provide an answer as he promised in Psalm 62.

After he left, Ana turned to her grandmother and with a worried look, asked her:

“Gramma, I don’t understand, how come Uncle Joe is so calm with all his problems?”

The old lady, sensing an opportunity teach Ana about the real meaning of having faith in God under all circumstances, replied:

“My dear child, your Uncle Joe is blessed with the kind of faith that only a genuine believer in the goodness of the Almighty can possess. He has the strong belief that God will never abandon him, even if the whole world turns against him. Let us read about God’s promise in Psalm 62”.

As Ana slipped beside her, the old lady picked up her trusted bible, opened it at Psalm 62, and started to read:

For God alone my soul waits in silence;

from him comes my salvation.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall never be shaken.

“This is real, true faith. The Psalmist expresses his confidence to wait in silent hope for God to provide his salvation. With God alone as his rock and his fortress, nothing will shake him”.

The old lady paused awhile to allow Ana to reflect on the statement, and then continued:

“You remember how your Uncle spoke of his troubles with the people who are trying to bring him down. Well listen to what the Psalmist wrote:”

How long will you assail a person,

will you batter your victim, all of you,

as you would a leaning wall, a tottering fence?

Their only plan is to bring down a person of prominence.

They take pleasure in falsehood;

they bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse.

Upon hearing these words, little Ana sat up abruptly. Although she did not understand every word, she knew enough to recognize that these were bad people. Looking directly at her grandmother, with her mouth wide open with disappointment, she said:

“Wow! Gramma, are people really so wicked?”

“Yes indeed my child, they will do anything to hurt you. They will attack you, and take advantage of your weakness. Their aim is to bring you down. They will lie about you, or even say nice things to you, but curse you behind your back”.

Little Ana paused incredulously and with a voice saddened with concern, observed:

“Is this what is happening to Uncle Joe?”

The old lady nodded her head in the affirmative, but then quickly added:

“But your Uncle Joe is an honest, God-fearing man who is patient and firmly believes that at the right time, God will deliver him and provide salvation, exactly as promised by the Psalmist. Listen to the promise:

On God rests my deliverance and my honor;

my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
Trust in him at all times, O people;

pour out your heart before him;

God is a refuge for us.

“He continued further, by advising us to avoid anything that involves cheating or stealing or putting all your trust on getting rich. Listen to these words”:

Put no confidence in extortion,

and set no vain hopes on robbery;

if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

“finally, as if to make sure we understood the message of God’s trust, he went on to state that when God speaks, the power belongs to him, while our love must steadfastly belong to him and he will repay us according to our worth. Listen to his promise:”

Once God has spoken;

twice have I heard this:

that power belongs to God,

and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.

For you repay to all according to their work.

Relieved by the words of her grandmother, little Ana jumped up, hugged and kissed her, and headed directly to the telephone as she announced, in a happy and positive voice:

“I am going to call Uncle Joe and tell him that God Loves him and he should not worry for God will make sure that every thing will come out alright”

(Kindly submit any criticism or comments to: thepapadoc33@gmail.com)

THE MESSAGE NOT THE MESSENGER

“The Legionaries of Christ, an influential Roman Catholic religious order,

have been shaken by new revelations that their founder, who died a year ago,

had an affair with a woman and fathered a daughter just as he and his

thriving conservative order were winning the acclaim of Pope John-Paul II”.

This statement reported by Laurie Goldstein in the New York Times in February, 2009, referred to the exploits of Rev. Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado, the founder of the highly influential order, during the period 1940–1970, when it is alleged he led a double life that included affairs with several women, as well as the molestation and sexual abuse of dozens of young men while they were students under his care.

Then there is the recent story of the Catholic priest who, in 1980, took over a mission in Pompano Beach, Florida and within a few short years was able to build a large and thriving community of worshippers and a very successful TV program which had achieved International acclaim. All of this came to an abrupt end after accusations of sexual abuse surfaced involving young men and other priests.

In 1988, the highly successful Evangelist, Jimmy Swaggart, who had built up a very large and devout following, stirred up a damning controversy after a private investigation found he had solicited a prostitute for sex. Initially, Swaggart denied the accusations publicly, but after irrefutable evidence surfaced, he later confessed and publicly apologized for the acts in what has become a landmark televised broadcast.

These are but three of endless examples of the failings of human beings who are entrusted with the sacred responsibilities of helping others to navigate through the complex and confusing paths to God’s salvation. In the overall context of the very large numbers who have and are successfully working and guiding the population, the numbers are miniscule. But when viewed against the impact upon the trusting followers and the resulting effects upon the individual psyches, the damage caused is significant. The extent of suffering, both physical and psychological, caused by their actions, has resulted in varying degrees of pain and disillusionment among such an enormous number of trusting and defenseless followers. The majority of the victims, because of shame, disappointment or justifiable resentment, will never ever be known or heard from, and most unfortunately, will be cheated from the opportunity of receiving God’s promises, through no fault of their own.

The perpetrators deserve to be publicly chastised and where necessary, punished for their unforgivable transgressions, and removed from their positions of responsibility so that they are prevented from doing further damage. But even as we do this, we must be careful to separate their actions from those of the con-men and charlatans who set themselves up with the deliberate intention of cheating their unsuspecting victims. Their intentions and actions are fraudulent from the start, and should be viewed and treated as such.

However paradoxical it may be, we must be willing to recognize that in respect of the wayward preachers, there is a fundamental and profound difference between the person who is inspired to carry out the duties in the name of the Almighty, and the weak and susceptible person who occupies the same body. When you examine the words and the writings of any of these people, without regard to the actions and transgressions committed, you cannot help but be moved by the genuine content and intentions projected, and even more, by the positive effects on the audience.

It takes a special person, or perhaps an inspired person, to influence a large gathering and by their words give hope to those who need it, and rekindle faith in those who are lost, and to do this over and over again. Clearly these people, even as they behave in unacceptable ways, are able to do good for many, by delivering a message of hope. History abounds with examples of people who have succeeded to do a great deal of good while being guilty of personal indiscretions. This should not be surprising since Jesus himself chose sinners to become his disciples with the responsibility to spread the word.

So, as we contemplate the transgressions of these people who are entrusted with the special responsibility of carrying out God’s work on earth, let us never forget that, like us all, they are sinners and capable of committing sin. All the more reason that we never ever forget to concentrate on “the message” they deliver, and not “the messenger”.

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……Kindly submit any comments or criticisms to:
thepapadoc33@gmail.com

LIFE WITH GUILT

“No acquisitions of guilt can compensate the loss of that solid inward comfort of mind,
which is the sure companion of innocence and virtue;
Nor can in the least, balance the evil of that horror and anxiety which,
in their room, guilt introduces into our bosoms”.

The above quotation recorded by the great 17th century English novelist, Henry Fielding, in his famous satirical novel Tom Jones, beautifully encapsulates the impact of the feeling of Guilt on an individual’s psyche.

Guilt is generally used in a dual context. It refers, on the one hand, to the fact of having been found responsible for the commission of an offence, or violation of a law, or commission of an error or mistake. On the other hand, it is a remorseful awareness of having committed something wrong or alternatively, the uncomfortable self-reproach of having acted contrary to one’s conscience. In either case it creates an unpleasant feeling within the individual, and may give rise to significant discomfort and harm if left unresolved.

The concept of Guilt has existed for as long as man has existed. It does not occur in any other members of the animal kingdom and is directly related to man’s development of intelligence. Animals function exclusively under the natural laws of instinct and survival and as such do not possess the instinct of regret. Humans on the other hand, equipped with the ability of discretionary thought, spend their lives in pursuit of personal satisfaction which may not be related to instinct or survival.

Eastern societies such as the Chinese, Japanese and Korean, are described as “Shame-based” rather than “Guilt-based”, in that the consequences to the society of getting caught or being exposed is more important than the personal feelings of the individual involved. So too, is Islam, which is considered a very strong shame-oriented society. Most Western societies, based on the Judaic principles of personal responsibility to an Almighty God, are all strongly Guilt-based, and as a result, all the laws are based on this concept. This difference is considered to be a fundamental factor in the profound antagonism and misunderstanding that exists between the two societies.

In psychological terms, the experience of discomfort from guilt is significant only if the reason for the guilt remains unresolved. In fact, the potential that an action may give rise to guilt feelings may in fact be a positive influence, if it serves to produce the correct response. This is the basis of society’s moral codes and standards of behavior, and the development of the concept of “conscience”.

Unresolved guilt feelings, if left alone can give rise to a variety of unpleasant consequences. They could affect our emotional stability, give rise to increase suspicion and regret and a feeling of responsibility for the harm caused to others. Often they result in the development of what has been described as a “poverty complex”, in which the individual becomes unworthy or unable to deal with success and may develop symptoms of anxiety and depression. On occasions, this has led to unexpected and exaggerated behavior.

Psychopaths, who by definition lack any sense of guilt or conscience, are not affected by the consequences of their action. They are driven exclusively by the need for self-gratification without any regard or concern for the effects on others, or for that matter, to themselves. Being devoid of the ability of moral reasoning or developing emotional bonds with others, they have no hesitation to repeat their behavior over and over, irrespective of the social and emotional damage caused.

We are all subject, on a daily basis, to recurrent feelings of guilt as we go along our daily lives. None of us are immune from feeling the fleeting pain of an inadequate response, or a deliberate decision which favors us at the expense of others, or the disappointment on the face of others resulting from our actions. These are all to be expected and anticipated as part of living in a society made up of diverse people and needs, where the action of one impinges on the lives of many. But, for the great majority of us, it is vitally important that we strive to keep within the boundaries dictated by our conscience and our society, and to avoid, as much as we possibly can, the continuation of unresolved guilt feelings. For nothing could give rise to such pain and discomfort over time as the feelings of guilt caused from our deliberate action.

Bishop Robert South, the 17th century author and Protestant theologian described the long term consequences of continued guilt most eloquently, in the following quotation:

“Guilt upon conscience, is like rust upon iron.
Both defiles and consumes it, gnawing and creeping into it,
as that does which at last eats out the very heart and substance of the metal”.
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< >

Suspicion always haunts the Guilty mind;
The thief doth fear each bush, an officer.
………William Shakespeare

Guilt is to danger, as fire is to gunpowder;
A man need not fear to walk into barrels of gunpowder,
if he has no fire about him.
……John Flavel

Guilt is anger directed at ourselves - at what we did or did not do. Resentment is anger directed at others - at what they did or did not do.
…….Peter McWilliams
Guilt is regret for what we have done,
Regret is guilt for what we didn’t do.
……Author Unknown

One who condones evils is just as Guilty,as the one who perpetrates it.
……..Martin Luther King, Jr.

In a free society, some are Guilty;
But all are responsible.
…….Abraham Joshua Hershel

The Guilty one is not he who commits the sin;
But the one who causes the darkness.
…….Victor Hugo

Nothing is more wretched to the mind of a man conscious of Guilt.

…….PLautus

It is better that ten Guilty persons escape;
Than one innocent suffer.
…..Sir William Blackstone

Though the dungeon, the scourge, and the executioner be absent,
The Guilty mind can apply the goad and scorch with blows.
…Lucretius

The difference between guilt and shame is very clear;
We feel guilty for what we do. We feel shame for what we are.
……Lewis B. Smedes

LIFE WITH QUALITY

“Quality is never an accident; It is always the result of high intention,
sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution;
It represents the wise choice of many alternatives.
It also marks the search for an ideal;
-after necessity has been satisfied and mere usefulness achieved”

The above quotation is generally ascribed to PFC. William A. Foster, a United States Marine who received the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart for his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty” in 1945, during The Battle of Okinawa in World War II. It describes in a very simple, but comprehensive way, the true meaning of Quality.

The definition of Quality is never precise. It is multifaceted and most often based on such factors as personal values, context, previous experience, and expectations of the observer. The most dominant characteristic is its complexity. It is used in so many different situations that its real definition is unique to the individual and to how he chooses to frame it. If a group of people were asked to define the term, they are more likely to give completely different answers, and less likely to exhibit unanimous agreement.

Whatever the context however, the term Quality refers to the inherent or distinguishing property or characteristic which can be easily recognized, if not clearly understood. It is that personal trait, or character, or appearance, or action that identifies it as unique and special, and worthy of notice. Quality, whether it relates to a person, an object, an action or a thought will always stand out when measured against the standard. It is an action worthy of respect and emulation in every aspect of life. Without its example to compare, life will quickly deteriorate into mediocrity.

Each individual functions under his own personal standards and his own expectations. Contrary to the generally accepted view, quality is not achieved by following a special set of protocols or by copying a successful blueprint. Quality is about commitment and effort and dedication to a personal ideal, and by a willingness to express and to act according to these ideals irrespective of the prevailing norms. Quality is recognizable and consistent and reproducible, and to be successful, requires a degree of commitment and confidence in any action contemplated. Hence, this has given rise to often repeated and quite appropriate statement:

“I don’t know how to describe it,
but I know it when I see it”

All of us in our day-to-day lives inevitably search out and try to adopt the quality actions of others and incorporate them into our own. When faced with situations needing resolution, we will subconsciously look for solutions from others whom we respect, who we place in the “quality bracket”. These people, by their impact upon us, have earned our respect and our recognition. They readily stand out and we usually have no difficulty in identifying them.

Over the years, in my own life, like so many others, I have been exposed to a large multitude of quality encounters, whether they be people, events or situations, that have profoundly impacted me. In one way or another, these experiences have served to mould me into the person I am today. Like my Science teacher who taught me the meaning of dedication, or my Uncle, who taught me the principles of honor and justice, or my Priest, from whom I learnt the meaning God’s love to all, or the Gentle woman who showed me the beauty of having total faith even in times of turmoil, or the Neighbor whose life was devoid of envy or the Business man who was committed to the welfare of his workers at all cost, or my Father whose life was committed to the welfare of his family and his good name. These are all quality people whose lives were examples of genuine quality living.

This is but a minute list of all the quality encounters that have served to influence me and to instill a desire to grow and improve. Nothing in our lives can serve as effectively as the direct and indirect influence of quality on our progress, and nothing is more damaging than our resistance or rejection of the quality people or events in our lives. If we should remember anything we should remember that nothing is more important to our living than to regularly search out and learn from quality opportunities around us.
In the end, I can not do any better than to draw your attention to Robert Louis Stevenson, the celebrated 19th century Scottish author, poet and essayist, who described the true impact of Quality in our lives in the following way:

We must accept life for what it actually is;
- a challenge to our quality.
Without which we would never know of what stuff we are made,
or grow to our full stature.


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I realized that quality is not about using a particular method,
or following some canned program.
Quality is about commitment and communication.
……James H. Burrill

Quality is everyone's responsibility.
………W. Edwards Deming

Quality is not an act, it is a habit.
……. Aristotle

Associate yourself with men of good Quality,
if you esteem your own reputation;
It is better be alone than in bad company.
…….George Washington

It is the Quality of our work which will please God
…… and not the quantity.
…Mohandas Gandhi

Quality begins on the inside,
... and then works its way out.
…… Bob Moawad

Quality means doing it right when no one is looking
…….Henry Ford

The Quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important.
……..Martin Luther King Jr

The quality of human life is in direct proportion to
their commitment to excellence;
…….Regardless of the chosen field.
…..Vince Lombardi

LIVING WITH INTEGRITY

A life lived with Integrity;
- Even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune,
is a shinning star in whose light,
others may follow for many years to come.

The above quotation written by the great American motivational speaker, writer, and best selling author, Denis Waitley, reminds me so much of my good friend and relative who recently passed away after a long and rewarding life.

For as long as I have known him, I have carried a profound sense of respect and honor for the depth of integrity and consistency he radiated. I have no doubt whatsoever that these sentiments are universally held by all who have had the good fortune to share some time with him. In fact I am confident that you will have to search far and wide to find a single person who thinks otherwise.

Integrity has been described as comprising a personal inner sense of wholeness derived from honesty and consistent uprightness of character. By this definition, he stands out as an examplary example, worthy of any amount of dissemination. He was a man of peace who genuinely believed and lived the life of peace. He was a man of honor and respect to whom respect and honor was enthusiastically returned by all, friend and foe alike. He was a man of few words, but whose words spoke volumes, and all sincere people listened. He lived a life of examples, whose actions are the subject of lessons and repetition in the homes of those who earnestly sought a life of goodwill and harmony. He never wrote any books, nor made any life- changing discoveries, nor held any public positions, but by his very life, his stature, his example, his commitment and his consistency, he is worthy of the highest degrees of recognition.

Some people have succeeded in amassing fortunes, gaining public recognition and acquiring all the latest trappings that their good fortune can attract. Yet others, by dint of an innate ability of persuasion, intimidation and deception, have gained great notoriety and positions in society. Their names and titles are readily broadcast to the public and their faces are equally recognized by all. But in the end, neither their fortunes nor faces nor names will survive the onslaught of time. But that is not the case with the man who has lived a life of Integrity. Even as time passes, and the memory of the man fades, he will remain an example which every parent will use to teach their child the correct way to live. His name will be a reference that others will use to test against their own actions.

He will indeed live on, in the minds of all of us who have been blessed with his presence. There will be no buildings bearing his name, no medal to hang on the wall, no bank account of any consequence and certainly no massive marble mausoleum inscribed with his coat of arms with or without a perpetual flame. These are but trappings that will fade with posterity. But the good name will never fade. In the same way his father before him is still fondly recalled by those who knew him, so too will his name be remembered by all of us.

This above all else is the treasure for posterity, and I for one, will be forever grateful for having known my friend and relative.

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To thine own self be true;
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
…..William Shakespeare

It is a man’s own mind, not his enemy or foe;
That lures him to evil ways.
….Buddha

The time is always right, to do what is right.
…Martin Luther King, Jr.

Live so that your friends can defend you,
….. but never have to.
….Arnold H. Glasow

To know what is right and not do it,
Is the worst cowardice,
….Confucius

Laws control the lesser man.
Integrity controls the greater one.
…… Chinese Proverb

If you have integrity, nothing else matters;
If you don’t have integrity, nothing else helps.
…..Alan Simpson


Integrity is the essence of everything successful.
…….R. Buckminster Fuller


If everyone were clothed with Integrity;
If every heart were just, frank, kindly;
then the other virtues would be well-nigh useless.
……..Jean Baptiste Molière

One of the truest tests of Integrity
is its blunt refusal to be compromised.
…….Chinua Achebe

Honor your commitments with integrity.
…….Les Brown


Nothing so completely baffles one who is full of trick and duplicity himself,
than straightforward and simple Integrity in another.
…….Charles Caleb Colton

A single lie destroys a whole reputation of integrity.
……..Baltasar Gracian

THE OLD LADY AND ANA-(PSALM 180:1-6)

Editor’s Note: This is the ninth of series short stories dealing

with my personal interpretation of selected verses from

the Holy Bible offered under the title
“The Old Lady and Ana”.

LIFE WITH THE OLD LADY AND ANA
9. PSALM 180 (The Good and the Wicked)

Ana listened intently as her father related the story of the taxi driver who had found a briefcase full of money and rather than keep it, he chose to return it to the owner. His friends and co-workers mocked him and tried to encourage him the keep the money, but he refused to do so because he felt it was wrong and was against God’s teaching. When her father was finished, Ana turned to her Grandmother and asked her:

“Gramma is that really true? Did God really teach that we should always be honest and
never cheat anyone?”

The old lady, sensing an opportunity to teach a very important lesson to her grand-daughter replied;
“Oh yes Ana, the Bible, God’s written words, has many examples of people who chose
honesty over dishonesty and who pleased God for doing so. One of the best examples
is contained in Psalm 180:1-6”.

Opening her bible, she began to read:

Blessed is the man who

does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners,

or sit in the seat of mockers.

“God makes it very clear that the man who does not mix with the wicked person,

or is not associated with the sinner or does not share with those who mock and redicule others is man who has his blessings. He went on further to describe this man”:

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

“This man is happy to live under God’s law and studies it day and night to make sure that he understands everything. This means that he does not have to be forced to do so, but considers it a pleasure”.

Ana, listening intently, asked her grandmother:

“Gramma, how do you get to know this kind of good man from all the other bad ones?

The old lady nodded appropriately and continued to read:

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

“God described that man as one who stands out like a fruit tree that grows with plenty water. It is laden with fruit and its leaves are abundant, healthy and not withering. You will know this man because whatever he touches will prosper”.

Ana added quickly, to underline that she understood:

“Like Uncle Peter, who you always say whatever he touches turns to gold.”

The old lady nodded affirmatively, and continued to read:

Not so the wicked!

They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

“God did not hold back in describing the wicked as chaff, which is like straw, that is easily blown away by the wind. They have no substance and therefore no respect.”

The old lady then lifted her head to make sure that Ana was listening and that she understood, then continued:

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will perish.

“God was absolutely clear that the wicked will never be allowed to stand in judgement of anyone, nor will he be allowed to be present among the good people. He promised to take care and protect the honest and good people, while the evil and the wicked will perish.”

Relieved, Ana got up, kissed her grandmother and as she walked away, shouted confidently:

“Don’t worry gramma, I am going to please God and be good all my life!”

LIFE WITH WILLY THE VAGRANT

Editor’s Note:
This is a fictional story based on a few facts

.......and the editor’s imagination.

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“There is no God, no universe, no human race,
No earthly life, no heaven, no hell.
It is all a dream, nothing exists but you.
And you are a thought, a vagrant thought.
A useless thought, a homeless thought,
A wandering forlorn among the empty eternities”

The above quotation recorded by Samuel Langhorne Clemens, the famous American author and humorist better known by his pen name, Mark Twain, encapsulates the true attitude of the general public toward the vagrant and reminds me so much of my friend, “Willy” and the life he lived.

Willy first came to my notice about three months ago while I sat with my friends having a cup of coffee at our regular breakfast meeting held in a local coffee shop. He is a tall, thin athletic looking man in his mid-thirties with long, scruffy blond hair tied in a pony tail and clearly in need of a thorough shampoo and wash. His clothes were well fitting but obviously in need of replacement or at least washing. He was pushing a large Publix shopping cart piled high with plastic garbage bags crammed with stuff and there was a small red bag sitting on top the whole pile.
He pushed the cart slowly, and carefully parked it next to a column on the side of the shop, making sure that it does not obstruct the flow of customers. Picking up his red bag and tucking it under his left arm, he entered the shop and walked directly to the counter and ordered a cup of coffee. He then collected the order and briskly walked out, found an empty table near his cart and sat down. He then lit a cigarette and opening his red bag he proceeded to forage deliberately through its contents while apparently carrying on a conversation. He continued to do this for at least an hour and then got up, placed his red bag on top his pile of junk and walked away.

I don’t know his real name nor do I have any accurate information about him and his life. Since he appeared in this area in the last few months he does not appear to have made any in-depth relations with anyone, but a number of people have been able to establish some kind of contact. One of these is Jim who works at the coffee shop and who sees that his order is quickly facilitated. Another is Mike, a local business man who has made it his life’s work to give care and aid to the many homeless and destitute people living in the city. From them, and from others and from my own observations, I am able to paint a picture of Willy as I see him in my mind’s eye. I have no doubt the details may be quite inaccurate but I am absolutely convinced that the conclusion and the message is very, very appropriate.

Willy was born to a close-knit family in Kansas. His father is a retired Engineer and his mother is a teacher. He was a very active student who excelled in sports, especially long distance running, and was a straight-A student who was a biology whiz. He obtained a full scholarship to attend college where he studied Biology, obtaining his bachelor’s degree, cum laude. Upon completion he elected to follow his mother’s vocation and take up teaching. Subsequently he applied and was accepted to teach Biology and Genetics in a high school in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He quickly became a sensation, not only with regard to his competence but in the way he was able to motivate his students to achieve more. He very quickly took over all the AP Biology classes and they became much sought after. He also became involved in athletic activities especially in respect of marathon and cross-country running and very soon developed quite a successful program.
Willy was a happy man doing what he enjoyed, and gained the respect of his peers and his students for his efforts. He was even beginning to entertain the possibility of going further in education, applying for post graduate studies and even proceeding into an academic career.
Everything changed dramatically on March 19, 2003, when President George W. Bush gave the order to invade Iraq. Willy, having spent all of his high school and university years as an active member of the ROTC felt it was his duty to obey the order of his commander-in-chief and promptly enlisted. Very shortly after, he found himself undergoing training in an Army Base in Tampa. By June he was on his way to Iraq as an Infantry man, by way of a forward base in Kuwait. His unit received orders to move out in early July, 2003 and on July 17, 2003, on his mother’s birthday, he boarded an Humvee and proceeded in a convoy northward to Baghdad.
They had traveled several days in Iraq without encountering any kind of resistance. They were relaxed and generally felt that it was all over, that the “shock and awe” plan had really worked and that their tour will be a “piece of cake”. Then it happened, their humvee drove over an IED and blew up! The driver and four of the soldiers died on the spot and every one of the others were seriously injured. Willy suffered a severe concussion and remained in coma for 72 hours before slowly regaining consciousness. He was repatriated to USA and remained in the Miami VA hospital for nearly two months and was subsequently discharged in November, 2003. He was fully recovered from his physical injuries but unfortunately continued to suffer from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
His problems were just beginning. He had lost all his people-skills and could not tolerate any kind of stress without developing acute anxiety symptoms. He could not resume his teaching career and in fact was incapable of holding even the simplest service jobs. He gradually drifted down the social scale and all his friends and associates drifted away. He even tried selling newspapers at street corners but could not survive. The last few years have found him a confirmed vagrant living as best as he can. He moves from city to city, lives in alley ways or in empty electrical rooms and forages at the back of restaurants for leftovers. Sometimes kind people like Mike will try to extend a helpful hand but most of the time people generally avoid them and some of them will go out of their way to remove them. I presume that is the reason why they stay a short while before moving on.
And as for my friend Willy, I can only speculate that his daily coffee visit is the last vestige of the better life that he once enjoyed and that in due course he will be moving on. Unfortunately, he is now merely a statistic like the more than 30,000 young men and women who suffer from PTSD as a result of a bad decision by an irresponsible president.
Today, as we sat sipping our coffee and discussing the economy and its impact upon us, Willy walked in at the usual time. We paused for a while, looked at him and then at each other, quietly lamenting the wasting of good young man with great potential. Speaking for all of us, Joe, with a deep sigh of resignation said:

“Isn’t ironic that George Bush and Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld and
Paul Wolfowitz continue with their lives, living happily and doing very well if
you please, while this young man is consigned to the rubbish heap of society"

THE OLD LADY AND ANA - PSALM 27

LIFE WITH THE OLD LADY AND ANA
8. PSALM 27 – CONFIDENCE IN GOD

Editor’s Note: This is the eighth in a series of short stories dealing with

my personal interpretation of selected verses from the Holy Bible offered

under the title “The Old Lady and Ana”.

Little Ana put down her Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book which she was reading for the third time and walked deliberately towards her grandmother who was sitting on her favorite chair in the family room.

“Gramma” she asked “Do you think God knows who I am and does he have time to think about me and to help me if I get into trouble?”

The Old Lady held out her hand and pulled Ana towards her and with a voice ringing with confidence replied:

“Yes indeed, my child. You, like every one of us, are his child and in the same way your parents take care of you and protect you, so does God in every conceivable way. In fact there is a section in the bible in which King David expressed total faith that God was not only his light and his salvation, but his protector, let us read it together”.

Opening her favorite Bible to Psalm 27 she began to read:

The Lord is my light and my salvation

— whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life

— of whom shall I be afraid?
when my enemies and my foes attack me,

they will stumble and fall.
Though war break out against me,

even then will I be confident.

“You see Ana, the very wise King David had no doubt about God’s love. In fact his main concern was whether God will bother to accept him to dwell under his care and protection. Listen:”

One thing I ask of the Lord,

this is what I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

and to seek him in his temple.

Ana, somewhat perplexed that King David might have doubts about God accepting him, listened intently as her grand mother continued reading:

Hear my voice when I call, O Lord;

be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"

Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me,

do not turn your servant away in anger;

you have been my helper.

Do not reject me or forsake me,

O God my Savior.

Ana was now very confused. She could not understand why King David continued to ask God to be merciful to him and not reject him. She looked at her grand mother and asked:

“Gramma, I am very worried. If King David, a great and wise man, could be so unsure of whether God will notice him and take care of him, how can I be sure that God will even bother to look at me?”

The old lady sensing Ana’s disappointment drew her closer, and placing her arm around the child’s shoulder, said in a calm and reassuring voice:

“King David said this because he recognized that he was only human and although he knew otherwise, he still could not believe that God will pay attention to his needs. This is a sign of true humility and you will see it among people who are genuine. He wanted to be sure that he was worthy of God’s graces. He was not ashamed to admit to his faults and weaknesses, and was not ashamed to ask for help. Listen to this:”

Though my father and mother forsake me,

the Lord will receive me.
Teach me your way, O Lord;

lead me in a straight path

because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,

for false witnesses rise up against me,

breathing out violence.

“You see Ana, this great man, a King among his people, was not afraid to express his fears and his worries, and to ask God to teach him to stay on the straight way. He knew that his enemies will do anything to destroy him yet confident that God will receive him.”

Ana was relieved, and turning to her grandmother with a look of revelation, said:

"Gramma now I understand why we always pray to God before receiving the Holy Communion with these words;
“Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but say the word and I shall be healed”

The old lady, startled by her grand daughter’s remarkable insight, sighed deeply and replied:
“Ana, you are so right, we must never ever lose our humility in the sight of our God, even as we remain confident in the faith that he will always be present for us. King David expressed this in these words”:

I am still confident of this:

I will see the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the Lord.