Truth?
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‘That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.’
‘A fact or belief that is accepted as true.’
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‘Truth is most often uses to mean in accord with fact or reality, or fidelity to an original or standard. Though it is also sometimes defined in modern contexts as an idea of ‘truth to self’, or authenticity.’ Wikipedia
For much of my life it seemed to me that truth, was not open to debate. Facts, being rather stubborn entities, were accepted as certainties; much as, rocks are hard and water is wet!
Everyone that I was acquainted with could agree that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west…and that it is obvious when it is shinning!
When a person wanted to tell a, ‘story’, as my son’s grandmother said of one of their cousins, Jonathon reminded her that the cousin in question…lies!
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Many liars that I have met, were, creative, prevaricators. They took, some considerable pride, in being able to utter a, convincing, untruth. An accomplished liar, usually endeavors to keep track of their verbal version of reality!
It is a bit disillusioning to have our public officials and leaders lie to us…and their pants not be on fire!
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It is insulting to have a leader or a manager or a boss…tell you a lie and they do not have the respect to acknowledge your intelligence and ability to comprehend a deliberate and blatant…falsehood!
Our world has so many problems, most of which have the, core issue of lack of communication, that we will never solve them without agreeing to agree on irrefutable facts.
It is neither, cool, nor a sign of, faith in God, to deny science!
The aquiesence of ourselves and researching and reading…is going to be the downfall of us…if we do not change.
If 95% of scientist agree that we are, now, in a critical state of global warming, and 5% do not agree…perhaps we should listen to what the 95% are saying?
If a politician or a preacher or a manager, lies to you, do not be fooled twice…as the poem extols!
Recently the President remarked while visiting the home of our first President, George Washington, ‘if he was smart he would have put his name on it,’ Trump said about Mr. Vernon. ‘You’ve got to put your name on stuff or no one will remember you.’ CNN
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‘Tone comes from the top and so President Trump’s dismissal of history send a message that resonates through his administration and the country. As one person close to the White House told Politico, ‘His supporters don’t care, and if anything they enjoy the fact that the liberal snobs are upset’ that he doesn’t know much about history.’ CNN
Now, I understand how it feels to have the occasional, learned snob, look down their nose…only to find me at the end of it with my blue collar roots and red neck friends. But, I have never let that stop me from wanting to learn more….truth!
I observed, many slick talking and gregarious individuals, bluster their way to high office at the university. The ability to sell yourself…can not be discounted.
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Let us ensure that a persons rhetoric matches their actions!
‘Amazing Grace’
Mary Jane and I were walking into a doctor’s appointment this morning, and I noticed the, special smell of the air as it cascaded on the soft, spring, breeze!
The experience transported me back to my childhood…when everything was a mystery and an adventure!
I experienced my first meeting of our church’s board of elders, called the Session, in the First Presbyterian Church, and I felt that, wondrous feeling again, as I witnessed the, wide eyed wonder of my fellow Session colleagues as they discussed the possibilities that God has in store for our church!
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I have noticed, throughout my life, that there has been an abundance of God’s grace and blessings, for me, that I was neither worthy of or deserved.
During my first years at Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale, I was told, by a colleague, that he had observed that everyone liked me and that included both management and staff.
I wondered how that happened…as I have always considered myself extremely ordinary and, certainly, not extraordinary!
‘Amazing Grace’
‘Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
T’was blind but now I see’
‘T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed’
‘Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
T’was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home’
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‘The story behind the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’
‘Written almost two and a half centuries ago in 1772, the words of Amazing Grace were born from the heart mind and experiences of Englishman John Newton. Knowing the story of John Newton and the journey that he went through before writing the hymn help to understand the depth of his words and the gratefulness for God’s truly amazing grace.’
‘Having live through a rather unfortunate and troubled childhood (his mother passed away when he was just six years old), Newton spent years fighting against authority, going so far as trying to desert the Royal Navy in his twenties. Later, abandoned by his crew in West Africa, he was forced to be a servant to a slave trader but was eventually rescued. On the return voyage to England, a sever storm hit and almost sank the ship, prompting Newton to begin his spiritual conversion as he cried out to God to save them form the storm.’
‘Upon his return, however, Newton became a slave ship master, a profession in which he served for several years. Bringing slave from Africa to England over multiple trips, he admitted to sometimes treating the slave abhorrently. In 1754, after becoming violently ill on a sea voyage, Newton abandoned the slave trade and seafaring, altogether, wholeheartedly devoting his life to God’s service.’
‘He was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1764 and became quite popular as a preacher and hymn writer penning some 280 hymns, among them the great ‘ Amazing Grace.’ which first appeared in the Olney Hymns, printed by Newton and poet/fellow water Willam Cowper. It was late set to the popular tune New Britain in 1835 by Willam Walker.’
‘In later years, Newton fought alongside William Wilberforce leader of the parliamentary campaign to abolish the African slave trade. He described the horrors of the slave trade in a tract he wrote supporting the campaign and lived to see the British passage of the slave trade Act 1807.’ ‘Amazing Grace” – The Story behind one of the best-loved songs of all time.
And so we look for opportunities that our study and ability and cunning…will deliver to our hands! When in reality…God has a, splendid plan, for our lives…if we will humble ourselves and allow him to help us!
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Loyal Friends!
Although I was born in Chicago, Illinois, I grew up in Southern Illinois.
Now, I love my Southern Illinois friends, some of whom I have been friends with for almost a half of a century, but…some of the greatest friends that I ever met…were from disenfranchised groups.
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Please, do not misunderstand me, as I was raised by a single mother and did not have the money to purchase a 20 cent lunch at school…when I began first grade.
I was not aware of any African Americans in either my grade school or high school.
I was thrilled when I discovered, on my first day at Southern Illinois University, that my foreman was an African American! Jim treated me like a father would his son…and even remarked that, ‘I was his son…but I just would not call him, Daddy!’
I was honored to have many African American friends, through my years at SIUC.
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I had Gay and Lesbian friends in high school. I had a cousin who was Gay.
When I began working for the university…some of my most loyal friends…were Gay and Lesbian!
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I understand what is like to be, shut out, of groups and clubs and cliques!
I have felt the door…slammed in my face!
It is not a good feeling!
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‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’
‘Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.’ Matthew 11:28-29 KJV
Jesus experienced the hatred of the, rabid, mob!
‘The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ John 12:12-13
Shortly thereafter, the, religious, crowd turned on Jesus, ‘And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, and put his own clothes on him and led him out to crucify him.’ Mark 15:18-20
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As the famous author, Kurt Vonnegut said, ‘and so it goes.’
The son of God was not only disenfranchised, by the, recognized, religious people of his day…but he was also crucified in their religious, faux-holy, zeal!
Does the God that we trust and worship, love his creation…or does he love…only those who are fashioned in our own, mercurial, image?
The sooner that we accept that we are all, simply, people…human beings…created by God…the more, at peace, we shall become.
‘When we choose to live authentically we chip away at other prisons of pretend and create an opportunity for them to walk out of darkness into freedom.’ Anthony Vern-Brown, A life of unlearning – a journey to find the truth
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‘My choices, it seemed, were to be branded a sinner and live my life alone: to abandon my faith, the one thing I held most dear in the entire world; or to lie to everyone, pretend I was straight and forget about it all.’ Justin Lee
‘My faith is a choice. My morality is a choice. My sexual orientation however isn’t. Anthony Venn-Brown, A Life of Unlearning – a preacher’s struggle with his homosexuality, church and faith.
Service
We had a lovely sermon, this morning, delivered by Deborah L. Burris, entitled ‘Straight From the Donkey’s Mouth.’
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The story was a, fable, discussing the, donkey’s thoughts regarding, the carrying of Jesus through the streets of Jerusalem, on what we call, Palm Sunday.
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The donkey was thrilled to have been cheered as he carried Jesus, and thus decided that he would repeat the Jerusalem march the next day, alone. He was saddened to discover that, without Jesus, he was neither cheered or applauded. When he returned home to ask his mother why the different reception, when Jesus was not with him? The donkey’s mother replied that we are nothing without Jesus!
I have witnessed this phenomena throughout my christian experience. When Christ touches a human…they can do extraordinary works. When a human attempts to replicate good works, through their own understanding and efforts…the effort rings hollow!
I sat in a new elder and deacon class this morning. As I listened to, many of the current elders and deacons, I was struck with their, ‘servant’s heart!’
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Study is vital, along with procedures and order and systems to operate in. Just looking at nature you can see that the creator is a very systematic, and a planning, deity!
However, the Lord, the the christian faith seeks to serve…came to us as a servant.
‘The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had already put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God, so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.’
‘He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord are you going to wash my feet?’
‘Jesus replied, ‘you do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’
‘No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’
‘Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’
‘Then, Lord,’ Simon Peter replied, ‘not just my feet but my hands and my head as well.’ John 13: 2-9 NIV
Now the church is for all people. Perhaps the reason that so many denominations are diminishing…is because they have forgotten that God loves all of his creation?
If we say that we desire, “More Light,’ we must lay aside our biases and our, learned, prejudices…and let Jesus…wash our feet!
Assembly Required!
We purchased a new bed for Parker, our Black Labrador!
She needed it! Her, former bed, had a big hole in the middle of it and her foot kept falling through the, massive hole!
Parker’s bed…had lasted for years!
Finally, what seemed like a simply procedure, I had accomplished it before, twice, turned into a two and one half hour ordeal!
I read the instructions and re-read the instructions and then I knew that I needed assistance! Sadly, I am not known as a, calm, follower of instructions.
Mary Jane helped me, for five minutes, and then announced that I should wait to put the bed together…when the boys could help me!
She understands my weakness!
Two and one half hours later…I had completed the project.
Parker will be sleeping on a new bed…and I will be grateful that I only have to put together her bed…every several years!
I wonder if the, assembly directions, are just difficult for e to understand…or are they, universally, hard?
Parker, slept on her torn and ragged, blue, bed…when she had to…but she did not enjoy the experience! She often scratched, vehemently, at the, blue, canvas bottom of the bed! But, at other times she seemed to sleep comfortably and soundly…the sleep of a, righteous, Lab!
Though, Parker does not like the bed, as it is in her kennel, she is resigned to the fact that she must spend some time in it’s confines to ensure her continued membership of the Brooks’ household!
Mom and Dad leave from time to time…and they count on the security of the kennel and the enclosed bed…to serve as safety from the mischief of the canine family!
The Collector, And A Photo
We were in Dillard Department store, the other day, and what did Jonathon and I spy, with our little eye but, turntables and record players and turntable and cd combos…on a, dramatic, sale!
The, sale, items looked like the boxes had been in a fight and lost!
Now, this was a point of serious discussion for two, young men…yea…three young men, counting Aaron, as to the efficacy of owning, just one more vinyl record player…that also plays CD’s?
I should say that one of the three of the Brooks Boys…is only young at heart…and perhaps more than the other two!
Jonathon and I commiserated regarding the, extremely low price of the expensive items and considered that there must be a reason such as; returns or seconds or mistaken identity!
So, we returned home…and I was much like Ralphie from the movie, A Christmas Story, when he thought of and dreamed of a Red Rider BB Gun!
A full two weeks later, yesterday, Mary Jane and I were near the department store, and I mentioned dropping by Dillard’s to check on the, rouge, record players?
My, dear, wife assured me that I did not need another record player and she inquired as to why I would want one?
I thought, she is right, and for a time, overcame my fever of obtaining, just, one more of my, childhood, fascination of record players and records!
But…today…I was alone!
As I strolled through the store that contained my passion…I did not see the land of, beat-up record player boxes, and I was relieved that I had, apparently, missed the opportunity to add a third record player…to my collection.
Suddenly, a young woman, about half my size, inquired if she could help me? I asked if there were any of the sale record players left…that were in the scraggly boxes?
She, joyfully, said that there were some left and that they were left over from Christmas…and that was why the boxes were in such bad shape.
When we arrived at the, splendorous, display I noticed that they all appeared to be either turn tables or record players…with no CD player combinations.
I asked her about one that was on the floor and under another player and she, graciously, knelt down and read the capabilities of the machine to me. It was a record player and CD player combo!
Now, you must consider that the only way that I could validate the purchase, albeit, a cheap purchase, of another record player was if it would also play CD’s…of which we have several!
When I, furtively, chose the bargain the lady carried it to the check out…and then offered to carry it to my car…but I assured her that I could manage!
My April surprise has a 1950’s retro appearance! But it does not shoot BB’s!
As I mentioned in an early blog, I have accepted an assignment on the Session of my local First Presbyterian Church. It was requested that I send a photo of myself for the church website. I though, fleetingly, about sending the photo of me enjoying a, once in awhile cigar, but then, thought better of it!
After I took several selfies and Mary Jane took several more photos of my, old and heavy visage, I discovered that I look, a little, better, in black and white!
Note: A Christmas Story courtesy of Google.
Grudge!
‘A persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury.’ Dictionary
‘A grudge is a bad feeling or hate you hold against another for something bad they did, or you think they did.’ Urban Dictionary
We humans love to hold, tightly, a grudge!
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When someone, wrongs us, or when we believe that we have been mistreated…we immortalize the moment and fix it in amber…in order to assure its continuing viability!
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I, like all of us, have been treated, somewhat unfairly, at times.
Also, I have imagined or perceived that I was being treated poorly or in a wrong manner, and found out at a later date that my imagination had been working over time!
All to often, we feel that there was a, hidden message, or an agenda, in what someone says, or does not say, to us…when in reality…we were the farthest from their mind.
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To believe that we are in the forefront of a person, for whom we hold a, sacred grudge, is to think very highly of ourselves and our place in others life story.
A grudge hurts and damages the person holding it, much more than the person that it is being held against.
I have witnessed grudges, consume the person that is suffering from it and subsequently dominate their waking hours as well as rob them of their sleep!
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‘I forgive you,’ Nadine Collier, the daughter of 70-year-old Ethel Lance, said at the hearing, her voice breaking with emotion. ‘You took something very precious from me. I will never talk to her again. I will never, hold her again. But I forgive you. And have mercy on your soul.’ Washington Post ‘I forgive you.’ Relatives of Charleston church shooting victims address Dylan Roof
What a testament to the grace of God…and the message of Christ!
I discovered something, many years ago, that has helped me, immensely, during my walk through life. I do not hold grudges. Not because I am good…I am not. But, God has been merciful to me and, thus far, I have not been, plagued, with the desire to capture grudges.
I stopped when I was a child. My mom and dad divorced when I was six years old and mom fell into a long depression. I was a sad and sullen boy for sometime…until I found that she, seemed to feel better, if I was upbeat! From that point, in my life, onward, I have attempted to forget the bad and magnify the good!
I was a manager/administrator at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, for over 25 years. During those years, no matter how fair I attempted to be, I developed enemies or at least people who did not like me.
My leadership goal at SIUC was to cause my enemies to like me and my friends to love me!
Actually, I see those who seem to wrong me…as fellow human beings on this, very rocky road of life, and I forget their animosity and embrace their humanity!
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Now, do not get me wrong…I am hurt by hurtful words or mistreatment…but the pain subsides…quickly!
When I think of the, multitude, of kind and gracious and loving, people in my life…I do not have space for grudges!
‘Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity of registering wrongs.’ Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre
‘To be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it.’ Confucius
‘Not forgiving is like drinking rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die.’ Ann Lamott
‘They say it’s good to let your grudges go, but I don’t know, I’m quite fond of my grudge. I tend it like a little pet.’ Lane Moriarty, Big Little Lies
‘A life without forgiveness is a prison.’ William Arthur Ward
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Faith Should Be A Comfortable Cloak
If you are a, Baby Boomer, as I am, you will remember the cloak room in your first grade classroom?
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When I began first grade at Hillcrest Grade school, in Eldorado, Illinois, I took my seat the first morning and noticed a fellow classmate come in and sit down, still wearing his cap.
Our teacher said, ‘Jackie, take off your cap and place it in the cloak room.’
Now, I had never heard of a cloak room, being from Chicago, and I was intrigued with what was in the, mysterious, space?
When I examined the, special room, I observed a series of hooks attached to the walls and shelves over the hooks. I was a room for, sundry, hats and coats and, in the winter months, rubber galoshes.
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So, yesterday we enjoyed a lovely, potluck, dinner with our church family.
The purpose of the event was, following, a special program of the singing of Spirituals, and before the installation and ordination deacons and elders, that had been chosen by the Nominating committee that represents, both, our congregation and the two boards of the local Presbyterian church, the Session, made up of elders, and the Deacons.
As I sat and listened to the beautiful singing and enjoyed the delicious meal, with the entire Brooks family present, I was struck with the comfortable covering of being with a group of believers that are inclusive and loving to all members of the human family!
From my first association with Presbyterians, I noticed that they are doers rather than talkers!
Have you ever been encountered by an individual who, actively and authoritatively, shoves their brand of Christianity…down your throat?
Are you a member of a church that is determined that you follow a, heavy, book of rules that are centered around a charismatic leader?
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We live in a lonely world. Are we looking for someone to tell us that they love us…or are we seeking for fellow humans that, demonstrate, the love of Christ?
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As I listened to the various elders speak about their ministry, during the congregational meeting, I saw the beauty of being a member of a faith family that does not judge…but accepts and loves all of God’s children that he brings to them.
We all carry a monkey on our back!
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Over 20 years ago when our family joined the First Presbyterian Church, I wondered if I would be accepted since I had not been born into the denomination?
I had to overcome the pre-conceived ideas that I had about the group and ignore the myths…that I had been taught.
What I discovered was a welcoming and friendly church family!
I enjoy being in the background…and, virtually, invisible…as I am a bit of an introvert.
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I served as a Trustee, soon after we became church members. About ten years later, I was asked to serve on the Session.
I told myself, after the last three year term…I had done my part.
But, Presbyterians…are such workers!
I must offer my, meager, services…one more time…God has been too good to my family…for me to not try to help…a little.
Faith is a cloak that is meant to wear for a lifetime…and eternity!
I do not think of how I can impress those who I meet…that I am a Christian.
More often than not…I do not think about the commitment….I endeavor to treat those who I meet…as I want to be treated.
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‘But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them, which despitefully use you, and persecute you.’ Matthew 5:44 KJV
‘Love Thy Neighbor’
‘Thy Homeless Neighbor’
‘Thy Muslim Neighbor’
‘Thy Black Neighbor’
‘Thy Gay Neighbor’
‘Thy White Neighbor’
‘Thy Jewish Neighbor’
‘Thy Transgender Neighbor’
‘Thy Christian Neighbor’
‘Thy Atheist Neighbor’
‘Thy Racist Neighbor’
‘Thy Addicted Neighbor’
People Do Care About You!
Have you ever felt alone?
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Has it ever seemed to you that no one seemed to understand what you are going through and that no one cared?
Of, if you friends and family and acquaintances did address your concerns…they did it with, their, religious dogma, or their…pull yourself up by your bootstraps, philosophy?
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When someone is hurting, we want to present them with a neatly wrapped gift box of solutions for their problems!
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We offer, what we think is, constructive criticism; or tough love!
Some respond to this type of, hard, care…but many are devastated by it!
We are looking for a friend…who cares…and will take the time to listen to our concerns. Studies have shown that the best friends are the best listeners. Many times a person will be referred to as wise…when all they did was be empathetic for their friend.
So many people care…but often do not voice their love or demonstrate it due to not wanting to be intrusive. So many of us seek a simple invitation to be a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on…and a friend to call in the darkness of the night.
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I have been a member of the community of faith for the majority of my life. I pray for my friends, often. I weep when my friends suffer loss and I rejoice when they rejoice!
Strict religious dogma does not, adequately, cover the vagaries of the human condition.
If you have a mental illness or a disorder…prayers for the alleviation of evil spirits…will not solve the problem!
If someone tells you that they have the gift of healing…they should pray for you in private…and when you are healed…the glory should be the, healer’s, God!
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All of us have challenges and all of us have, extremely, dark days.
I am available to speak with anyone at anytime and my email is; bradleybrooks@yahoo.com.
All to often, people live and die, at times by suicide, without knowing how many of their friends have wept and longed to help them…if they only felt an invitation.
Our world is not a neat and clearly delineated script from birth to death. All along the, rocky and hilly and dangerous, path of life are pitfalls and Grand Canyons that we can fall into!
We need a sherpa…we need a guide…we need someone to listen and hold our hand and care about us!
In our modern technological society we live, most of our waking hours, in our head!
We seek a succor and a love and a compassion in alcohol and drugs
We feel that we do not fit in to the expectations that our parents have outlined for us.
We see that our faith expectation is not consistent with the faith community that we have been reared in.
At times, we see that our sexual orientation or our gender identification is, apparently different, than our peers.
We discover that God created a diverse human family!
The pain that we feel can be ameliorated by expressing it to another human that cares about us.
The movie, ‘Its a Wonderful Life,’ with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed…illustrated the impact and value that each of our lives have on so many that are connected to us!
You really do not know how may people love and care about you!
Never feel alone!
Never feel that no one cares!
Always reach out to others!
You do not realize how valuable that you are!
Spring Transformation @ Southern Illinois University…And Wallace Too!
It had bee a few days since I had taken the opportunity to walk the campus of SIUC.
I was amazed at the Spring transformation that had occurred!
The renewal and rebirth of life is, continually, something to behold!
I was reading some wonderful writings from my, lifelong friend, Jeff..and I was transported back to the days that he and I were teenagers…with our life before us!
I marveled at how rapidly the past 45+ years have gone by.
We humans see history from our limited time on the planet. What seems long to us is no more than a passing shadow to the universe…and a cool breeze to God!
We took Mr. Wallace back to the Veterinarian today! He had eight teeth removed two weeks ago tomorrow!
Wallace is setting on him mommies lap. Wallace loves him mommy!
After Wallace’s, multiple, tooth extraction…he was able to indulge in special, soft, food!
He seemed to warm-up to his new diet…quickly!
All of us want to leave our mark!
We hope to be, fondly, remembered…once we leave this mortal life!
I think that there is no more certain assurance that we will be remembered than to help our fellow human beings who travel on the road of life with us!
As I think of my, United Kingdom friend, Jeff Lestz, and all that he has done to assist and make easier the lives of his; friends and colleagues and strangers that he meets…I am proud that I have known him, from early in his journey!
Each of us are born into circumstances that we neither asked for or chose. A happy and successful life it the navigating of those circumstances in order to produce a satisfying existence.
Spring reminds me that life is continuous! What seems to wither and die, in the fall and winter…comes back in all of its glory in the spring!
What a, magical, mystical, mystery, life is!
Have you ever experienced Deja vu? Perhaps there is a reason?
Wallace knows when someone is good to him…and he appreciates the love…and the perks!
SIUC is not on the down hill of its history or the diminishment of its outreach!
Oh no! Southern Illinois University is poised to experience a renaissance!
It is spring…and life has been renewed!
