Giving Back
Inspiration and renewed hope for our planet comes in many shapes and sizes.
Recently I was reflecting on the diverse people that I know…that ‘give back’ in a multitude of ways.
My friend of 45 years, Jeff, has been giving back for the length of time that I have known him. As a child he was homeless on the streets of Chicago and when I met him he was a member of a hippy commune that was located off of the Royalton blacktop outside Elkville, Illinois.
Jeff has become very successful and owns his own business in the United Kingdom. I was privileged to attend a meeting with him, the last time that we were there. His magnetic personality and his considered care for others…drew the crowd of nearly 100 people…like a magnet.
Jeff’s, well researched, plan for financial freedom is an exciting and sorely needed plan for many struggling working and middle class Brits.
I marveled, during the meeting that I attended, at his careful and loving concern for each individual that he spoke with. Jeff has a gift of total focus on the person that he is talking with and he projects the ability and gift of believing in yourself!
As we were walking in London, one evening, Jeff suddenly stopped and asked a couple that was taking photographs, if they would like for him to snap a photo of them. They were not only pleasantly surprised but grateful for his reaching out to them.
On our numerous visits with Jeff and Margo, and travels through Europe…the constant that I could rely upon was that my friend would never meet a stranger…and that he would seek to help each one in some way.
We have been members of the Presbyterian Church for 20 years. The first thing that I noticed when we began attending services…was that Presbyterians work!
I was a member of the Stewardship Committee for three years. My friend and colleague on the committee, Barbara, was somewhat older than I. I gave it my best…but I must confess that, at times, I bemoaned the almost daily need for, what the church often refers to as Sexton duties, and the conflict of my desire to enjoy my recent retirement and I wondered where the young people were for some of the more onerous duties?
I mentioned to Barbara that I had done all of the physical duties around the church, as a young man, but I did not realize that I would have the opportunity to repeat my youth.
Barbara turned 80 during our work together…I was in my 50’s.
When there were weeds to be pulled…there was Barbara.
When there were repairs to be done on our porte-cochere…there was Barbara.
When there was work to be accomplished for our Presbyterian Pre-School…there was Barbara.
We deliver Meals-on-Wheels to many elderly and shut in residents of Carbondale. Our delivery partners, until recently, are Jim and Sarah, who, again, are older than Mary Jane and I.
Sarah has been suffering with cancer…but you would not know it by her attitude. She and Jim are lovely people who are doing what they have always done…helping others…and not thinking of themselves.
My friend, Elizabeth, has a work ethic that just won’t stop. It was my privilege to hire her, and later her wonderful husband Ryan. I think Elizabeth was 23 when I hired her.
I have followed her carer with great interest and can not help but notice her passion for helping her fellow employees. Whether it be concern about staff being able to keep their jobs and not be laid-off or pay increases or working conditions…Elizabeth is immersed in the machinations and political minutiae of advocating for civil service staff.
Elizabeth is a backer of all things that are Southern Illinois University. No matter if it is the basketball team or the football team or the academic achievements of our wonderful students…she is on the frontline of cheering for and helping those who need assistance.
And, so, it seems to this writer…that the joy and satisfaction of living is found in the getting out of our own heads…and the helpining and ministry and care of others who are less fortunate than us.
The Beauty of Simplicity
The older that I become the more I notice the simple pleasures of life.
Two occurrences struck me, or perhaps even three, with their delightful immediacy and, two of the three…with a pleasant surprise.
My friend and former Stewardship Committee member, Rob Jensen, delivered a lovely and humorous sermon. His research into what it means to follow the scripture’s admonition, ‘ to keep the sabbath holy,’ reminisced regarding the accepted practice, not so many years ago, of keeping Sunday as a day of rest and reflection and devoid of most if not all manual labor…including cutting your grass.
He went on to remind us that, at one time most retail establishments were closed on Sunday.
As I was listening to Rob talk, I thought that I could not think of anywhere that I would rather be than right where I was.
As we were exiting the sanctuary and visiting with our fellow congregants, my friend Wendi asked me if I had received her email and I replied that I had not. She asked me to wait on her as she wanted to ask me something.
Wendi wanted to know if I would be willing to provide the Pulpit Supply for one Sunday morning? Now, the terminology Pulpit Supply means to deliver the sermon. I not only was surprised to be asked but humbly honored.
My primary desire, for about the first ten years of my christian life was to become a minister. Actually, I was involved in preaching or assisting in 20 or more funerals and probably delivered 100 or more, sermonette’s, in the church that I attended. I was considered clergy for our denomination and often visited the sick in their homes and when they were in the hospital.
This was over 30 years ago…and my answer will probably be no to my friend…but it was a nice surprise, for this old chap, to be asked.
Jonathon and I traveled to Marion, Illinois to experience the, Hard Copies, record store. It is several times larger than the store that we have in Carbondale.
What do you think that I found…Good Times…which is the soundtrack to Sonny and Cher’s movie.
Good Times…was the first vinyl LP that I purchased after I received a stereo record player for my eighth grade graduation. I thought that Cher was beautiful and that she could sing good…too.
I am becoming increasingly convinced that simplicity is the key to a happy life.
I have had the opportunity to travel to Europe on several occasions. But, when I visited there I did not find the elixir to happiness. People and places or locations…do not have the key to contentment…it comes from within.
My good friend, Elizabeth, sent me a video of our mutual friend, Brad Dillard, receiving the Lindell Sturgis award from the Board of Trustees for Southern Illinois University.
I can not think of a person who deserves this award more than Brad. His herculean efforts for the community and the Southern Illinois region are outstanding and I am so pleased to see him receive this well deserved honor.
Does Time Go Faster In Space?
‘So depending on our position and speed, time can appear to move faster or slower to us relative to others in a different part of space-time. And for astronauts on the international Space Station, that means they get to age just a tiny bit slower than people on Earth. That’s because of time-dilatation effects.’ Google
‘Time feels like one of the only constants in life-it passes day after day at the same pace.’
‘Then Einstein had to go and ruin that for us.’
‘We’ve all heard the phrase that ‘time is relative,’ but it can be difficult to wrap the mind around what that actually means.’
‘The phrase came from Einstein’s Theory of Relativity that joined space and time and created the idea of a fabric that permeates the whole universe: ‘space-time.’
‘We all measure our experience in space-time differently. That’s because space-time isn’t flat-it’s curved and it can be warped by matter and energy.’
‘So depending on our position and speed, time can appear to move faster or slower to us relative to others in a different part of space-time. And for Astronauts on the International Space Station, that means they get to age just a tiny bit slower than people on Earth.’ Business Insider
What is time and why are we so governed by it?
Einstein postulated that time was the fourth dimension and the travel in this dimension was theoretically possible.
Indeed, the imagination of the human beings have been captivated by the idea of traveling through time.
From the H.G. Wells story, The Time Machine, to the Back to the Future, Marty McFly Time adventures, we have an innate feeling and burning desire to visit the past or the future.
‘Philosophers have discussed the nature of time since at least the time of ancient Greece; for example, Parmenides presented the view that time is an illusion. Centuries later, Newton supported the idea of absolute time, while his contemporary Leibniz maintained that time is only a relation between events and it cannot be expressed independently. The latter approach eventually gave rise to the spacetime of relativity.’ Wikipedia
And, so, how would you feel if you could travel back in time and prevent the Kennedy Assassination?
What if you could talk with yourself as a child and give some pointers, regarding life, the mini-you?
How would it feel to see your mom and dad as their younger and vivacious and virile selves?
Would your understanding be enhanced by visiting the Second World War or the Feeding of the Five Thousand or to be able to push Martin Luther King to the floor of the Lorraine Hotel Balcony in Memphis…before the fatal shot?
Does God look at the film of our lives as if it was rolled out and each frame is visible?
Does he relate to the baby, that we were, as much as the old man or woman…that we have become?
When you think of the Earth…and all that is contained therein…and the fact that everything that we see and touch and smell and hear…ultimately dissolves into entropy…what is the constant…what is the construct that our world and our place in it and our planet and it’s universe and the totality of the millions of universes that astronomers are currently aware of?
Time travel was once in the realm of the Outer Limits and the Twilight Zone…the Science Fiction worlds of Philip K. Dick and Veronica Guerin and Issac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke…but in the future…may be science fact?
Albert Einstein created the Theory of Relativity through the power of thought…let us all…think!
It Is June 1…Do You Know Where Your Year Has Gone?
In 30 days we will be at the half way mark for 2018.
Nearly seven and one half years ago I retired from Southern Illinois University.
It seems like yesterday.
In 1978, when I began my career at SIU, I did not think that I possibly would be employed long enough to retire. In those days you could, elect, to not participate in the State Universities Retirement System for up to three years…and I stayed out the full three…and felt good about it.
Towards the conclusion of my career I purchased those three years…at many times more than their original cost.
Having the blessing of some age I can attest that many of the, what seem to be insurmountable, worries that you have at 20 years old…are a dim image in your rearview mirror at 30 years old.
Also, I can humbly say, do not be in a hurry.
As I was speaking with my friendly bank teller, this morning, I asked her how she was doing, to which she replied that she was doing great and that it seemed that everyone was in a good mood today.
At times it is difficult to see the forest for the trees.
Or the sun peeking through the clouds.
Look for the rainbow!
Life is a bumpy and joyful and hilly and curvy and exhilarating ride…that is best enjoyed in the company of others.
When we are at the top of the rollercoaster and preparing to plummet to the bottom along with several ninety degree turns and, perhaps an upside down surprise…we feel like it will not end soon enough.
But, at the conclusion of the ride we say…’oh I would like to ride again!’
Have you ever looked into the innocent eyes of a baby? You can see the wonder and the fascination and the energy to begin the ‘ride of life!’
I think that when we pass from this life…we will discover that we were all babies…in God’s eyes…and that the ride…has just begun.
The Test
A Brooks’ Tale
Another rainy morning.
Abraham wondered if the coffee was made? He just did not feel right until he had his morning cup of coffee.
To his great delight, Sarah had made the coffee before she had gone to work. He preferred the exotic coffee blends…but Maxwell House would have to do this morning.
As he sat on the porch he wondered what Isaac and Ishmael were doing?
Isaac was the CEO of Apple and had become a success beyond Abraham’s wildest dreams for him.
Ishmael was more a man of introspection and philosophical underpinnings.
Ishmael, was Isaac’s half brother. They had different mothers.
Ishmael’s mom was, Hagar, and had been Sarah’s best friend…until her and Abraham’s trial separation. During that sad time, Abraham began living with Hagar and from that relationship…Ishmael was born.
Abe texted Sarah, to remind her to pick up some Hanukkah candles as tonight was the first night of the celebration.
Isaac had promised to be in attendance, this evening, unless the merger meeting went longer than expected.
Apple was preparing to merge with Time Warner Inc….and the union would produce a company that he liked to refer to as the Behemoth.
Often, Abe told his son Issac that he was touched by G-d and that nothing could harm him nor stand in his way.
Issac was talented. He had begun his employment with Apple…in the mail room and had risen to the CEO of the company.
His personality was magnetic…he drew people to him…people wanted what he had.
Issac, although he was fabulously wealthy and successful, continued to have Opportunity Meetings with the middle class and the poor. This was actually one of the most enjoyable endeavors that he engaged in.
He was thrilled to see the excitement in the eyes of those in attendance at the meetings. I, the narrator, having attended one of these meetings was amazed at not only the connection that Isaac made with the hungry audience but also his care and concern for each of them, individually, and their grateful response to that care.
Isaac could, if you followed his plan for success, transform you from a person in debt and struggling to make ends meet…to a financially successful individual in a matter of a few years.
There really is a compelling draw to the combination of faith and the power of positive thinking…and the results are either fantastic or demoralizing.
Now, Ishmael prayed seven times per day as he faced Meca.
He loved literature and theatre and the arts.
Ishmael loved the friendship and fellowship of all that he encountered.
He worked as a suicide counselor for the local social services institution.
Ishmael was accustomed to being considered less than Isaac.
He understood that he was born to a mother out of wedlock and he loved her and his father very much.
Ishmael sought the joys of living in his books and his faith and nature.
He felt such a reward…and such a high…each time that he convinced a person that called him or that came to see him…that they must not commit suicide. That life had so much to offer them… and the richness and the beauty and the joy and the wonder of life…was to be savored and enjoyed until the last moment of natural life.
Ishmael lived in a small apartment. He purchased his groceries at the local green grocer. He attended off Broadway theatre…that he could afford.
His brother, often asked him, what he was going to do with his life…to which he responded…that he was doing it.
Ishmael was often reviled due to his low economic standing and his focus on poetry and literature and painting and writing, for no money, and service to his fellow man.
Sarah…tolerated Ishmael…but just barely…as every-time that she laid eyes upon him…she was reminded of the separation between her and Abe…and the pain and fear and suffering that she had endured during that cold season. She recalled the suffering that they had endured for their faith…and the persecution and the pain and the separation and the death.
Sarah, took great pride in the financial success of Isaac and conversely she felt that Ishmael had obtained exactly what he deserved…a poor and meager lifestyle devoid of human comfort and the blessings of financial security.
Now, Ishmael worked in the local food Co-Op…and he was the, primary, bread slicer.
Often, Abe told Sarah, that they needed to financially help Ishmael more…
Sarah replied that if he had the moxie and the fortitude that Isaac had exhibited…then he would have not problem taking care of himself.
Abe texted Sarah, again, and told her to not forget the lochs and bagels and the gefilte fish.
He also mentioned that he had just heard from Ishmael and that he was coming along with his family.
Suddenly, Abe awakens…as Sarah called him to dinner. He thought that he must have dozed off watching the baseball game.
He sleepily watched Isaac and Izzy play on the living room floor…and he thought…changes have to be made.
‘SIU Board of Trustees Votes to Oppose Split of University System’
I watched, with great interest, the Daily Egyptian livestream, of the Southern Illinois University, special meeting of the Board of Trustees.
I was very pleased to see their vote to oppose the split of the University System.
I noted that University President Randy Dunn said that he was for the SIU System continuing…before the Trustees vote.
If we are going to be, truth tellers, in our love for SIUC and in the same breath say that we want the System intact…we must seek the fair and and equitable distribution of state funds to each of our beloved campuses.
First, a someone or someones must determine what the unbiased distribution of funds should be.
Second, to take from one campus and give to another after budgets have been set…is a fools errand.
Third, and most importantly, collaboration must be sought and fostered by all levels of university leadership to ensure that our university system can, indeed, function as a system is intended to.
‘And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.’ I Corinthians 12:21 KJV
Hateful words and hurtful speech…will never solve SIU’s debates. In fact we have engaged in a circular firing squad…for much to long.
Our leadership, and our conduct, should be sober and clear eyed and systematic and fruitful.
We seek an institution of higher learning that attracts students from all walks of life.
A University that compels students to enter our great halls of learning…where the entire focus is on them.
I discovered as a manager for over 25 years…when I put people first…everything else fell into place.
There is a lot of hard feelings surrounding the recent system split and funding controversy…and it represents the same type of ‘inner slug-fest’ that has caused our enrollment to decrease and our morale to be deflated and our dreams of what SIUC can be…darkened.
I have been witnessing battles between the office of the president and the office of the chancellor…for 40 years.
Anthony Hall did not want Stone Center to know what they were doing and conversely…the president’s house did not want to share with the chancellor’s dwelling.
In years gone by…we had a little wiggle room…a little room for error.
Now…hidden agendas and personality conflicts…are a death knell!
As Winston Churchill said, so eloquently, ‘We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.’ Brainy Quote
Love’s Light
Please enjoy a great Blog from my son, Jonathon.
The word “hate” is a strong word. It saddens me to think of how often it’s tossed around like a football in a sports game. To live life fully is more like a battle than a game. When I first began a sincere study of my New Testament Bible as a teenage boy I was haunted by Jesus’ use of the word “hate” in the gospel of John chapter 3. Christ said in this passage, “This is the verdict. Light has come into the world. But men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. Whoever practices evil hates the light and refuses to come into the light out of fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes to the light that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been done through God.”
Light overcomes darkness. Love overcomes…
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Roseanne
‘ABC cancels ‘Roseanne” after star’s racist Twitter rant.’ CNN media
‘Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show.’ ABC Channing Dungey said in a statement. CNN media
The racist tweet, regarding,Valerie Jarrett, a former top aide to President Obama, ‘Muslim brother hood and planet of the apes had a baby=vj.’
The rebooted Roseanne show opened to over 18 million viewers and was praised by President Trump, who said, that the show was, ‘a show about us.’
Ms. Barr plays a Trump supporter on the cancelled show and, indeed, is one in real life.
It is encouraging to see ABC cancel the Roseanne show after her vile and caustic prejudicial remarks. However, she has had a lengthy history of prejudicial and biased remarks.
What is most saddening is the racist free-for-all that is currently transpiring in our country.
Our President’s, past comments, regarding the Charlotesville Nazi protestors as, ‘good people,’ and his describing African Nations as, ‘shithole countries,’ or his contention that, ‘all Haitians have AIDS,’ or that NFL players who choose to kneel, during the National Anthem, ‘perhaps do not belong in this country.’
The President began his campaign by contending that the Mexicans who wanted to come to America…were rapist.
Many…who are already of a prejudice and racist proclivity have been emboldened by the Trump’s remarks and our country has taken several steps…backwards.
The emotion of empathy…is a valuable component of our human character.
Consider for a moment that…you…are being labeled and described in the most hateful and mean and evil terms?
Now, you are just going about living your life and perhaps you are shopping in a department store…and a store employee follows you for the entire time that you are there.
Maybe you stop in the local Starbucks and are waiting for someone…but while you are ‘waiting while black’ the manager of the coffee establishment calls the police on you.
You may be in a university commons room and ‘dozing while black’ when a fellow white student decides that they do not like that you are sleeping and calls the police on you.
Roseanne did not get 18 millions viewers by magic and President Trump obtained enough electoral votes to win the presidency.
God help us if we do not get a grasp on our ‘original sin’ of racism.
Photo by lalesh aldarwish on Pexels.com
I have witnessed, on many occasions, the discomfort and the stares and the whispers, when a person of color is present in a predominately white christian event. Rather than being made to feel welcomed and comfortable and a member of the group…they, often, are left on the sidelines and quietly stared at and the sorrow of the African American…is palpable.
We are witnessing the fall of our beloved nation if we do not address the cancer that is eating us alive.
If we are closet bigots…we are Roseanne.
If we enjoy and rejoice in the oppression of those who do not look like us…we are Trump.
If we cheer the racist tweets of our leaders and celebrities and feel that this is making America great again…we…white people…are next.
When we categorize races or paint them with the broad brush of demeaning and racist statements…we are beholding our reflection in the mirror…and all the vileness that we see looking back at us!
Let me know how it feels to be stopped for ‘driving while being white?’
‘His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.’ Reveletatons 1: 14-15 KJV
Memorial Day
‘Memorial Day or Decoration Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces…Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in the military services.’ Wikipedia
My father was a World War II Veteran. His service was in the Pacific Theatre.
The sacrifice of or veterans, to ensure our safety and domestic tranquility, is a sacrifice like no other and, often, the ultimate sacrifice.
I have heard the contrast of life in service to our country…and in conflict and war…being as if you were in a different world than the people that are back home…and that you are fighting for.
The courageous veterans that have fought and died for our country…are illustrative of our, beautiful Melting Pot of peoples that have made the United States their home.
The tombstones are silent reminders of those whose young lives were cut short.
All races and creeds and colors and faiths…have fought and died for our beloved flag. We love what it stands for and we are constantly working to achieve and attain its promise!
‘In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crossed, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.’
‘We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.’
‘Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, thought poppies grow
In Flanders fields.’
In Flanders Fields By John McCrae
Who Is Controling You?
‘You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls.’
‘But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
It may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody’ Bob Dylan
Have you ever noticed the people in your life that want to have either some or total control of your actions?
The workplace has inherent in its structure…the control of the employees that are being paid by the organization. This control, may include, institution and departmental rules and even a dress code. Often your employer may also be governed by state and federal laws that apply to your work product.
The above paragraph sounds a bit like a 1950’s Industrial Manual.
However, the rules and regulations of the shop do not extend to freedom of speech and thought. These are Constitutionally protected rights.
I have observed supervisors and managers and administrators who regarded their employees similarly to chess pieces on a chessboard. They moved them, at will, to facilitate their own personal gain…with little regard for the employee’s welfare and the good of the organization.
There is another type of control of another that is more insidious and difficult, at first, to detect.
Often, passive/aggressive persons will seek to control another through carefully worded questions and suggestions and statements that are designed with a hidden agenda in mind.
Many religious people are adept at endeavoring to control their friends and family and fellow congregants through reminding them what the Bible says…according to their private interpretation.
It is a healthy and productive exercise to examine, periodically, why you are doing the things that you do and saying the things that you say and, subsequently, feeling miserable in many of these human actions.
Many successful salesmen and women understand how to frame a paradigm to fit the item that they are selling.
Media and marketing are experts in causing us to want what they are selling. Often after you purchase the, cleverly packaged item, you wonder what you were thinking when you made the purchase.
The term, fake news, is now an ensconced member of our lexicon.
I have observed many relationships where one of the partners was searching for a clone of themselves and thus immediately set out to transform their partner into their image.
A narcissistic personality…responds to only one image…
‘Might be a rock’n roll addict prancing on the stage
Might have money and drugs at your commands, women in a cage
You may be a businessman or some high degree thief
They may call you Doctor or they may call you Chief.’
‘You may be a state trooper, you might be an young turk
You may be the head of some big TV Network
You may be rich or poor, you may be blind or lame
You may be living in another country under another name.’
‘You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side
You may be working in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair
You may be somebody’s mistress, may be somebody’s heir’
‘Might like to wear cotton, might like to wear silk
Might like to drink whiskey, might like to drink milk
You might like to eat caviar, you might like to eat bread
You may be sleeping on the floor, sleeping in a king-sized bed.’
‘You’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You’re gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.’ Bob Dylan
