[Oe List ...] Mulling over current chaos

[Del Morril]

Dear family and friends,

Have been mulling over recent events:

 

 "They will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you
will be hated by all nations because of my name." (Jesus)

This has proved to be true - Jesus and many of his followers went to their
deaths because of their beliefs.  It amazes me the tremendous sacrifice many
have been called to make as martyrs to their causes - Jesus and his
disciples, MLK, Jr. and all those who preceded him in the Civil Rights
movement, Gandhi and all those who chose to follow into the sticks and
stones of those who didn't agree in nationalizing India, and all the other
incredibly brave souls in history who held their beliefs so strongly that
they faced death daily.  They knew each day could be their last, yet moved
forward and let others follow; doing the same because they truly believed
that act would build a better world for others.  

Most of us spend our lives making the world better for us!  That certainly
includes me.  Is it any wonder that so many who think they can follow such
brave leaders give up - they get scared (understandably - I certainly would
under sustained assault), or they become convinced the cause isn't as
important as they first thought, or they get upset with a colleague who uses
the cause for their own gain, or for who knows how many other reasons.  

I may be appalled by the terrorist of our day who strap their bombs to
themselves, yet I have to admire such amazing dedication - that and the
other "kamikazes" of the world who believe in something so fully (rightly or
wrongly from our point of view) that they are willing to give up their most
precious gift - their own lives for that cause.  My daring acts have been
very sudden and brief, and may have made a difference to only one person at
any one time. I'm too much of a coward to every go any farther than that!

Today the news is filled with hatred toward America - so what else is new?
I am in awe over those who choose to take on assignments in such areas of
the world where their lives are constantly unsafe, to say the least.
Locally, I continue to be in awe of police and fire workers for the same
reason.  They don't do this for themselves, or they would find safer ways to
work.  They do this for their society's safety and betterment.

Today, I am especially grateful for this. 

 

With continued affection and friendship,

Del

 

 

 

 

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