My book club has chosen to read Nelson Mandela's memoir Long Walk to Freedom for its next discussion. Since I am generally a fan of memoirs as a genre, I am enjoying the walk with Mandela. I have reached the point in his story where he has returned to his hometown as a young man now in law school, having completed his B.A. degree. He makes the statement as he leaves home once again for the city, "I have crossed famous rivers." Essentially, it means that once one has traveled to various places afar, he or she gains wisdom and knowledge.
As I consider my own walk in comparison to Mandela's, I realize that we were both born into segregated societies; his was South Africa, and mine was the Mississippi Delta. As a child in poverty and as I completed high school, I had little hope that I would accomplish anything in my life other than perhaps working as a secretary and in the future buying a Jim Walters pre-fab, two-bedroom house. My dreams were simple. After all, my high school was literally located in the middle of a cotton patch.
Through the years, however, like Mandela I began to enlarge my view of the world and its possibilities. As with Mandela, I learned early that the hope of a better life was through education. I pursued that goal diligently for twenty-four years (kindergarten through a doctoral program). Like Mandela, as the years went on, I have crossed famous rivers. The first was likely the Mississippi River on my way after my high school graduation to live in Wichita. When my mother moved to Seattle, I loved taking the boat across Puget Sound into Victoria, B.C., and later up the Inside Passage toward Alaska. My first international trip included a boat ride on the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam and one in Kiev, Ukraine, on the Dnieper River. Later I cruised to a renowned zoo across Sydney Harbour in Australia. A final trip five years ago included day cruises on the Rhine in Germany and the Seine in Paris. I am sure there must be others I have forgotten.
The point is that, like Mandela, I have learned much about different cultures through my travel experiences and thereby hope I too have become wiser and more knowledgeable about the world in general. Like the bildungsroman in literature, one cannot return home after crossing famous rivers without being, fully changed.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Rich Treasures for 2010
On New Year's Day as I read from my familiar devotional book, Our Daily Bread, I was challenged by the author of the short piece to seek small treasures every day. The treasures, of course, did not have to be material in nature; they would be the small nuggets rather from life's daily walk in 2010. I have always liked "listing" poems since they are simply a series of rather concrete visual images. Therefore, I have chosen to use these for my blog this morning in the form of a free-verse poem.
Quietly Joyful Moments in January
In nature –
Taking a forty minute walk in the newly-fallen three inches of snow,
And seeing the heavily-laden branches of the holly bushes with peeps of
scarlet underneath.
Being struck by the loveliness of the fog-frosted trees atop the Boston
Mountains.
Discovering the North Shore of the Arkansas River, Cook’s Landing Park,
And watching the Canadian geese literally “walk on water.”
Having the North Wind at my back on the second half of a three-mile walk, and appreciating once more that familiar Irish blessing.
Seeing a glimpse of sunlight on the east side of Pinnacle Mountain
on a densely cloudy morning.
Celebrating the return of the birds, especially the robins and cardinals,
that twitter and jump joyously before me on the paved path.
From literature –
Quoting from 2 Timothy 2:6, “The hardworking farmer must partake
first of the crops.”
Hearing the author of Handling Sin, Michael Malone, “My sense of
writing comes from listening.”
Finding a Freudian quote, “We must love or we grow ill.”
From family –
Talking on the telephone New Year’s Day to our Seattle “precious
treasure,” four-year-old grandson Cole.
Watching our eleven-year-old granddaughter, Caitlyn, make a
cherry coffee cake after attending a cooking class.
Watching our six-year-old grandson, Charlie, make his first goal ever
at a basketball game.
Loving the quietly joyful moments of reading together with my
husband of forty-five years on a frigid winter’s day.
Quietly Joyful Moments in January
In nature –
Taking a forty minute walk in the newly-fallen three inches of snow,
And seeing the heavily-laden branches of the holly bushes with peeps of
scarlet underneath.
Being struck by the loveliness of the fog-frosted trees atop the Boston
Mountains.
Discovering the North Shore of the Arkansas River, Cook’s Landing Park,
And watching the Canadian geese literally “walk on water.”
Having the North Wind at my back on the second half of a three-mile walk, and appreciating once more that familiar Irish blessing.
Seeing a glimpse of sunlight on the east side of Pinnacle Mountain
on a densely cloudy morning.
Celebrating the return of the birds, especially the robins and cardinals,
that twitter and jump joyously before me on the paved path.
From literature –
Quoting from 2 Timothy 2:6, “The hardworking farmer must partake
first of the crops.”
Hearing the author of Handling Sin, Michael Malone, “My sense of
writing comes from listening.”
Finding a Freudian quote, “We must love or we grow ill.”
From family –
Talking on the telephone New Year’s Day to our Seattle “precious
treasure,” four-year-old grandson Cole.
Watching our eleven-year-old granddaughter, Caitlyn, make a
cherry coffee cake after attending a cooking class.
Watching our six-year-old grandson, Charlie, make his first goal ever
at a basketball game.
Loving the quietly joyful moments of reading together with my
husband of forty-five years on a frigid winter’s day.
Friday, January 8, 2010
The Evolution of "Isolated Incidents"
As the New Year begins, I search the Internet for the best airline prices for a planned summer trip to Seattle. It is, after all, my husband's 70th birthday that we will be celebrating with our children and grandchildren. My older grandson, Charlie, has not flown before, and I long for him to have a positive experience, yet--since the attempted bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253 on Christmas Day--I am not sure it will be.
The Administration has gone from describing this incident, as well as several other terrorist incidents before this one, as "isolated" to "war against Al-Qaeda." The other incidents in recent months that were described as "isolated incidents" include the shooting here in our city of Little Rock at a military recruiting station, killing one and wounding one; the shooting at Ft. Hood of a number of military soldiers; the killing of seven CIA agents by a triple agent; and the invasion of a presidential state dinner by three uninvited guests.
The evolution in terminology has most likely been a response to Americans' criticizing an initial lukewarm reaction to these incidents by the administration. After all, Michael Leiter, the Head of the nation's Counter Terrorism program, took his son on a skiing trip the day after the event. Janet Napolitano, Head of Homeland Security, announced on the Sunday programs that the airline "system worked." The next day the President refuted that assessment after an enraged outcry from Americans over her comment.
Yes, it is true that after such incidents Americans are then required to add ever more roadblocks into checking in at airports for their flights. After Richard Reid attempted to bring down an airplane by lighting explosives in his shoes, Americans were required to remove their shoes while checking in. The bringing on of liquids was also forbidden. We are already hearing about what is next: full body scans that leave one no personal privacy at all. Will we also have to remove our underpants and put them in a basket for scanning?
The Administration has gone from describing this incident, as well as several other terrorist incidents before this one, as "isolated" to "war against Al-Qaeda." The other incidents in recent months that were described as "isolated incidents" include the shooting here in our city of Little Rock at a military recruiting station, killing one and wounding one; the shooting at Ft. Hood of a number of military soldiers; the killing of seven CIA agents by a triple agent; and the invasion of a presidential state dinner by three uninvited guests.
The evolution in terminology has most likely been a response to Americans' criticizing an initial lukewarm reaction to these incidents by the administration. After all, Michael Leiter, the Head of the nation's Counter Terrorism program, took his son on a skiing trip the day after the event. Janet Napolitano, Head of Homeland Security, announced on the Sunday programs that the airline "system worked." The next day the President refuted that assessment after an enraged outcry from Americans over her comment.
Yes, it is true that after such incidents Americans are then required to add ever more roadblocks into checking in at airports for their flights. After Richard Reid attempted to bring down an airplane by lighting explosives in his shoes, Americans were required to remove their shoes while checking in. The bringing on of liquids was also forbidden. We are already hearing about what is next: full body scans that leave one no personal privacy at all. Will we also have to remove our underpants and put them in a basket for scanning?
Saturday, December 19, 2009
The Tragedy of Hannah Grace
She was a beautiful New Year's Day baby born in 2008. Her parents named her Hannah Grace, reflecting both a biblical name and God's love. In December of this year, Hannah Grace and her father were found dead in a burned out truck along a road in Sweet Home, Arkansas. What had happened to this child between her birth and her almost two short years of life?
As the investigation into these homicides begins, the back story of Hannah Grace begins sadly to emerge. Evidently, she was placed in protective custody a while back because Hannah's mother allegedly burned her with a cigarette. Pictures from her time in a foster parents' home reveal a seemingly happy, beautiful, and smiling child. Unfortunately, a new social worker was assigned to the case. Hannah was placed back into custody with her father.
Who knows the circumstances that Hannah had to deal with on an everyday basis? What should have been a carefree, happy time for her--playing with her dolls, stuffed animals, and toys could, and probably was, a nightmare. Before she even got a voice, her voice was snuffed out in flames. We can only hope that her death was quick since authorities are not releasing the exact cause of death yet.
Unfortunately, more and more of our nation's children are being abused, neglected, and killed every day. In 2010 on New Year's Day, there will be no birthday celebration for Hannah Grace. What a tragedy . . . .
As the investigation into these homicides begins, the back story of Hannah Grace begins sadly to emerge. Evidently, she was placed in protective custody a while back because Hannah's mother allegedly burned her with a cigarette. Pictures from her time in a foster parents' home reveal a seemingly happy, beautiful, and smiling child. Unfortunately, a new social worker was assigned to the case. Hannah was placed back into custody with her father.
Who knows the circumstances that Hannah had to deal with on an everyday basis? What should have been a carefree, happy time for her--playing with her dolls, stuffed animals, and toys could, and probably was, a nightmare. Before she even got a voice, her voice was snuffed out in flames. We can only hope that her death was quick since authorities are not releasing the exact cause of death yet.
Unfortunately, more and more of our nation's children are being abused, neglected, and killed every day. In 2010 on New Year's Day, there will be no birthday celebration for Hannah Grace. What a tragedy . . . .
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A Christmas Poem
The most famous poem of all times regarding the Wise Men is that of T. S. Elliot's "The Journey of the Magi." Its beauty and hidden meanings are unsurpassed in my opinion. Yet this year I feel I must offer my interpretation also of this key event. I believe that all of us are on a similar journey in life. We start life in the East symbolically with our births and travel toward the West as our lives progress. We seek the answers constantly to life's big cosmic questions, "Why are we here? What is our purpose?" For those of us who are Christians, we realize the answers were there all along: at the crib of Christ:
A Prophet, A Star, and A Person
Trudging wearily through the snow during winter solstice,
The men keep their arms wrapped tightly, close to their bodies,
Under their woolen garments, clutching their gifts,
And asking themselves often, “Could the prophet’s words be true?”
Embarking from the East, and many miles from the warm comfort of home,
They are following a dream, a dream to discover the Messiah.
Prophet Amos, hundreds of years ago, had pledged, “For out of you (Judah) shall come a ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.”
Guiding them faithfully, the star moves ever so steadily before them,
Twinkling silently at long last over a young Child in the little town of Bethlehem.
Rejoicing with exceedingly great joy, they enter the house to see the Child with Mary, his Mother.
Falling down before the Person in the tiny crib, they worship Him,
Opening their pouches to reveal gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Departing soon thereafter from Bethlehem, they return home a different Way, giving King Herod no chance to harm the newborn Savior.
Following the same path as the Magi, we followers today at Christmas
Trudge slowly through the circumstances of our lives seeking also
A Word, A Sign, and A Savior.
As we move into His presence at this sacred season,
We humble ourselves, fall at His feet, and worship Him.
We present Him the gifts of ourselves: time, treasure, and talent.
A Prophet, A Star, and A Person
Trudging wearily through the snow during winter solstice,
The men keep their arms wrapped tightly, close to their bodies,
Under their woolen garments, clutching their gifts,
And asking themselves often, “Could the prophet’s words be true?”
Embarking from the East, and many miles from the warm comfort of home,
They are following a dream, a dream to discover the Messiah.
Prophet Amos, hundreds of years ago, had pledged, “For out of you (Judah) shall come a ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.”
Guiding them faithfully, the star moves ever so steadily before them,
Twinkling silently at long last over a young Child in the little town of Bethlehem.
Rejoicing with exceedingly great joy, they enter the house to see the Child with Mary, his Mother.
Falling down before the Person in the tiny crib, they worship Him,
Opening their pouches to reveal gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Departing soon thereafter from Bethlehem, they return home a different Way, giving King Herod no chance to harm the newborn Savior.
Following the same path as the Magi, we followers today at Christmas
Trudge slowly through the circumstances of our lives seeking also
A Word, A Sign, and A Savior.
As we move into His presence at this sacred season,
We humble ourselves, fall at His feet, and worship Him.
We present Him the gifts of ourselves: time, treasure, and talent.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Modern Day Jobs
The continuing problem of a jobless economic recovery in America is plaguing us. One of the differences between this recession and several others that I have lived through in my sixty-five years is that many of the unemployed have done everything right in their lives up to this point. In the past many being counted in the job lines were not educated beyond high school. As I matured, however, I was virtually assured as I rose from my underclass background that a good education would be a panacea of protection from unemployment. Today that assurance has failed us.
Just as Job in the Old Testament had done nothing wrong and yet a series of catastrophes befell him, many in the U. S. are also reporting similar problems. A few examples will suffice from my family. Our daughter, who had worked tirelessly for ten years for Microsoft with a master's degree from the University of Southern California was downsized in March of this year, our niece who has a bachelor's degree from Wichita State University in Psychology was downsized, and my brother-in-law who had worked for Boeing Aircraft Company for over twenty years was downsized a few years before retirement. The list goes on and on.
Downsizing obviously has a top down effect because house payments can no longer be made, houses generally cannot be sold due to the flood of them on the market already, and foreclosures seem imminent. Yes, unemployment does put food on the table and keeps the new rental apartments heated, but it cannot be stretched enough to buy health insurance at spiraling rates and clothes for growing children.
We as Americans are caught up in a downward cycle. Where are the thinkers who can provide answers for us? We need jobs, and we need to develop an economy not based primarily on consumer spending. It is not our choice as families to be modern day jobs.
Just as Job in the Old Testament had done nothing wrong and yet a series of catastrophes befell him, many in the U. S. are also reporting similar problems. A few examples will suffice from my family. Our daughter, who had worked tirelessly for ten years for Microsoft with a master's degree from the University of Southern California was downsized in March of this year, our niece who has a bachelor's degree from Wichita State University in Psychology was downsized, and my brother-in-law who had worked for Boeing Aircraft Company for over twenty years was downsized a few years before retirement. The list goes on and on.
Downsizing obviously has a top down effect because house payments can no longer be made, houses generally cannot be sold due to the flood of them on the market already, and foreclosures seem imminent. Yes, unemployment does put food on the table and keeps the new rental apartments heated, but it cannot be stretched enough to buy health insurance at spiraling rates and clothes for growing children.
We as Americans are caught up in a downward cycle. Where are the thinkers who can provide answers for us? We need jobs, and we need to develop an economy not based primarily on consumer spending. It is not our choice as families to be modern day jobs.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Advent--Of Secularism and Skepticism
My husband and I drove through a monsoon of rain yesterday morning in order to attend the first Christmas program ever for the lower school at Episcopal Collegiate School where our grandchildren attend. We settled into our seats, anxiously awaiting the appearance of our kindergartner who in past programs as a preschooler would sometimes look anxious or perhaps not sing with his classmates. This year his confidence had grown, and he marched onto the stage smiling while dressed as one of the cattle surrounding Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. His granddad and I were proud. Our granddaughter, on the other hand, has always been vivacious and out-going, trying out for any possible part, always yearning we think for the part of Mary but never receiving it. In this program, since she was in the oldest grade represented--fifth, she had several speaking roles as narrator and as an angel. Again, we were proud.
I think back, however, to a recent class I attended at church to celebrate the beginning of the Advent season. I was looking forward to hearing the story of Christ's coming and subsequent birth from an adult point of view. After all, isn't this why we attend church? We want to be reminded why we are believers. In the lesson the story of Mary's annunciation was treated as pure myth and legend with statements like, "Fairy dust was sprinkled, and poof, you're pregnant." The idea of the census during the time of King Herod, the arrival of the wise men, and all elements of the traditional story were systematically debunked.
Yes, I know that theologians who are liberal disagree over the historical evidence of Christ's birth, and even the idea that baby Jesus was the Christ child from the time of His birth. Some prefer to believe that God adopted Jesus at the point of his baptism when the dove flew into the sky. Conservative theologians believe in the birth of Jesus as written since they believe the Bible must be read as a literal and historical text. Since I come from years of teaching in a conservative church, I cannot surrender my belief in the latter interpretation. I believe one can find ample evidence from the scholars to support a literal interpretation if they leave their skepticism at the door of the stable.
Yes, the Enlightenment did much to persuade the educated of the day that religion was simply for the masses who were not capable of seeing, touching, and knowing the truth. Logic overtook belief with questions raised like, "Now, did you ever know anyone who was impregnated by a spirit?" As for me though, I--like Virginia--still choose to believe in tradition and truth as written in our authority, the Bible.
I think back, however, to a recent class I attended at church to celebrate the beginning of the Advent season. I was looking forward to hearing the story of Christ's coming and subsequent birth from an adult point of view. After all, isn't this why we attend church? We want to be reminded why we are believers. In the lesson the story of Mary's annunciation was treated as pure myth and legend with statements like, "Fairy dust was sprinkled, and poof, you're pregnant." The idea of the census during the time of King Herod, the arrival of the wise men, and all elements of the traditional story were systematically debunked.
Yes, I know that theologians who are liberal disagree over the historical evidence of Christ's birth, and even the idea that baby Jesus was the Christ child from the time of His birth. Some prefer to believe that God adopted Jesus at the point of his baptism when the dove flew into the sky. Conservative theologians believe in the birth of Jesus as written since they believe the Bible must be read as a literal and historical text. Since I come from years of teaching in a conservative church, I cannot surrender my belief in the latter interpretation. I believe one can find ample evidence from the scholars to support a literal interpretation if they leave their skepticism at the door of the stable.
Yes, the Enlightenment did much to persuade the educated of the day that religion was simply for the masses who were not capable of seeing, touching, and knowing the truth. Logic overtook belief with questions raised like, "Now, did you ever know anyone who was impregnated by a spirit?" As for me though, I--like Virginia--still choose to believe in tradition and truth as written in our authority, the Bible.
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