Grace is one of the children attending the school in Kibera Slum that 100days100dollars is working with. This is her recital of a poem (unknown origin).
life oh life life —- how many ever lived and today no more but dust it doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor surely life is more than south african gold
all sons of my woman, of my woman and daughters of my womb this generation of young ducks has fallen apart days and nights boys and girls walk right left left right forward backward
alcoholic —- tell me where is your destination ——— ——— ——— ———
“Our limited perspective, our hopes and fears become our measure of life, and when circumstances don’t fit our ideas they become our difficulties.” Ben Franklin from Jill at Conversations.
Prayer for the Week from Jesus Creed by Scot McKnight
“O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”
Choosing The Kingdom
Reflect on whether your choosing of God is bringing you genuine life. If your God-choosing is not making you fundamentally more alive and vital, you may be choosing the external trappings of the Christian religion rather than the life-giving inner essence of Christian spirituality. You may be choosing a spiritual self-improvement program of the kingdom of self, but you are not choosing the genuinely life-giving program of the kingdom of God. Hear God’s call to surrender to God’s will as an invitation to a fullness of life that exceeds your wildest expectations and imaginings. The source of this call is the Source of everything that is truly alive. Settle for nothing less than this truly abundant and vital life in Christ. David Benner
When In Doubt Sometimes the circumstances of life come flooding in around you and you have to take a pause. I have plenty to say but for now – I’m recording the days and nights, the flood of thoughts for calmer seas. So when in doubt, turn to the trusted and true .. here’s the the collection of thoughts, prayers, quotes and hope from dear friends.. including this walk on the lighter side.
Liam’s 4th Birthday Party Liam was born on the 26th September 2004, while I was in the US at my first Youth Specialties NYWC convention. His birthday is always a time for remembering a ‘birth’ of my own. Meanwhile.. pirate parties are awesome. Check out the amazing pirate ship the Captain built!
What a week so far. There is plenty of fur flying in lots of directions.
Postive Intent These are words that I’ve been using regularly but Marko gave me the phrase – in regards to working through conflict and resolution, postive intention. You have to assume positive intent. My positive intent is never to use this blog as a passive-aggressive method of communication.. but nor do I want to feel bullied about it’s content either. My daily observations of life and all things inclusive are the fodder for this blog – not necessarily earthshattering ideas nor are they always right. But, they deserve a forum surely – because where else should they go or be?
So what are the rules of common decency? Even now, I’m talking about something that has happened but in the context of the broader idea – therefore does that make it safe fodder? Other, far more political situations of my daily life I have left well alone… so what is my positive intent?
To Learn and grow from a situation I cannot change.
I come down a lot I turn on the lights Making promises of peace tonight I shut the door Quick I tell my lies Before I bend my knees Oh I refuse to give or take an inch And I won’t bend or break Oh I come down a lot
I shut the door to keep you out I lean myself against this wall Do anything to keep the weight of the world From falling down, from falling down Around me
I am terrified of falling I feel myself burning I am buried with confession I can’t get the words out And I’ll fall apart if it all comes down And I am scared to be broken But you can take the fear apart And you can break me
I am swallowed up by pride I live inside myself Telling lies and it’s so cold I won’t bend or break I won’t give or take an inch
And all these promises I break They take my strength I am slowly dying I die a little every day Oh I come down a lot
I am terrified of falling I feel myself burning I am buried with confession I can’t get the words out And I’ll fall apart if it all comes down And I am scared to be broken But you can take the fear apart And you can break me
Tash McGill is a broadcaster, writer and strategist who works with people and organisations to solve problems and create transformation. She believes people are the most important thing and that stories are powerful ways of changing the world. You can find out more at tashmcgill.com or by visiting her LinkedIn profile.
