One of the worst things you can do to a person is to diminish them.

What makes one person hold more societal value than another? Are we not all equals? Some might say that "being smart" having "the answers", "education", would put you above others but I ask why this trait would be hightened above the rest? All traits would then have to be given the same consideration from musical talent to physical. Does this then mean that excelling in some talent increases your "value"? There is more to a person than talent. We feel, we love. There is depth in every person. Does that mean character determines "value"? The problem is that it would be impossible to dissect a persons character into the millions of lables that make up a character. We can make generalizations about percentages ie. that person is generally a "good" person. But in the end all of our characters carry the sin of the fall, past down from generation to generation. We are all equally guilty.

I really hate how hierarchal our social structures can be. It doesn't make any sense. I'm not saying that authority/responsibility shouldn't exist, I'm saying that the lack of love shown to others just because they are not "up to snuff" for ones "social ranking" is unbearable to me. Arrogant snobs. They need to learn how to love.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." -1 Cor 13:13

An ant is strategically spreading her pheromone all alone on the streets.

Looking to lure, hoping to spur,
a connection of sorts,
but instead she contorts the only thing going for her;a thorax that boasts.
And the picnic that once was so full of great taste has now been rained out
leaving
her face distorted and twisted,
open hand, wristed
Nothing is left for the six legged slut.
Searching for reason amongst the treason of those she betrayed by creating the lag in a long rope of connections that have long since been
broke
with no money and far from a hill or the thrill of a hay roll with tariffs and bill,

The ant goes marching on our sad empty streets.

Work

I just finished my Propoganda write-up for work and it makes me a little sick. Point in case: a) "It's a tranquil locale, perfect for a pleasant pause from the everyday commotion." b)"Although the mill has been removed, today this charming little corner offers a quaint getaway nestled beside the winding Saugeeen River." c) "This park has a natural charm that is a must see for any...."

Rustic leisurely pleasent fresh air natural remarkable winding charm lure = SICK

The first of my writing to be put-up on display and it's all crap. Well some of it is good crap but it's fluffy none the less. *sigh* Maybe one day I'll have the guts to let myself be/do what I feel/want. And maybe someday I'll write something of importance, more than a trailhead sign.

I hate that I've written propoganda to lure touists into an area that will one day not be able to afford thier own land because the very same tourists I've drawn in will artifically prop-up the property/house evaluations and our taxes, making us the next Muskoka. Poor people and older retirees will be pushed out and the numberous people with mental health issues and addictions will not have anywhere to go.

I need to go back to school and get my child and youth worker degree or find somewhere worthwhile to volunteer myself because this sucks.

Stubbed fingers on cold windows writing me love notes

"We love you" That was what the boy wrote on the back bus window. Not a bad way to start the day. Although the addition of "I heart U" was added (once backwards and then corrected) I found it charming in that schoolboyish way. Who ever that kid was, in his blue baseball cap, he made my rush to work and the fact that I was going to be late, unimportant. He even blew me a kiss.

I hope John's not too jealous.

Charismatic Sugar High

On my way back home this morning from Georgetown I heard a report on the CBC about the Charismatic movement and it's popularity in Africa. Although old-news to me, seeing as how the Charismatic movement has been the leading movment for I don't know how long, it did get me thinking about it agian. I do like the fact that it has a strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit which is often neglected or brushed off in other traditions. I'm a strong believer that the Holy Spirit can make itself know and can work in peoples lives. (I've spoken in tounges once and could understand a person beside me who was speaking in tounges and was once overcome with profound joy - I'm as surprised as you. What the heck, I'm a Reformed type of girl.) As well, the fact that it is less imperialistic is also nice, ie. generally more accepting of its members and allows for cultural incorporation. It also allows for movement and verbal expressions of joy/worship, both wonderful ways to come before your creator.

BUT.....

Within the North American branches that I have attended or read about, as a generalization, it seems a little theatrical. Perhaps an unfair judgement but I make it none the less. Emphasis is put no longer on the worship of the spirit rather on the actualization of the Spirit. People seem to only get excited with manifestation. I also suggest it's a worship of our senses. We see this within the secular world as ad campaigns bombard us with visuals, audios, and even aromas. Not to mention the "free samples", found at any Costco or various supermarket, that even attack our taste. Our culture is drawn to anything that appeals to our senses, perhaps as a way to feel something other than the hum-drum of cultural life or as a way to escape it. The way to hook a person is to appeal to their senses and unfortunatly there is an euphoric "high" that goes along with many Charismatic services that draws people in only for that reason. Although there is temporary relief from what ever might be ailing them, the root of the problem doesn't seem to be fixed. People return to these services looking for that "high" and their goal is no longer to grow closer to God, it's to feel better.

Reflections on my Worldview

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a worldview is the shaping of the interpretation of the world or the way you see/understand your world ie. a set of values and beliefs, truths and untruths. No one is without a personal worldview, although you can see through the "lenses" of a collective group or attempet to interpret the world through another's "lense". Our worldviews shape our interpritations. What's special about the Christian Worldview is that it not only shapes our interpretations but it also allows room to incorporate our innate creational "instincts". The most important thing about the Chritian Worldview is the incorporation of the Bible and the historic story it tells. Although the climax of the story is Christ, we wouldn't understand the extent of the story if we were only to focus on Him. The point is that our worldview makes a very serious claim about history. (This is not just a fiath claim it's a historic claim) Not one point in history but the essence of world history as a whole. I think that is key. History in its entirety. That means our Worldview is living. It's a continuing story and has not just stopped with the climax of Christ. We are part of the living story (history)and that story is about the fall and redemption of creation. Christ has started the process of redemption and the Spirit has empowered us to continue in it. I'm not saying that Christians have the ability to completely renew creation right now at this point but I do think we have the ability to reform the systems/things we have created (With the aid of the Spirit of course). Creation has fallen but I believe it has only been twisted. It can be redeemed only because God created all things good and even after the fall, a part of the creator can be found in His creation.

It's within this worldview that I interpret the things around me.

Confession of a Sinner

I guillotined a butterfly with my car grill.
I found it was headless when I inspected it close.
Though lacking head, it was still quite beautiful.
(I don't think there are many things you can say that about.)
I would never have noticed
if I hadn't stopped for coffee
enroute to the parents
while it was growing dusk.

And although there was something sad/smutty about the whole thing, I'm glad that I saw/did it.

The Eastern Easter Struggle

It's really difficult to give Easter the thoughts and concerns, the acknowledgement, it deserves- I mean the whole essence of my faith revolves around the events of this season and most of the scriptures point to it. Without Easter, there is nothing left for the Christian. The key or the question that I'm faced with is how to truly demonstate the fullness of it all. How can I embody it? Because really our faith needs to be a living, growing, faith. My actions and devotion seem so diminished in light of Easter but then maybe that's where I should be. We are weak. We could never accomplish what Chrsit has done and so maybe this season humbles us and brings us to our knees in search of aid/cleansing.

As the Eastern Orthodox tradition points out, God and His purposes/tasks are too big for us to fully grasp, he is infanate, and this brings me cause to worship and stand dumb in awe. Within this tradion, Easter and the resurection are seen as the climax of our faith. (I have to agree) Really my thoughts and intellectual journeys can bring me nowhere in full within my quest of embodiment and it's my actions and devotion that will draw me more into Him. Easter should be a time to not only think upon the foundation of our faith but to make it real as well.

I guess my goal for this Easter is to show myself as a sacrifice for others and remember to remain humble in the endevour. (Along with the usual devotion and attempt at insightful thinking)

Christ is risen from the dead,
Trampling down death by death,
And upon those in the tombs
Bestowing life!

-Paschal Troparion-

6 am Wake-up Call

Canada is seen by many as a "liberal" country where equality has been established and systems have been put in place to provide for level playing fields. This naive understanding has made our population feel overly comfortable and content with thier career roles and their lot in life, allowing for injustice to creep in along with the abuse of power.
Job security today seems to be at a low, with the abundance of "convenient" contract positions (and non-union work places) that allow companies to maintain low wages and high turn over rates that reduce the number of pay raises and disallow workers to join together in common thought. The young, the elderly, the uneducated, the poor, and the injured all suffer in the hands of this "level playing field" and because the population is so lulled by the sway of our desire to advert reality, to escape from life, through entertainment and other means, we are inavertantly blind to the injustice and lack of action.



It is time to go beyond the "common" issues of the day, to come out of our waking life, and find a place within society and the workforce for everyone.

Thoughts come slowly at first....

and then they grow into something of worth.