Monthly Archives: May 2016

We have a program called “Defend Dignity” in our denominational circles.  The idea is to stand up for those who are oppressed, particularly those who are involved in the sex trade and being trafficked.

I’ve often wondered why the word “Dignity” is chosen.

As I read the dictionary definitions the idea seems to be centered around worth and respect.  Some commentaries on the idea focus on dignity being given to us upon our birth.  Others figure that dignity is earned.

Who gives dignity?

• God? 
• Yourself? 
• Others?
• All of the above?

When is dignity conferred?

• At birth? 
• Before birth? 
• Upon earning respect? 
• At death? 
• All of the above?

How do we strip others of their dignity?

• Does providing abortion assault the dignity of the unborn? 
• Does providing assisted death assault the dignity of the one suffering? 
• Does bribery assault the dignity of the one paying the bribe? 
• Does bullying assault the dignity of the one being bullied?

If only words didn’t have meaning!

There has been a lot of talk about making sure you have a vision.  A vision for yourself, for your family, for your business, for your church.

The thing about visioning?  We tend to actually brainstorm and strike out in a new adventure – to explore the universe without a map or without a true sense of reality.

Now, when I was younger, I loved that type of visioning.  I am known for sitting at a table and asking young people what they want to be, affirming their gifts and pushing them towards the door of their dreams.

The older I get, the more caution I place on the color of the door.  If it is red hot, then there may be a fire brewing on the other side.  If it is ice blue, then this may end up being full of frustration.  If it is flourishing green, then the path looks rosy and inviting.

The calls come from history – from memory recalled and organized.  When we lose our memory (as David Timms says), we undermine community, cohesion and connection.  Vision without memory recall is nothing but pursuing the next great experience or the next high.

Instead, we need to honour the past.  Honour the pioneers, honour the leaders, honour the plodders, honour the artists, honour the keepers of our souls, honour those who have stitched together a past for the sake of your future.

Learn the lessons that memory teaches.  Tell the stories of the past that parallel the present.  And celebrate that we have a memory to serve us as we vision for the future.

Reading is an act of relaxation for me.  I sit down, think along with the author (like a conversation), and perhaps have a new understanding of life.

A few days ago the phrase, “humility is more important than happiness,” struck me with force.  I wasn’t pushed back in my chair, but my brain cells went ballistic.

You see, as I look around this world, I’m constantly struck by bluster and arrogance, self confidence and boasting, pride and disregard for others.  Perhaps this has been accentuated by the Presidential campaign in the United States.  Perhaps I’m just getting older and realizing how little is achieved by strutting your achievements and accomplishments.  We’ll all die in the end and our tombstone will mark our life and death.

I am particularly embarrassed by white teeth and the proclamation that happiness is all the proud are seeking.  I don’t see it!!

What I do see is people who are kind, generous, and humble living in the memories of those they care for.  I do see is children attracted to gracious grandparents who don’t presume to give advice without first recognizing that they don’t know everything.  I do see a state of union that is achieved by the poor, the needy and the unassuming. 

And here’s the thing (a warning that this is not my own thinking – but that of Sarah Lebar Hall), humility is better than happiness.  In fact, humility will make the world a better place, God a better champion of your life, and you a better person.  As Sarah says (paraphrasing Paul, the apostle):

“I’m learning to be okay with operating at diminished capacity, operating with serious limitations, because when I am at my lowest ebb, God’s work through me is at its best.  My weakness gives God a chance to show up and show off.”

Four years ago today my first wife, Jill, passed away.  I miss her on this anniversary – 35 years of marriage leads to life patterns and reminiscences that cannot and should not be erased!