His was an evolution from that of a proud German nationalist to that of one consumed with the supremacy, totality, radicalness of Jesus' message of peace. His became an avowed pacifist, even when he choose to intricate himself in the conspiracy to kill Hitler. It is Dietrich Bonhoeffer's writings on this subject of peace and peacemaking that have called me higher to my role as a peacemaker.
Listen to their challenge:
"Jesus is their peace. Now they are not only to have peace but they are to make peace. To do this they renounce violence and strife...Jesus' disciples maintain peace by choosing to suffer instead of causing others to suffer. They preserve community when others destroy it. The renounce imperious self-assertion and are silent in the face of the hatred and injustice done to them. That is how they overcome evil with good. That is how they are makers of divine peace in a world of hatred and war. But their peace will never be greater than when they encounter evil people in peace and are willing to suffer from them. Peacemakers will bear the cross with their Lord, for peace was made at the cross. "
~Discipleship, 108
"God gave God's life, God's all, for your enemies; now you, too, give them what you have: bread if they are hungary, water if they are thirsty, aid if they are weak, blessing, compassion, and love for your enemy. Are they worth it? Who, indeed, could be more worth our love, who could stand in greater need of our love than those who hate? Who is poorer than those? Who is in more need of help, who is in more need of love than your enemy? Have you looked upon your enemies as those, in effect, stand destitute before you and who without being able to voice it themselves, beseech you: 'Help me, give me the one thing that can still help me out in my hate; give me love, God's love, the love of the crucified Savior'?...When you reject your enemy, you turn the poorest of the poor from your door."
~Discipleship, 469
Monday, March 29, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Why did I say yes...
In between the pausing, weaving California traffic of a thoughtful afternoon. I pondered my own decision. Why did I say yes? Why didn't I say No. While the honor is great. Its impact huge. The significance of my choice lies not in my acceptance but in my denial.
I did not accept the 'honor because I wanted to. I affirm that this 'honor' does not represents my fondest hopes and dreams.
Though it does represent a bounce-forward in my journey for significant contribution. But still, that is not why I said yes.
I accept because of 'them.'
This idea came as a surprise to independent me. Its truth slowly dawning away the crusted self and revealing a much more connected-awareness of 'them'.
'Them' are all the ones who never got the chance, 'Them' are the ones who are waiting for a change, 'Them' are the ones who made it happen just for me. For 'Them' and not for me. It's not a completely alturistic statement. But more an acknowledgment that 'self' is part and parcel of 'them'.
A tough year of learning and growing in the intellectual halls of business hold some attractions but not enough to enthrall my imagination. If it was up to me. I would choose a wonder-lust significance for a few years. Mellow in the meadows and fields of yesterday and frolic with fraudulent folks of Frankfort. I would simmer in front of legends and strive with common laborers.
I would wish to feel the pulse of the world.
And that is why I said yes. For them. To choose to 'feel' is no doubt a noble goal, a priceless one that add the silver lining, the heartful meaning to all worthy endeavor. But to choose to exercise the mental 'feelers' that will add the hands and feet, the practical side of heart. That requires more backbone, more determination now than it ever did before.
The line of Yesterdays is growing long, the assembly of Tomorrows couched in vague uncertainty. But to Now belongs the power of yes. To do the deed that will bring the hinges to the window, that became the door, that first intrigued me.
I did not accept the 'honor because I wanted to. I affirm that this 'honor' does not represents my fondest hopes and dreams.
Though it does represent a bounce-forward in my journey for significant contribution. But still, that is not why I said yes.
I accept because of 'them.'
This idea came as a surprise to independent me. Its truth slowly dawning away the crusted self and revealing a much more connected-awareness of 'them'.
'Them' are all the ones who never got the chance, 'Them' are the ones who are waiting for a change, 'Them' are the ones who made it happen just for me. For 'Them' and not for me. It's not a completely alturistic statement. But more an acknowledgment that 'self' is part and parcel of 'them'.
A tough year of learning and growing in the intellectual halls of business hold some attractions but not enough to enthrall my imagination. If it was up to me. I would choose a wonder-lust significance for a few years. Mellow in the meadows and fields of yesterday and frolic with fraudulent folks of Frankfort. I would simmer in front of legends and strive with common laborers.
I would wish to feel the pulse of the world.
And that is why I said yes. For them. To choose to 'feel' is no doubt a noble goal, a priceless one that add the silver lining, the heartful meaning to all worthy endeavor. But to choose to exercise the mental 'feelers' that will add the hands and feet, the practical side of heart. That requires more backbone, more determination now than it ever did before.
The line of Yesterdays is growing long, the assembly of Tomorrows couched in vague uncertainty. But to Now belongs the power of yes. To do the deed that will bring the hinges to the window, that became the door, that first intrigued me.
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