if tomorrow were my last

The ultimate, inescapable problem that humans face on a daily basis is that our time on this earth is limited.  People deal with this issue differently.  Some choose not to think about it, others refuse to recognize it, and then there are people that understand it and in turn use that knowledge to passionately chase after every opportunity.  A question I have presented to myself in response to desiring to live a passionate, full life is, if tomorrow were my last what would I do today?  This age old question brings the pieces of life that truly matter to the forefront of the mind.  If tomorrow were my last, I would tell my parents how greatly they have shaped me, I would rebuild broken bridges, I would laugh, I would read, I would spend time with those that are closest to me, I would take a friend out to coffee that I have lost contact with, I would do something I thought I would never do, I would forgive, I would boldly speak truth regardless of the consequences, I would try something people always told me I could not do, I would watch the sunrise, I would choose my words carefully, and I would listen more intently.  If tomorrow were my last, I would do the things I should have been doing all along.  What a shame that we do not live with this mentality in mind, because I am convinced our lives would be more full, more vibrant, and more impactful.  As I attempt to live with the end in mind and make the treasures of life a priority, join me and ask yourself today..what would I do if tomorrow were my last?    

violence erupts in Gaza

Violence continues in the Middle East today.  At the center of this violence and other aggressive tactics within recent decades is the Israeli, Palestinian conflict.  Israeli fighter planes have dropped bombs on several militant compounds in the Gaza Strip, following recent rocket attacks on Israeli soil coming from the Hamas controlled region.  The Israeli attack killed more than 200 people, more than 700 were wounded, and it marked the worst attack in Gaza in regards to the number of Palestinian casualties since 1967.  The recent events in this area are discouraging because it represents further death, suffering, and the promotion of hate.  Hamas quickly vowed to carry out a series of attacks in response to the Israeli bombings, which leaves me to wonder about the effectiveness of violence.  Both sides have their own agendas and will obviously use any means possible to achieve such ambitions, however there must be other alternatives to reaching these goals than continuing to kill and destroy.  I realize that I do not and most likely cannot fully understand the situation and the feelings of resentment that these people have for each other, however as an observer and an individual who enjoys history, violence has been proven not to have lasting benefits, primarily within the realm of stability and prosperity.  If true peace is to be experienced and reconciliation achieved, the war must be waged at the negotiation table where understanding can occur.  A man named Dr. Martin Luther King Jr had an agenda as well, however he aimed at reaching his goal through non violent methods, even when his enemies did not.  Dr. King once said, "Violence is immoral because it thrives on hatred rather than love.  It destroys community and makes brotherhood impossible.  It leaves society in monologue rather than dialogue.  Violence ends by defeating itself.  It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers."  Although Dr. King and our Palestinian and Israeli brothers and sisters do not share precise similarities in each of their respective situations, there is a hint of universal truth within Dr. King's declaration in regards to violence.  My hope and prayer is that the ineffectiveness of violence would surface in the Middle East today, and that both sides would recognize the humanity in the other and ultimately agree on a resolution that would put an end to this conflict.

BBC

suffering continues in zimbabwe

The events that have occurred and are occurring in the country of Zimbabwe make my heart ache for our brothers and sisters there. The situation is deteriating daily, and as always, the people that are being hit the hardest are the poor. However the poor are not the only ones in Zimbabwean society who are fighting for survival. Teachers, business people, and vendors are also among the ones forced to scrounge for food and water, the basic necessities of life. In reality, only a small population of Zimbabweans are not influenced by the hardships going on in the country, which shows how dangerous of a situation this is. It is difficult to obtain specific numbers, yet it is well known that a cholera epidemic has been spreading and is gaining momentum. Thousands of cases have been reported with nearly just as many deaths. Other significant issues contributing to the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe include a severe lack of food and water, strikes by doctors and nurses, aggressive behavior toward civilians by the military and police, and a lack of electricity and power. These issues are quite substantial and are literally contributing to the deaths of many. Speculation and debate within the international community continues over the root of this crisis and what steps need to be taken, however many leaders and institutions agree that what is happening there is directly related to the inefficiency of the Zimbabwean government. Ultimately, the administration is completely neglecting its people, which is unacceptable. It will be interesting to see what the international community, especially nations within the region decide to do in response to the suffering happening in Zimbabwe. Recently Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said that Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe must be ousted, and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said that Mr. Mugabe's failed state is no longer willing or capable of protecting its own people, therefore more aid will be needed in the short term. One issue that must be addressed within the international community is what action to take when a state actor is ignoring the needs of its' people. Considering the country's sovereignty is something leaders must do, as well as discovering what level of interference is necessary without creating further chaos. In modern times, developing an appropriate action plan towards humanitarian issues where the government in that country is unwilling or incapable of helping its people, has not been completed, nor has it been a priority. This is something the international community must address though, because people are dying and little is done to alleviate such suffering. It is becoming more and more obvious that the suffering experienced by the Zimbabwean people is largely due to the administration's lack of action and poor policy and therefore a change in government leadership must occur. I do not believe military intervention should be used, however I do firmly believe that the beginning of restoration in Zimbabwe must involve the removal of Mr. Mugabe. Until that time comes, we must continue to pray for our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters, and vocalize what is happening in that country. This is a humanitarian crisis of the greatest proportions, and this injustice must be resolved.

Source: BBC News

20 years from now..

Mysteries of the unknown and limitless boundaries are characteristics of the future, and these elements have always fascinated me. The thought of having a perfectly clean slate and being able to chalk out where we want to go and what we want to achieve is an amazing blessing that often goes unnoticed. Humans innately are quite good at conjuring up fairytales, imagining the impossible, and dreaming of one day turning their passions into reality. Unfortunately, the grind and monotony of day to day life has extinguished the fire that once existed within. People have stopped dreaming and aspiring to see their greatest desires unfold, which is devastating because the future and our dreams represent unique innovation. The ability to innovate and think outside of the norm are beautiful aspects of the capabilities within humans, and not acting on what gets us most excited is an act of defiance towards our Creator because we are rejecting what we were made to do. These are the reasons for why the possibilities of tomorrow energize me and allow me to envision where I want to be 20 years from now. So as I challenge myself to think about the future, and how I can act on the passions that have been placed within me, I urge you to do the same. Figure out what makes you tick, what motivates you, and what it would look like if you truly pursued the things that fit well with your purpose. It is when people start dreaming and acting on their passions that the world will indeed be changed.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
- Mark Twain

christmas and giving

As the peak of the holiday season comes into focus I struggle with remembering why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. Daily I am bombarded with commercials, billboards, and sales advertisements attempting to lure me into the shallowness of consumerism. 'Stuff' is by no means the evil of the world, however there must be moderation and an evaluation of our motives. Christmas is about remembering Jesus' life and his sacrifice, being with family and investing in others, and slowing down to recollect ourselves before another year begins. These elements are fading away though, amidst the chaos that is, well, the holiday. One way we can get back to the basics is to focus upon rejoicing in the blessings we have been given, and then using those blessings to benefit others. Within this, the true meaning of giving will become illuminated. I am challenging myself this year to reignite my relationship with Jesus and others, as well as look for opportunities to contribute to something that will last instead of those socks that my sister will most likely toss out. A movement called Advent Conspiracy is attempting to do just this, and I encourage you to check out what is going on within this organization and how people all across the nation are becoming involved. There is something insanely beautiful about stepping outside of ourselves, recognizing a need, and then meeting that need. Remember what Christmas truly represents, and look for ways to give in a new and fresh way.

possessions - life - Jesus

The hot topic in several circles currently is on the topic of the uncertainties of life, especially in reference to the economy. Great concern exists within the discussions of retirement funds, savings, and whether that next promotion will come. A good friend of mine recently reminded me of how such concerns existed long ago as well; this is not a recent issue that people have had to deal with. Attempting to secure economic stability in ones life was even on the minds of individuals during Jesus' time on earth. According to Luke, a man once confronted Jesus, requesting that he tell that man's brother to divide his inheritance with him. Jesus' answer, of course, was two fold. First Jesus stated, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?" He then went on to address the root of the man's question by saying, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Jesus could easily recognize the man's true intentions and took the opportunity to share with everyone the dangers of greed. He did not stop at greed though did he? Jesus goes on to challenge the man, including bystanders, to remember what life is and is not all about. As a Westerner, this hits hard because I live in a society where ownership, success, and getting ahead now so I can relax in the future are the norm and the expectation. Desiring economic stability and setting aside money now for the future are necessary precautions to take, however it is important to remember that these are not the things that should consume our minds, hearts, and souls. Life is so much more than an IRA, investment account, or the stock market. This is so because ultimately those elements can be taken at any time like many have come to realize in recent months, but the true treasures of life are eternal and cannot be found in monetary value. I love the wisdom of Jesus because he consistently addresses the question on the surface level, but then he addresses the heart. Be reminded that there is so much more to life than securing economic stability. Twenty years from now you will benefit more from the relationships you formed and the acts of love you carried out, than from the investment decisions you made. Find comfort in the small, yet mighty pieces of life and continue to seek wisdom was the wisest..Jesus.

zimbabwe + love

There is a lot of heartache going on within our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe this evening. Since August there have been approximately 500 deaths from cholera, clean water is difficult to come by even in institutions such as hospitals, food is incredibly scarce, and the Zimbabwean dollar is practically worthless because of 231,000,000% inflation. Statistics aside, these are real issues for millions of Zimbabweans and it is difficult to understand why such horrendous events continue to occur. Much of the blame for the current situation in Zimbabwe is placed on the shoulders of the country's President, Robert Mugabe. I have joined in the criticism of this leader and as I have learned more of what the circumstances are in Zimbabwe my criticism unfortunately has turned into anger. Following a recent rant I had with myself in the car after new information was presented by NPR about Zimbabwe, I suddenly stopped and had to be real with myself. As a person who firmly believes in the power of love, I was not being a good ambassador of that concept. I came to the realization that God loves the Zimbabwean young woman who has not had clean water to drink in two weeks, just as much as Mr. Mugabe. This was undoubtedly a difficult one to swallow, however it came at the right time because I have recently been asking God to show me who I need to love better. Trust me, I still struggle with the decisions or the lack there of, that the Zimbabwean government has made throughout the current crisis. But I have attempted to not let that frustration turn into anger and resentment which is the complete opposite of love. Love can and must win, so as we as followers of Christ must continue to pray for Zimbabwe, including its' leaders.

maji

Water is a necessity for human beings and the lack of such a vital resource is a real issue for 1.1 billion people on our planet. For the past three months, a small group of people including myself have been working on putting together an organization that can make a contribution towards providing safe, clean water to all. The result of this desire is Maji, a movement that raises awareness about the current global water situation and that sells high quality t-shirts and then turns around and gives 100% of the profit to a non profit organization called Charity: Water. Maji is nothing more than a response by a couple of young people who have learned of disturbing realities and wish to see the world around them changed. Today, we are happy to announce that Maji is fully operational and ready to tackle one of the greatest injustices of our time. Please visit our website, givemaji.com and join us as we embark on a grand journey to see others have the same resources that we so take for granted.

make thirst history

We are all familiar with the phrase and campaign, Make Poverty History. This rally cry is beautiful and needs to be echoed throughout the world. However the concept of poverty as a whole can be quite overwhelming, so it is vital to understand what poverty is and what causes it. According to the World Bank, poverty is hunger, the lack of shelter, being sick and not being able to see a doctor, not having access to school and not knowing how to read, powerless, and a lack of representation and freedom. These individuals are not able to support themselves or their families. A more formal definition of poverty is ‘the state or condition of having little or no money, goods, or means of support; condition of being poor; indigence.’ Without the ability to support oneself, people are forced to neglect essential needs that our human body demands. One of these needs that play a significant role in relentlessly holding a person in poverty, and therefore a contributing factor to causing poverty, is the lack of access to safe, clean water. Only 2.5% of the water on planet earth is fresh, and the cost of obtaining drinkable water is rising. This reality has left 1.1 billion people on our planet in dire conditions and concern is increasing because of the implications the lack of water has on the health of individuals, not to mention the impact it has on those people’s ability to work, go to school, and live the fruitful lives they deserve.

There is a distinct difference between simply providing water and providing safe, clean water to those in need. Creating a safe environment for people to retrieve water is incredibly important, considering that in the developing world, women and children are largely responsible for fetching water which often requires more than three hours of walking per day. The traveling required to reach potentially drinkable sources puts women and children in dangerous situations that can lead to sexual harassment and assault, among other things. Also, establishing a clean water supply for these people has obvious benefits, especially in relation to decreasing poor health conditions. Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of all sickness and disease, and kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Of the 42,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and a lack of basic sanitation, 90% are children under 5 years old. Therefore, establishing both safe and clean water supplies to those that lack such a vital resource is crucial in the battle against inadequate water sources.

The current process of obtaining water that 1.1 billion people are forced to resort to requires precious time that takes precedence over other activities such as work, school, and the joy of living life. The lack of safe, clean water for these people presents serious health issues, but it also prohibits individuals from seeking job opportunities and receiving an education. It is absurd that such a basic human need can deter wonderful and talented people from experiencing the life they deserve and achieving the dreams they possess when the solution is quite simple and attainable. One organization that is taking bold and effective steps toward alleviating suffering from the lack of safe, clean water is Charity: Water. What they are doing is working because they partner with other organizations that are located in 11 different countries and that have tremendous amounts of experience in the specific regions and knowledge of how to develop sustainable, long lasting water programs. This often involves the construction of a well, and since August 2006 these wells have provided safe, clean water to 250,000 people.

Poverty can be a complex organism, however by addressing individual issues such as the current water situation, practical and effective steps can be taken to battle the suffering that occurs throughout the world. The sheer number of people who are influenced by the lack of safe, clean water shows the magnitude of this issue. Furthermore, the way that it contributes to poor health conditions and prevents individuals from living abundant, productive lives is evidence of the strangle it has on so many people and communities. But this does not have to be the case. Let’s not be the generation that stood by when people just like us were suffering from perfectly preventable issues. Learn. Proclaim. Act. Join myself and organizations like Charity: Water in working towards providing safe, clean water to all people. Together, we can make thirst history.

source: Charity: Water & the World Bank

pursuing the everlasting

Life is magnificent, wondrous, enchanting, fragile, and short. We have an incredibly small amount of time to love, influence, and change. This realization brings into perspective the value of each breath and waking moment. The decisions we make will be based upon priorities and values that define us. The following are lyrics to a well known song sung by Johnny Cash, entitled Hurt. The lyrics of this song focus on the concept of priorities, and how those priorities impact the future. One phrase is echoed throughout and rings true in my ears; "You could have it all, my empire of dirt." Johnny Cash was successful beyond imagination, yet he refers to it all as an empire of dirt! This has challenged me to consider what I am chasing after and what I desire most in this life. Is it the world and all the stuff it has to offer, or is it the kingdom of God which is everlasting? As you read the lyrics to Hurt, dig deep and attempt to be honest with yourself about what motivates you in this life. I have, and it is incredible to be in a place where I feel at peace with where I am at, where I am going, and what I value most. Life is short..what are you doing today to make it worth while?

Hurt - Johnny Cash
I hurt myself today
to see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
the only thing that's real
the needle tears a hole
the old familiar sting
try to kill it all away
but I remember everything
what have I become?
my sweetest friend
everyone I know
goes away in the end
and you could have it all
my empire of dirt

I will let you down
I will make you hurt

I wear this crown of thorns
upon my liar's chair
full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair
beneath the stains of time
the feelings disappear
you are someone else
I am still right here

what have I become?
my sweetest friend
everyone I know
goes away in the end
and you could have it all
my empire of dirt

I will let you down
I will make you hurt

if I could start again
a million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way

weakness

Our world is obsessed with status and achieving high standards of performance, which apparently directly relates to ones success as an individual. As humans, we innately desire to do something meaningful and impactful with our lives. Whether we admit it or not, we realize how short our time on earth is and while we are here we want to leave an impression and achieve greatness. Often times, these desires turn into a lust for power and strength. If becoming successful and great is the ultimate goal of humans then power and strength should be applauded right? For some reason this appears distorted because for many of us, we recognize how futile these efforts are in the grand scheme of life, especially when these ambitions can be taken from us so quickly. Regardless, there always will be a piece of us that strive to be strong and known. If asked whether you would rather be strong or weak, it would obviously be strong. The weak are the people who barely get by, those that are insignificant, and the ones that are shunned by society as a whole, the secular community as well as the church in many instances. Who would want to be weak or even associate themselves with those individuals that are? Well for starters what about Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, or Jesus? These people saw the value and beauty in being weak according to the world's standards, and even went so far as to constantly surround themselves with the downtrodden. I do not imagine them being incredibly concerned with the next promotion, the status quo, or achieving the greatness and strength that man applauds. Jesus, for example, said "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." He also said, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." But what about the strong, the wealthy, and the self righteous? Again and again, Jesus sought out the weakest of the weak, and desired to be around them. This simple illustration points to how precious and valuable the weak are, not according to the world, but according to God. Was not Christ the ultimate example of becoming weak when He so humbly put Himself on the cross? I have been reminded of this truth recently, and it has forced me to examine whether I value strength or weakness. If I am constantly striving to become like Christ and experience personal growth, becoming weak must be at the core of my being. This may sound incredibly foolish, and I hope it does because that means I am getting the point across. Big picture, there is something valuable and everlasting about becoming weak instead of chasing after strength and power, which may only last for a season. As I continue to discover the beauty in aspiring towards weakness, I hope you will join me.

love wins..

This phrase has been popularized by tremendous individuals such as Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi, and has served as a battle cry for decades. The power of the concept, love wins, can be tangibly seen in the lives of those people previously mentioned. Empires can be flipped upside down, prejudices can be eliminated, and the societal norm can be challenged. However, none of these incredible goals and dreams could have been achieved had it not been for some form of action. There is a fine line between believing that love wins, and believing that love wins. This difference is determined by action. Truly believing in the life changing power of love must result in some form of action, or else it simply becomes a foreign idea that seemed worthy at one time in our past. I like to call these distant, and once admirable ideas bumper stickers. Concepts that are portrayed on bumper stickers take little effort to broadcast with very little consequences. Putting a 'Love Wins' bumper sticker on your car is entirely different than believing in what that phrase stands for, and acting on it. Often times I think we put limits on what we are capable of achieving because it may not be comfortable for us. This world needs people who are willing to fight complacency, stand up for what they believe in, and put into action what they preach. Love does win, but only if people like you and me exercise it on a daily basis. There is power in love, yet love requires a decision. Choose love today, and watch the world around you change in ways you could never imagine.

poverty & politics

Poverty is a massive, complex issue. One of the ways that we can combat this is by using the resources and leverage that our nation has been so incredibly blessed with to work towards eradicating this tragedy of the largest proportions. As the US Presidential election nears, take a few moments to educate yourself on what each of the major party candidates are committing to in the fight against poverty if they are elected, by following the link below. These are uncertain and challenging times indeed, and it is important to remember that the people who are hit hardest are the poor.

McCain's and Obama's Public Commitments To Address Global Poverty

free trade or fair trade or both

A popular debate that has been building momentum in the realm of academics and pop stars alike is the discussion of free trade versus fair trade. In general terms, this has been an issue that people most likely know exists but do not know the facts or are not interested. However, in the international realm it impacts entrepreneurs, small business owners, and individuals, especially the poor, in real ways.

In the era of globalization, the world has become a much smaller place than it was 50 years ago. The market place has expanded which has allowed businesses of all shapes and sizes to increase their customer base. This interdependence and the free flow of goods and services across state lines and even borders is referred to as the free market. Free trade is tightly associated with the free market because without the physical act of those goods and services being transferred from the producer to the consumer, the free market cannot exist.

The development of the free market and free trade are good things because they allow consumers to dictate what the prices are and what is produced. If free trade is such a positive thing, then fair trade must therefore be negative right? This is the opinion I have come across in several circles, which is formulated before any knowledge about what fair trade is can be communicated or researched. According to the Fairtrade Foundation, 'fair trade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.' They go on to say, 'by requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers.' Simply put, fair trade seeks to better the lives of the poor and other weak producers by providing them with a market so that those individuals' or businesses' products can be purchased.

To some this may sound like a manipulation of the free market. Before jumping to conclusions though, lets look at why small businesses or individuals that do not produce large quantities need assistance in order to sell their products and therefore earn a profit. In an ideal free market situation, consumers would be able to choose want they want to purchase and producers would constantly be battling each other and the prices within that free market to earn the profit from that consumer. However, government interference can influence the events that take place within the free market that can allow weak producers to have just as much of a chance to earn a profit as strong producers. An example of this interference that impacts the poor are subsidies. A subsidy is a form of financial assistance given to a business or economic sector. Subsidies are used to help a business that may normally fail in a free market environment, or to encourage economic excitement in a sector that may not have seen any. In America, our agriculture industry is heavily subsidized. The principle of subsidies was first developed and put into action during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Their role in sustaining the agriculture industry presently however is minimal. American agriculture subsidies currently cost taxpayers $35 billion annually, while the average American farm household brings in $79,000 annually. It is easy to see how even without subsidies, American farmers would be just fine. Subsidies are not necessary in our day and age, and most importantly these subsidies allow farmers that are receiving them to artificially lower prices below what they would be in a true free market environment which does not give smaller farmers and producers in developing nations an opportunity to compete. Now tell me, which is manipulation?

I am in favor of the free market and free trade because pragmatically, it is efficient. I am also in favor of alleviating poverty by allowing small producers an opportunity to fairly establish a market and earn a profit. If subsidies did not exist, the market could operate how it should which would provide the poor with an avenue to sell their products and ultimately earn a profit. Therefore the debate of free trade versus fair trade is quite unnecessary because what proponents of 'fair trade' want is simply for smaller producers to have just as much opportunity to sell their products as large farmers and corporations do which in fact is free trade. Until the manipulation of the market through subsidies for example is abolished, we as consumers must continue to voice our opinion with our money and purchase fair trade products. Give the poor an opportunity...

Where to buy fair trade certified products

people need people

Two of the most tragic characteristics of this generation are complacency and loneliness. They each have deep roots and impact how our society operates, thinks, and lives. Today I was reminded of the cure for at least one of these characteristics, if not both. People can often be frustrating and difficult to love, however creating and sustaining vibrant relationships with others can be one of the most wonderful aspects of life. Basically, people need people. Humans were made to be relational because we were created by a relational creator. I think many times it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget why we are here surrounded by other people. With iPods, cell phones, and computers it would be quite an easy task to avoid speaking to another human for an entire day, perhaps even an entire week. This is why loneliness is so prevalent in our society. As we increase our standard of living and continue to innovate new toys, our dependency on others decreases. It becomes harder and harder for us to connect with people because it is easier to simply check out than to engage in a fruitful conversation. In order for we as humans to personally grow and understand our creator better, we must put down the remote control and seek out people that will challenge us in new and exciting ways. We all have had tremoltuous times in our lives and in most cases those situations were easier to deal with when friends and family rallied to support us. We cannot continue on this journey we call life alone so rely on a friend and be a friend..combat loneliness today.

one campaign

ONE is a nonpartisan organization that is working to eliminate poverty in the poorest areas of the world. This group of people does some amazing things in the fight against global poverty. They especially do wonderful work in the area of advocacy. By educating the American public and our leaders, ONE aims at changing the face of poverty permanently. Last night Tom Brokaw moderated the Presidential debate in Nashville, Tennessee. A petition was signed by 122,000 ONE members requesting Mr. Brokaw to ask the candidates a question about global poverty. This did not happen, which was disappointing to the ONE campaign and the 2.4 million people that are part of this movement. The current economic situation in our nation is obviously a priority among most Americans and it should be. However it is also important to remember the 3 billion people who live on less than $2.50 a day. We are an incredibly blessed people and their is no reason that other human beings should not be able to experience the same freedoms and joys that we do. Our nation has many resources and a lot of influence. It is time to use those resources and influence to wage a new war against hunger..thirst..poverty. Thanks to the work that ONE and organizations like it do, this dream is on its way to becoming reality. Join the revolution..

ONE campaign

the forgotten country

The only two things that Westerners most likely know about Somalia is that it is in Africa somewhere and it served as the setting for the movie Black Hawk Down. The capital of Somalia, Mogadishu was once a vibrant community because of its location on the Indian Ocean. Today though the lobby group Human Rights Watch (HRW) has stated that it is 'the most ignored tragedy' in the world. Somalia has been without a central government since 1991 when the then President Siad Barre was overthrown by opposing clans. Without a central government in place, chaos and violence have become the norm which leaves normal Somalians constantly struggling to survive. HRW said that if a similar situation was occuring anywhere else in the world, like Lebanon or Georgia, it would be considered a travesty and international bodies would quickly move to ensure their stability. This is absolutely true. Can you imagine what the response would be if this kind of fighting and human rights abuse was occurring in a region like eastern Europe? This is another excellent example of how Somalia and Africa as a whole are completely neglected. The fact is that this region is of no geopolitical consequence to the United States or any other Western state. Time and time again, we hear of atrocities occuring to human beings in the most unstable area of the world and nothing is done. It can be frustrating to see so much suffering occur in a world that has so much. What needs to happen for poverty and situations like the one in Somalia right now to become a priority for the international community? Until this question is resolved, Somalia will most likely remain the forgotten country and Africa the forgotten continent. However, we must have hope that love will conquer hate and that suffering can and should be defeated. How I am using my energies today to work towards this?

source: bbc news

the burning of the heart

In many ways, fire represents life. For our earliest ancestors the benefits were very tangible. In modern terms fire may represent a more aesthetic pleasing element, perhaps even something spiritual. As living and breathing beings, humans are constantly pursuing the fire that thrives within their heart. It may be different for each individual, or some may share a similar fire that burns. Whatever it is, what burns in our heart will be reflected through our actions, our words, our life. I was challenged recently to truly discover what it is that my heart burns for, the reason I live. Though this may seem like quite a simple inquisition, it proves to be much more a haunting thought that requires contemplation. This is so because the answer to this question provides one with an honest assessment of where they stand in their personal growth. If people were honest with themselves, like I have attempted to be, they might find that seeking the answer to this question is a crucial piece to progressing on this journey and can be convicting. Fire consumes, and therefore what occupies our heart and burns there will permeate every aspect of our lives whether emotionally, physically, or spiritually. Fire also spreads, and everything within reach cannot help but become part of the fire. Sharing similar characteristics with fire, the desires of our hearts can obviously have incredible influence over others. The question I have posed for myself knowing the power of what burns in my heart is what has burned there, what will burn there, and for what purpose? Life is precious. Discover what truly burns in your heart and don't let it die out.

America reaching its peak?

With the United States experiencing difficulties in regards to its' financial markets, some people have taken the opportunity to pose an interesting question. Is the United States beginning to lose its' superpower status? One such critic is political philosopher John Gray formerly of the London School of Economics, who has stated recently that a great geopolitical shift is occurring and the balance of power in the world "is being altered irrevocably." Other supporters of Professor Gray's viewpoint argue that the way America has stretched itself militarily, its humongous national deficit, and the rise of new international powers are also role players in the idea that America has reached its peak. It is impossible to know whether these critics have always been critics of the United States and are just using the recent crisis to provide themselves with a platform to speak from, or if these are honest concerns from highly educated and experienced individuals. Regardless, I agree with Dr. Robin Niblett of the British think-tank Chatham House who has said we must wait and see what unfolds and how the American government and its people react to this crisis. Sure it is disappointing that we would let ourselves get into this predicament by not living within our means. Yes the idea of the government getting involved and inevitably increasing our deficit can be nerve wracking. Yup our military actions have cost a lot of money and have not been incredibly popular. However, it is safe to assume that this financial crisis will not be the only reason that this country may falter. Furthermore, our actions now and what we do in the future will ultimately be the deciding factor. Hopefully we will learn from this experience and look back a year from now and be able to say that we dealt with that well and are now ready to continue in our efforts to contribute to the global economy.

source: bbc news

city sickness

In the 21st century, societies are so urbanized that people become more and more distant from the vastness of the world we inhibit. Places that we used to call home are now mysterious and foreign areas that only the most extreme occasional visit. It is because of this mentality that many lessons and opportunities for growth that can be experienced by being outside are lost. Lost to deadlines, cell phones, meetings, and television. Perhaps the reason for this epidemic is that people are intimidated by the unknown, are fighting against complacency, or working towards that next promotion that has become number one on the priority ladder. Maybe though it is simply because they have not experienced the fruitfulness of being still and surrounded by unimaginable beauty. Have not smelled the rich pine or the oncoming storm. Have not felt the crunch of a heavy snow under their feet or the mountain breeze glide over their face. These are things that cannot be experienced in a cubical or by watching Survivor. The benefits of seeking a true wilderness experience are unfathomable. Being forced to look inward because of what is outward. Exercising the mind and the body. Achieving something substantial that previously looked impossible. Perhaps most of all though is the opportunity to enter into a new spiritual endeavor with our Creator. We say, "that film was awesome" or "that piece of music was awesome." No, no. Only He is awesome, and it is when as mortal beings we slow down and put ourselves in a position to humbly admire what is outside of the office building that we can truly say, "that is awesome." As the explorer and spiritual writer Sir Francis Younghusband so eloquently spoke, "It is because they have so much to give and give it so lavishly...that men love the mountains and go back to them again and again." So go. Explore. Be challenged. And meet the Creator where He is most easily seen.

defeating poverty

World leaders gathered today at the United Nations headquarters in New York to discuss the progress of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and global poverty. While many battles are being fought and won in regards to the MDGs like malaria and AIDS, the number of poor people in sub-Saharan Africa has actually risen between 1990 and 2005. The driving force behind achieving the MDGs is international aid and according to General Assembly President Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann member states are not following through on their pledges of 0.7% of their gross domestic product. This severely hurts the work that the United Nations is attempting to do through the MDGs. 0.7% is a tremendously low figure and it is disturbing that the wealthiest nations in the world cannot follow through on commitments to assist those that lack basic necessities. A humbling statistic reveals that for every dollar developed countries spend on international assistance, they invest $10 in military budgets. Living in a world that has so much, it is sometimes difficult to understand why poverty is even an issue. But the fact is that it is an issue and people are dying from incredibly treatable illnesses. Though it may not be the only solution to eradicating poverty, international assistance can play a vital role in achieving this. My hope is that states would recognize the importance of addressing this issue, give generously, and work multilaterally to provide all humans with the basic necessities that they deserve. Unfortunately, history shows us that we cannot merely stand by and expect that states will fight for human rights. Therefore it remains the duty of all humans from all walks of life to do what we can in our sphere of influence to battle injustice. Let us be a generation that fervently strives to see every human on the planet experience life, life to the full.

source: un news centre

slavery still exists

27 million people are enslaved today..

During his lifetime, the politician and abolitionist William Wilberforce fought tirelessly to end the slave trade throughout his homeland of Britain. It was a beautiful day in human rights history when his dream became a reality. Mr. Wilberforce achieved this through legislation. Currently, slavery is virtually unlawful in every state throughout the globe. However this does not negate the fact that it does indeed still exist. The question arising among present day abolitionists is how to tackle such an incredibly seemingly overwhelming task. Mr. Wilberforce and his contemporaries had a clear objective that they aimed at accomplishing that would directly influence whether the slave trade continued to be an affluent, lawful industry or not. Now it appears the laws against human trafficking are in place, so where to begin? Through a recent discussion with several individuals in the field of human trafficking I learned that the answer to this question involves a combination of many things. Among these include lobbying, raising funds for non profit organizations, placing pressure on domestic and foreign governments to implement further legislation, and increasing awareness among the public. Perhaps the most significant of these is increasing awareness. The word awareness may not sit right with certain people because of its overuse, however there is value to this approach. Making sure the public is aware of the atrocities of human trafficking can be a prerequisite to battling this injustice. Therefore, please join me in vocalizing concern over this issue to friends, family members, and anyone else who will listen.
This begins though with our own education on human trafficking..

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