POLITICAL

Both dad and I are doing better with our exercise.  He does a long ride on his bike and I am making it to Coyote Creek most days which is a bit further than I have been going.  It helps when the weather makes it pleasurable.

After our exercise we had a bite to eat and did some reading.  I am reading Carol Higgins Clark who writes mysteries but I do not often read them.  Dad is reading about the dam that was blown up in Germany in the second world war.  Pilots lost their lives as well as a lot of people.  Then he tried to goggle it but could not get close.

Soon it was time to get ready, dad by having a shave and me by putting on make-up and combing my hair and we were off to the Green Lettuce to meet Panteli and Carol.  Jeff the waiter there knows our family and wished dad happy birthday and all of us a Happy Chinese New Year.  We really enjoy the food and talking together.

Dad had a card from Mary and Michael John a lovely phone call from Shawna and Stephen as well as birthday greetings from Shandel and Cam and  others on the computer.  He  enjoyed all the words from you all.  Phone calls from Rick and Sandra too. Greetings from Ken also. Lots of birthday greetings!  Also from our friend Vera and friend Larry Olsen.  Even a secret parcel left at the door.  Yes we found a hidden card from Diane and Rob.

I think that the church became more politically active with the marching of Martin Luther King.  He had a vision of diversity and justice as biblical ideals, as part of our spiritual journey of freedom for all.  Acts of speaking out for justice can be hard and yet in this world there are so many places where there is injustice.  It is about speaking out against worldly wrongs.  It is addressing the greed and prejudice that dwells in the human heart that causes a spirit that demands power and control.

 

"God does have something to say about the way we treat the world, our neighbors, those who are different than us, our environment and our ruling authority."-Rob Terry, Cornerstone Methodist Church.

 

The first church shared everything, freed people from debt by those who shared what they had with all. Jesus calls us to share our bread with the hungry and clothed the naked.

 

"To do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God"   The words of the prophet Micah.

 

We all know the story of Nelson Mandela Who was in prison for twenty-seven years who choose to forgive his guards who would beat and abuse him. Because of this the guards found it hard to beat him.  His freedom was taken from him but he chose to be free from resentment and anger.

 

He was held as a political prisoner and after being released became South Africa's first black president.