Lisa Colón DeLay

Neda, Iranian martyr for freedom

Nedo means “voice,” and this week this women who wanted freedom for her country was murdered as she cried out for her people. The scene has been capture on video, sent out of Iran, and circulated around the world. The government has forbade mourning for her, under threats of grave punishment. Her death has put a face on the cause of freedom the Iranians desire, and has galvanized their protests against the current government, and recent dubious election. They chant, “Live free or die!”

CBS article with pictures and video.

The Rut of the Insular

aloneincrowd

When the rain is coming sideways

And the fog is inching near

Many times the universal feeling is alone-ness

But if it is universal, how can it still be true, completely?

It is a paradoxical, yes?

Somehow we can be crowded and still alienated, apart.

Never touching another in the way that is the least bit beneficial (in those times).

The gap to someone else feels like miles, becuase real interiors are too protected

Fortified. Insular.

Like a walled city that starves itself into extinction, we can get into a rut like this.

What’s it like for you?

[polldaddy poll=”1750624″]

Birds of a feather…or opposites attract?

Maybe both are true. Maybe at different times, each one is true. When I see a pack of mean girls at the mall, I think, “birds of a feather…,” or “misery loves company.”

mallgirls

On the flip side, in certain instances we are drawn to others with characteristics absent in ourselves, and, to me, this is a good thing. A sage/spiritual director, a mentor, a spouse, or a friend, may seem more intriguing because they posses traits and qualities we admire, but have not quite yet mastered. From them we learn a lot, when we are willing. And if they are wise, they also learn.

The comfort from being around people like us can be soothing, and smoother sailing, but it will not produce the kind of growth that healthy conflict can. The smoothing of the rough edges happens best during the interaction of dissimilar personalities. When there is mutual respect, very beneficial outcomes, personal growth, spiritual growth, and learning are the consistent result of contrasting personalities.

Reflection question:

Who has been the most beneficial in your life who was not like you, and what was the lesson from them that you appreciated most?

(feel free to leave a comment.)

Sherpas 101

Here is an excerpt from a project I’m working on…

“If you were to take a mountaineering adventure into highest areas of the world, one of the best things you could do would be to hire a Sherpa. In Nepal, Sherpas do more than just help climbers with gear as they ascent. They are expert guides, and famous for their mountaineering and climbing prowess. From years of living in the terrain, they are seasoned navigators. Even their hearts, blood, and lungs have adjusted enormously to better handle the issues of high attitudes.

As we consider our journey with the Divine, we may picture it the same way. A Sherpa may enable and support you, but they cannot do the climb instead of you, while you stay behind. The adventure just wouldn’t be the same. They may help you find the best path, give you life-saving information, or port your gear, but they can’t beam you to the summit. That’s not the point, so to speak, and it would spoil the escapade. Would you be a richer and wiser person if you were teleported to the peak of Mount Everest? Nah.”

I just found a website that combines two great things: adventure and chocolate

singapore girl team

A Belgian chocolate company Acticoa is visiting the Everest base camp, handing out chocolate samples to Sherpas, and promoting the cause they want to raise money and awareness for–the Napal Mobile Hospital which provides medical care to those living in remote places. It’s an interesting site to immerse one into the difficult world of high altitudes and adventure climbing.

Mosaic Bible: Word with a twist

bible

Product Description

Encounter Christ on every continent and in every century of Christian History.A new genre of Bible—a weekly meditation Bible—Holy Bible: Mosaic is an invitation to experience Christ both in His word and in the responses of his people. Each week, as you reflect on guided Scripture readings aligned with the church seasons, you will receive a wealth of insight from historical and contemporary writings. Full-color artwork will engage the soul; quotes, hymns, prayers, and poems enhance the rich devotional experience. Also includes a Dictionary/Concordance, NLT word study system with Hebrew/ Greek dictionary. A beautiful layout of art and devotional content, and an online community and content (coming Fall 2009) will extend the experience.

I got to contribute to this project with a short meditation. Here’s a buying tip for the frugal. Pre-orders are possible at amazon.com at a guaranteed price, under 20$. (The list price is $49.99.)