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Ubuntu:  I Am Because We Are

8/29/2017

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Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble... A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 )

Listen to:  "That's What Friends Are For," sung by Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder and Elton John. This recording of the song was done as a benefit for the American Foundation for AIDS Research, and pop music history was made. The single spent 4 weeks at #1 and earned 2 Grammy Awards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE9KT_dU_R8

An anthropologist proposed a game to the kids in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told the kids that who ever got there first won the sweet fruits.

When he told them to run they all took each others hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats.

When he asked them why they had run like that as one could have had all the fruits for himself they said: ''UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?''

'UBUNTU' in the Xhosa culture means: "I am because we are".


We cannot be reminded often enough of how much we need each other. Our lives are interdependent.  We live under the false illusion that we can take and take and take, and the impact on others and the environment doesn't matter.  As Christians we are taught that Jesus has befriended us, we are one body, and need each other to function well spiritually. We share the joys together, and the sorrows.  We learn patience, compassion, kindness, forgiveness and mercy by living out our lives together.

This month in Charlottesville we saw the fabric of community being torn by racism and hate speech.  Yet there were those who joined hands and marched in solidarity  on behalf of the vulnerable and rejected because of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation.  Ubuntu: "I am because we are."

Right now our country is united in its outpouring of care to the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas.  Ubuntu:  "I am because we are."


As God refines in us  a vision of life and service together in his name, let us remember UBUNTU. Jesus lives -- so I am because we are.

Finally, remember this story? JACKIE ROBINSON was the first African American to play baseball in the major leagues. Breaking baseball’s color barrier, he faced hostile crowds in every stadium. While playing one day in his home stadium of Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, he committed an error. The fans began to jeer him. He stood at second base, humiliated, while the crowd booed. Then, without saying a word, shortstop Pee Wee Reese went over and stood next to Jackie. He put his arm around him and faced the crowd. Suddenly the fans grew quiet. Robinson later said that that arm around his shoulder saved his career.

That's a friend. That's how we should be. UBUNTU.


PRAY: "God, give us the courage to be a true friend - who stands with someone in need, and considers the needs of others"

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Filled with Joy

8/8/2017

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"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13).


Listen to:  "Som Sabadell" flashmob -- Beethoven's 9th 
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup=GBaHPND2QJg&feature=youtu.be



Imagine yourself in the town center of beautiful Sabadell, Spain.  Close your eyes, think in your minds eye For a moment imagine yourself strolling, taking in the sights..when suddenly -- it's flashmob!
 
You are treated to the Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125,  Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827). The symphony is one of the best-known works of the Western classical repertoire, and it is universally considered to be among Beethoven's greatest works. It has been adapted for use as the European Anthem.

Part of the ninth was, inspired round the poem "Ode To Joy" written by German poet Friedrich Schiller in 1785 and revised in 1803, with words added by the composer. The poem is a tribute to God and the wonders and joys of life and human love.

What makes it all the more inspirational is when you understand Beethoven's situation in life. By the time Beethoven had started writing the symphony he was totally deaf. It is said that at the premiere of "Ode To Joy" someone from the chorus had to run down to the podium at the conclusion to turn Beethoven around so he could see the audience because he couldn't hear the thunderous applause and cheering they were giving him. In addition to his loss of hearing Beethoven faced other health problems, in addition to being financially responsible for members of his family.  He died three years after completion of the ninth symphony.

The symphony was the first example of a major composer using voices in a symphony. The words are sung during the final movement by four vocal soloists and a chorus. They were taken from the "Ode to Joy", a poem written by Friedrich Schiller in 1785 and revised in 1803, with additions made by the composer.                                                              
You millions, I embrace you.
This kiss is for all the world!

Brothers, above the starry canopy
There must dwell a loving Father.

Do you fall in worship, you millions?
World, do you know your creator?

Seek him in the heavens;
Above the stars must He dwell.


 The Ninth Symphony teaches up to hope for this consummation of joy. The symphony also teaches us that the friendship that we bear even now is an image and a foretaste of that perfect communion which is the hallmark of eternity.

"Ode to Joy" is also the inspiration of our much-loved hymn: "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." 
 
 How true are Beethoven's words:
 
“Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks and invents.” 
 

PRAY: “Give us joy in our living -- in our trials as well as our successes”

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Generously Refreshed

8/4/2017

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"A generous person will prosper;
    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)




WATCH AND LISTEN:
  Random Acts of Kindness Caught on Security Cameras from around the World:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OwgAPXy-Xs


The root  meaning of generous is "of noble birth," and "race," or "clan."  This meaning has slowly disappeared to refer to nobility in behavior or actions, as in the willingness to give abundantly or to be magnanimous in spirit towards others.  As followers of Jesus, we are members of the family of God. As members of the "God clan," we are called to be recognized by acts of generosity and kindness.  


This simple but powerful verse from Proverbs reminds us of the spiritual principle God has ordained: we will find spiritual renewal as we give to others.  Our life is rooted in Christ, but branches out to include all of creation. Let us be renewers of the world. 


Questions for Reflection:


1.  Am I a generous person?  How will I demonstrate generosity today? 
2.  What ways do I seek spiritual renewal?  How does my renewal benefit others? 
3.  How am I renewed by refreshing others? Give an example.






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    Moirajo is a minister, social worker, wife, mother, writer and animal lover. That's just for starters. Join the story, there's so much we can share together! 

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