Born in July 31, 1944 in San Francisco, he learned to speak English when he started to school. He earned his BA from Stanford University, his MA from Columbia University and was a PH D candidate at the University of California at Berkeley, He studied in London on a Fulbright scholarship.
He has been a teacher, journalist, educational consultant, televsion spokeperson. He earned the Peabody Award in 1997.
His books have been widely acclaimed and recognized for their complexity in showing some aspects of being in America with a Mexican heritage.
HUNGER OF MEMORY, THE EDUCATION OF RICHARD RODRIGUEZ 1981. "socially disadvantaged child to fully assimilated American"
DAYS OF OBLIGATION, AN ARGUMENT WITH MY MEXICAN FATHER (1992) Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize
BROWN: THE LAST DISCOVERY OF AMERICA the changing demographics inAmerica.
He is now writing THE GOD OF THE DISERT, aboutJudaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
WHERE WOULD WE BE?
Don't know the original source but this came to me in an email from a friend.
This is a story of a little boy named Theo who woke up one morning and asked his mother, "Mom, what if there were no Black people in the world?" Well his mother thought about that for a moment, and then said "Son, follow me around today and let's just see what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world." Mom said, "now, go get dressed and we will get started."
Theo ran to his room to put on his clothes and shoes. His mother took one look at him and said, "Theo, where are your shoes, and those clothes are all wrinkled, son, I must iron them." But when she reached for the ironing board it was no longer there. You see Sarah Boone, a black woman, invented the ironing board and Jan E Matzelinger, a black man, invented the shoe lasting machine. "Oh,. well", she said, "please go and do something to your hair." Theo ran in his room to comb his hair, but the comb was not there. You see, Walter Sammons, a blsack man, invented the comb. Theo decided to just brush his hair, but the brush was gone. You see, Lydia O newman, a black female, invented the brush. Well, this was a sight, no shoes, wrinkled clothes, hair a mess, even Mom's hair, without the hair care inventions of Madam C. J. Walker, well, you get the picture.
Mom told Theo, "let's do our chores around the house and then take a trip to the grocery store." Theo's job was to sweep the floor. He swept and swept and swept. When he reached for the dustpan, it was not there. You see, Lloyd P Ray, a black man, invented the dustpan. It was not there. He then decided to mop the floor, but the mop was gone. You see, Thomas W. Stewart, a black man, invented the mop. Theo yelled to his Mom, "Mom, I am not having any luck." Well, son," she said, "let me finish washing these clothes and we will prepare a list for the grocery store. When she was finished, she went to place the clothes in the dryer but it was not there. You see, George T. Samon, a black man, invented the clothes dryer.
Mom asked Theo to go get a pencil and some paper to prepare their list for the market. So Theo ran for the paper and pencil but noticed the pencil lead was broken. Well, he was out of luck because John Love, a black man, invented the pencil sharpener . Mom reached for a pen, but it was not there because William Purvis, a black man, invented the fountain pen. As a matter of fact, Lee Burridge, invented the type writing machine, and W. A Lovette, the advanced printing press.
Theo and his mother decided to head out to the market. Well, when Theo opened the door he noticed the grass was as high as he was tall. You see, the lawn mower was invented by John Burr, a black man. They made their way over to the car, and found that it just wouldn't go. You see, Richard Spikes, a black man, invented the automatic gear shift and Joseph Gammel invented the supercharge system for internal combustion engines. They noticed that the few cars that were moving were running into each other and having wrecks because there were no traffice signals. You see, Garrett A Morgan, a black man, invented the traffic light.
Well, it was getting late, so they walked to the market, got their groceries and returned home. Just when they were about to put away the milk, eggs, and butter, they noticed the refrigerator was gone. You see, John Standard, a black man, invented the refrigerator. So they just left the food on the counter. By this time, Theo noticed he was getting mighty cold. Mom went to turn up the heat and what do you know. Alice Parker, a black female, invented the heating furnace. Even in the summer time they would have been out of luck because Frederick Jones, a black man, invented the air conditioner.
It was almost time for Theo's father to arrive home. He usually takes the bus. But there was no bus, because it's precursor was the electric trolley, invented by another black man, Elbert R Robinson. He usually takes the elevator from his office on the 20th floor, but there was no elevator because Alexander Miles, a black man, invented the elevator. He also usually dropped off the office mail at a near by mailbox, but it was no longer there because Philip Downing, a black man, invented the letter drop mailbox and William Barry invented the postmarking and canceling machine.
Theo and his mother sat at the kitchen table with their head in their hands. When the father arrived he asked, "Why are you sitting in the dark?" Why? Because Lewis Howard Latimer, a black man, invented the filament within the light bulb. Theo quickly learned what it would be like if there were no black people in the world. Not to mention if he were ever sick and needed blood. Charles Drew, a black scientist, found a way to preserve and store blood, which led to his starting the world's first blood bank. And what if a family member had to have heart surgery. This would not have been possible without Dr Daniel Hale Williams, a black doctor, who performed the first open-heart surgery. So, if you ever wonder, like Theo, where would we be without US? Well, it's pretty plain to see. We would still be in the dark!!!
If you gained any insight from this please pass it on, so that others may know.
This is a story of a little boy named Theo who woke up one morning and asked his mother, "Mom, what if there were no Black people in the world?" Well his mother thought about that for a moment, and then said "Son, follow me around today and let's just see what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world." Mom said, "now, go get dressed and we will get started."
Theo ran to his room to put on his clothes and shoes. His mother took one look at him and said, "Theo, where are your shoes, and those clothes are all wrinkled, son, I must iron them." But when she reached for the ironing board it was no longer there. You see Sarah Boone, a black woman, invented the ironing board and Jan E Matzelinger, a black man, invented the shoe lasting machine. "Oh,. well", she said, "please go and do something to your hair." Theo ran in his room to comb his hair, but the comb was not there. You see, Walter Sammons, a blsack man, invented the comb. Theo decided to just brush his hair, but the brush was gone. You see, Lydia O newman, a black female, invented the brush. Well, this was a sight, no shoes, wrinkled clothes, hair a mess, even Mom's hair, without the hair care inventions of Madam C. J. Walker, well, you get the picture.
Mom told Theo, "let's do our chores around the house and then take a trip to the grocery store." Theo's job was to sweep the floor. He swept and swept and swept. When he reached for the dustpan, it was not there. You see, Lloyd P Ray, a black man, invented the dustpan. It was not there. He then decided to mop the floor, but the mop was gone. You see, Thomas W. Stewart, a black man, invented the mop. Theo yelled to his Mom, "Mom, I am not having any luck." Well, son," she said, "let me finish washing these clothes and we will prepare a list for the grocery store. When she was finished, she went to place the clothes in the dryer but it was not there. You see, George T. Samon, a black man, invented the clothes dryer.
Mom asked Theo to go get a pencil and some paper to prepare their list for the market. So Theo ran for the paper and pencil but noticed the pencil lead was broken. Well, he was out of luck because John Love, a black man, invented the pencil sharpener . Mom reached for a pen, but it was not there because William Purvis, a black man, invented the fountain pen. As a matter of fact, Lee Burridge, invented the type writing machine, and W. A Lovette, the advanced printing press.
Theo and his mother decided to head out to the market. Well, when Theo opened the door he noticed the grass was as high as he was tall. You see, the lawn mower was invented by John Burr, a black man. They made their way over to the car, and found that it just wouldn't go. You see, Richard Spikes, a black man, invented the automatic gear shift and Joseph Gammel invented the supercharge system for internal combustion engines. They noticed that the few cars that were moving were running into each other and having wrecks because there were no traffice signals. You see, Garrett A Morgan, a black man, invented the traffic light.
Well, it was getting late, so they walked to the market, got their groceries and returned home. Just when they were about to put away the milk, eggs, and butter, they noticed the refrigerator was gone. You see, John Standard, a black man, invented the refrigerator. So they just left the food on the counter. By this time, Theo noticed he was getting mighty cold. Mom went to turn up the heat and what do you know. Alice Parker, a black female, invented the heating furnace. Even in the summer time they would have been out of luck because Frederick Jones, a black man, invented the air conditioner.
It was almost time for Theo's father to arrive home. He usually takes the bus. But there was no bus, because it's precursor was the electric trolley, invented by another black man, Elbert R Robinson. He usually takes the elevator from his office on the 20th floor, but there was no elevator because Alexander Miles, a black man, invented the elevator. He also usually dropped off the office mail at a near by mailbox, but it was no longer there because Philip Downing, a black man, invented the letter drop mailbox and William Barry invented the postmarking and canceling machine.
Theo and his mother sat at the kitchen table with their head in their hands. When the father arrived he asked, "Why are you sitting in the dark?" Why? Because Lewis Howard Latimer, a black man, invented the filament within the light bulb. Theo quickly learned what it would be like if there were no black people in the world. Not to mention if he were ever sick and needed blood. Charles Drew, a black scientist, found a way to preserve and store blood, which led to his starting the world's first blood bank. And what if a family member had to have heart surgery. This would not have been possible without Dr Daniel Hale Williams, a black doctor, who performed the first open-heart surgery. So, if you ever wonder, like Theo, where would we be without US? Well, it's pretty plain to see. We would still be in the dark!!!
If you gained any insight from this please pass it on, so that others may know.
Monday, May 23, 2011
ALTER YOUR VISION
excerpt from CHEROKEE FEAST OF DAYS, MEDITATIONS, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler
"Nothing ever remains quite the same - but a time comes when we have to follow new guidlelines and think new thoughts and do new things. It does not take a superhuman, but it takes a believer - a worker with ears to hear and eyes to see - not just the physical but the spiritual. We cannot take for granted that any other human can have accurate perception and spell things out for us. The miracles are not all in other heads, other hands, other methods. There must be a burst of inner fire that sparks a miracle, that opens a door to a greater life, a greater calm. We are never so blind as when we close ourselves off by our critical views, our hardened hearts, our failure to perceive the greatness of gentle things. O friend, look away from lack and need and pain. Alter your vision and it will alter life.
"Nothing ever remains quite the same - but a time comes when we have to follow new guidlelines and think new thoughts and do new things. It does not take a superhuman, but it takes a believer - a worker with ears to hear and eyes to see - not just the physical but the spiritual. We cannot take for granted that any other human can have accurate perception and spell things out for us. The miracles are not all in other heads, other hands, other methods. There must be a burst of inner fire that sparks a miracle, that opens a door to a greater life, a greater calm. We are never so blind as when we close ourselves off by our critical views, our hardened hearts, our failure to perceive the greatness of gentle things. O friend, look away from lack and need and pain. Alter your vision and it will alter life.
Friday, May 20, 2011
WHY DON'T WE JUST GET ALONG?
excerpt from ANNE'S WRITINGS II, (see Aug 31, 2010)
This question was posed by Rodney King, in anguish, as he watched the violent riots swirl around in Los Angeles after the exoneration of four policemen who had brutally beaten him during a stop and search procedure in 1991.
The "why" spans almost four centuries of this country's history. We citizens of America are still feeling the residual effects of slavery which touched our country as the first slaveholding ship docked in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. Carrying 20 captive Africans this first ship started a process which reached a peak of about 6 million imported in the 18th century alone. The first organized opposition to slavery did not occur until the Quakers made their first statement against slavery in 1724 over 100 years later. It took another 100 years plus before all slaves were declared free in Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and then two more years before slavery was constitutionally abolished by the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution. It took yet another 100 years before full and equal rights to education and judicial process were instituted by law with the Brown vs. the Board of Education decision in 1954 and the Civil Rights Law of 1964.
Rather than go into a fuller discussion about dates and historical fact I refer you to the history books. I would like to proceed with the psychological history of why we still "don't get along".
From 1619 until 1863 there were several categories of people involved in the slave trade - first, the African kidnapper, then the ship captain and crew, the slave trader, the auctioneer, the plantation owner and his overseer, and the victim - the African slave.
In order for any of these people to function in their roles there had to be a powerful motivation of greed or fear. There also had to be the ability of those in the greed category to suspend empathetic feelings for the slave.
The African kidnapper usually reached outside of his own tribe to capture the enemy tribe. Greed and revenge eliminated the sense of empathy for the condition of the captive. But there were African kidnappers who made their fortunes in the slave trade with apparently little or no regard for revenge. Greed was the sole motive.
The captives were caged in holding pens like cattle with very little food or water, beaten and terrified, bewildered and grief-stricken over the horrendous visions of permanent separation from family and home. Some fought until death rather than acquiece. Others frantically tried to figure out ways to escape. Children approaching maturity and women were in the midst of this captivity as well.
The ship captain and crew were very brutal to the captives in the crossing from Africa to America. The slaves were stacked like cords of wood two deep, to fill the ship beyond its capacity, creating severely unhealthy conditions. Many died and were tossed callously into the sea, some jumped in desparation or suicidal despair when an opportunity presented itself. Lying in their own body waste and nausea, many became severely depressed or mentally unbalanced. Food was rationed only to the point of keeping them alive.
Meanwhile the slave trader was preparing the customers, the plantation owners and their overseers for the business of being slave owners. There were brochures and training manuals on how to break the spirit of the slave in order to maintain control and avoid insurrection. These materials advised the owners to remove all African identity by changing the captives names to American names, not allowing the native language to be spoken, forbidding observation of all religions, observance of tribal or family traditions and forcing instant, exact obedience through intimidation and pain. There was collusion in the churches as preachers taught erroneously that the Bible justified slavery. The scientific community spread the concept of "lesser creature" or "different species" with the media joining in, instigating and re-enforcing stereotypes of sub-human ape-like creatures who could rightly be treated as the mule or domesticated animal.
When the ship arrived in port the slave trader enlisted the auctioneer to entertain and entice the buyers with tales of the physical strength of the men and the desirability and breeding qualities of the women. Prodding and poking the hapless slave, stripping them to show muscles and potential work abilities, there was no respect or allowance for the dignity due a human being.
With the indoctrination of slave ownership prowess, the plantation owner turned the slave over to his overseer to house and train in the chores of the plantation. Whips, branding irons and holding pens were used as normal tools to break the spirit of the slave. The housing was sub-standard shacks or barracks and the food was basic gruel-type rationing or left over produce, the undesirable animal remains such as guts, feet, ears and tails of the animals slaughtered to feed the owners. The field hands worked from daylight to sunset with breaks seldom given during the day. Too afraid of the whip in the daytime and too tired to move at night, the slave went from day to day losing most contact with the joys and pleasures a human needs to maintain a sense of self and value. Learning to survive became paramount. Survival skills honed the ability to read and second guess the needs of the owners, to negotiate as diplomatically as possible to obtain basic needs. Gradually a culture developed among the slaves of supporting each other, protecting each other, being vigilant to avoid the ire of the owner and spotting opportunities to improve conditions. In order to keep hope alive and despair as low as possible the belief in relief in the life beyond death became a strong component of worship services. Looking to heaven for happiness kept the spirit of the slave alive and thriving. The release of emotion allowed in the singing of hymns brought forth the uniquely beautiful spirituals we now enjoy. Gospel singing became an outlet for expression and renewal of spirit. Word that some people wanted to help free slaves began filtering into the plantation grapevine, a second hope began to emerge. Freedom became a dream. Some of the negro spirituals had coded messages relaying the impending arrival of a rescuer who would lead a group through the "underground railroad" and to freedom in the north.
Meanwhile the owners, their families and the white workers and neighbors developed a strong set of beliefs in the "rightness" of this society. The clergy and media re-enforced and sanctioned this way of life so guilt was not a part of the mind set of most whites. There was no social contact to acquaint the white with the human qualities of the slave so empathy was very rare indeed. The brain-washing of children from infancy to the concept of superiority and right of ownership left no realistic possibility of seeing the slave as a fellow human being in need of sensitivity and respect.
In the mid 1700s our founding fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. During the consultation process while these were being written notes and journals were kept revealing the attitudes of the leaders of our country. These leaders were in large part slave owners. Their notes reflected that the slave was not considered a full man entitled to the "rights" they were including in their papers. The laws being put on the books as the judicial system of the country evolved were very specific about the lack of rights of the slave and the privilege given to the owners and to all whites.
The poorer whites developed the belief that at least someone was poorer, less qualified and therefore deserving of their scorn. A virulent animosity became commonplace among poorer whites toward the slave. Even though these whites owned no slaves there was a disdain and mistreatment when opportunity arose directed toward the slave.
Another hundred years passed with this society continuing to become more deeply entrenched in the plantation-slave way of life.
In some of the northern states there was a growing sentiment of distaste for slavery, of uneasiness about the tales of mistreatment and abuse. Some citizens became active in abolishing slavery. These ablitionists helped and encouraged escape plans for runaway slaves. Individuals began offering their homes as hideouts in a path to the north. Cellars were hidden and used to hide runaways until they could safely leave the states which had slavery. Some of these homes were Southern, it was very risky so all was done in secrecy and careful planning. Some heroes and heroines bcame well-known for their courage in assisting in freeing slaves.
Four hundred years later we are struggling in many ways to redeem this country and it's people. Unaware racism (white issue) and internalized racism (black issue) can only be healed when it is recognized and openly dealt with on an individual basis.
THE TASK IS ENORMOUS BUT THE TIME IS NOW.
This question was posed by Rodney King, in anguish, as he watched the violent riots swirl around in Los Angeles after the exoneration of four policemen who had brutally beaten him during a stop and search procedure in 1991.
The "why" spans almost four centuries of this country's history. We citizens of America are still feeling the residual effects of slavery which touched our country as the first slaveholding ship docked in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. Carrying 20 captive Africans this first ship started a process which reached a peak of about 6 million imported in the 18th century alone. The first organized opposition to slavery did not occur until the Quakers made their first statement against slavery in 1724 over 100 years later. It took another 100 years plus before all slaves were declared free in Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and then two more years before slavery was constitutionally abolished by the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution. It took yet another 100 years before full and equal rights to education and judicial process were instituted by law with the Brown vs. the Board of Education decision in 1954 and the Civil Rights Law of 1964.
Rather than go into a fuller discussion about dates and historical fact I refer you to the history books. I would like to proceed with the psychological history of why we still "don't get along".
From 1619 until 1863 there were several categories of people involved in the slave trade - first, the African kidnapper, then the ship captain and crew, the slave trader, the auctioneer, the plantation owner and his overseer, and the victim - the African slave.
In order for any of these people to function in their roles there had to be a powerful motivation of greed or fear. There also had to be the ability of those in the greed category to suspend empathetic feelings for the slave.
The African kidnapper usually reached outside of his own tribe to capture the enemy tribe. Greed and revenge eliminated the sense of empathy for the condition of the captive. But there were African kidnappers who made their fortunes in the slave trade with apparently little or no regard for revenge. Greed was the sole motive.
The captives were caged in holding pens like cattle with very little food or water, beaten and terrified, bewildered and grief-stricken over the horrendous visions of permanent separation from family and home. Some fought until death rather than acquiece. Others frantically tried to figure out ways to escape. Children approaching maturity and women were in the midst of this captivity as well.
The ship captain and crew were very brutal to the captives in the crossing from Africa to America. The slaves were stacked like cords of wood two deep, to fill the ship beyond its capacity, creating severely unhealthy conditions. Many died and were tossed callously into the sea, some jumped in desparation or suicidal despair when an opportunity presented itself. Lying in their own body waste and nausea, many became severely depressed or mentally unbalanced. Food was rationed only to the point of keeping them alive.
Meanwhile the slave trader was preparing the customers, the plantation owners and their overseers for the business of being slave owners. There were brochures and training manuals on how to break the spirit of the slave in order to maintain control and avoid insurrection. These materials advised the owners to remove all African identity by changing the captives names to American names, not allowing the native language to be spoken, forbidding observation of all religions, observance of tribal or family traditions and forcing instant, exact obedience through intimidation and pain. There was collusion in the churches as preachers taught erroneously that the Bible justified slavery. The scientific community spread the concept of "lesser creature" or "different species" with the media joining in, instigating and re-enforcing stereotypes of sub-human ape-like creatures who could rightly be treated as the mule or domesticated animal.
When the ship arrived in port the slave trader enlisted the auctioneer to entertain and entice the buyers with tales of the physical strength of the men and the desirability and breeding qualities of the women. Prodding and poking the hapless slave, stripping them to show muscles and potential work abilities, there was no respect or allowance for the dignity due a human being.
With the indoctrination of slave ownership prowess, the plantation owner turned the slave over to his overseer to house and train in the chores of the plantation. Whips, branding irons and holding pens were used as normal tools to break the spirit of the slave. The housing was sub-standard shacks or barracks and the food was basic gruel-type rationing or left over produce, the undesirable animal remains such as guts, feet, ears and tails of the animals slaughtered to feed the owners. The field hands worked from daylight to sunset with breaks seldom given during the day. Too afraid of the whip in the daytime and too tired to move at night, the slave went from day to day losing most contact with the joys and pleasures a human needs to maintain a sense of self and value. Learning to survive became paramount. Survival skills honed the ability to read and second guess the needs of the owners, to negotiate as diplomatically as possible to obtain basic needs. Gradually a culture developed among the slaves of supporting each other, protecting each other, being vigilant to avoid the ire of the owner and spotting opportunities to improve conditions. In order to keep hope alive and despair as low as possible the belief in relief in the life beyond death became a strong component of worship services. Looking to heaven for happiness kept the spirit of the slave alive and thriving. The release of emotion allowed in the singing of hymns brought forth the uniquely beautiful spirituals we now enjoy. Gospel singing became an outlet for expression and renewal of spirit. Word that some people wanted to help free slaves began filtering into the plantation grapevine, a second hope began to emerge. Freedom became a dream. Some of the negro spirituals had coded messages relaying the impending arrival of a rescuer who would lead a group through the "underground railroad" and to freedom in the north.
Meanwhile the owners, their families and the white workers and neighbors developed a strong set of beliefs in the "rightness" of this society. The clergy and media re-enforced and sanctioned this way of life so guilt was not a part of the mind set of most whites. There was no social contact to acquaint the white with the human qualities of the slave so empathy was very rare indeed. The brain-washing of children from infancy to the concept of superiority and right of ownership left no realistic possibility of seeing the slave as a fellow human being in need of sensitivity and respect.
In the mid 1700s our founding fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. During the consultation process while these were being written notes and journals were kept revealing the attitudes of the leaders of our country. These leaders were in large part slave owners. Their notes reflected that the slave was not considered a full man entitled to the "rights" they were including in their papers. The laws being put on the books as the judicial system of the country evolved were very specific about the lack of rights of the slave and the privilege given to the owners and to all whites.
The poorer whites developed the belief that at least someone was poorer, less qualified and therefore deserving of their scorn. A virulent animosity became commonplace among poorer whites toward the slave. Even though these whites owned no slaves there was a disdain and mistreatment when opportunity arose directed toward the slave.
Another hundred years passed with this society continuing to become more deeply entrenched in the plantation-slave way of life.
In some of the northern states there was a growing sentiment of distaste for slavery, of uneasiness about the tales of mistreatment and abuse. Some citizens became active in abolishing slavery. These ablitionists helped and encouraged escape plans for runaway slaves. Individuals began offering their homes as hideouts in a path to the north. Cellars were hidden and used to hide runaways until they could safely leave the states which had slavery. Some of these homes were Southern, it was very risky so all was done in secrecy and careful planning. Some heroes and heroines bcame well-known for their courage in assisting in freeing slaves.
Four hundred years later we are struggling in many ways to redeem this country and it's people. Unaware racism (white issue) and internalized racism (black issue) can only be healed when it is recognized and openly dealt with on an individual basis.
THE TASK IS ENORMOUS BUT THE TIME IS NOW.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
MOTHER THERESA - SILENCE OF THE HEART
excerpt from NO GREATER LOVE, MOTHER THERESA, forward by Thomas Moore
Born in 1910 in Skopji, Albania, recipient of Nobel Peace Prize, US Medal of Freedom, UN Albert Schwetzer Prize. She went to Loreto Abbey, Rathfarnham, Dublin, Ireland in 1928 and from there to India where she began her novitiate. She taught geography in St. Mary's High School in Calcutta from 1929 to 1948. Then in 1950, she started her own order, the Missionaries of Charity, to minister exclusively to the poorest of the poor.
"To be alone with Him, not with our books, thoughts, and memories but completely stripped of everything, to dwell lovingly in His presence - silent, empty, expectant, and motionless....
"We cannot find God in noise or agitation.
Nature: trees, flowers, and grass gow in silence. The stars, the moon, and the sun move in silence. What is essential is not what we say but what God tells us and what He tells others through us. In silence He listens to us, in silence He speaks to our souls. In silence we are granted the privilege of listening to His voice.
Silence of our eyes.
Silence of our ears.
Silence of our mouths.
Silence of our minds.
...in the silence of the heart God will speak.
"Silence of the heart is necessary so you can hear God everywhere - in the closing of the door, in the person who needs you, in the birds that sing, in the flowers, in the animals.."
Excerpt from MOTHER THERESA, MEDITATIONS FROM A SIMPLE PATH:
"The fruit of silence is Prayer.
The fruit of prayer is FAITH.
The fruit of faith is LOVE.
The fruit of love is SERVICE.
The fruit of service is PEACE."
Born in 1910 in Skopji, Albania, recipient of Nobel Peace Prize, US Medal of Freedom, UN Albert Schwetzer Prize. She went to Loreto Abbey, Rathfarnham, Dublin, Ireland in 1928 and from there to India where she began her novitiate. She taught geography in St. Mary's High School in Calcutta from 1929 to 1948. Then in 1950, she started her own order, the Missionaries of Charity, to minister exclusively to the poorest of the poor.
"To be alone with Him, not with our books, thoughts, and memories but completely stripped of everything, to dwell lovingly in His presence - silent, empty, expectant, and motionless....
"We cannot find God in noise or agitation.
Nature: trees, flowers, and grass gow in silence. The stars, the moon, and the sun move in silence. What is essential is not what we say but what God tells us and what He tells others through us. In silence He listens to us, in silence He speaks to our souls. In silence we are granted the privilege of listening to His voice.
Silence of our eyes.
Silence of our ears.
Silence of our mouths.
Silence of our minds.
...in the silence of the heart God will speak.
"Silence of the heart is necessary so you can hear God everywhere - in the closing of the door, in the person who needs you, in the birds that sing, in the flowers, in the animals.."
Excerpt from MOTHER THERESA, MEDITATIONS FROM A SIMPLE PATH:
"The fruit of silence is Prayer.
The fruit of prayer is FAITH.
The fruit of faith is LOVE.
The fruit of love is SERVICE.
The fruit of service is PEACE."
Sunday, May 15, 2011
BOY'S DREAM - QUETZALCOATL'S PROPHECY
information and excerpt from WARRIORS OF THE RAINBOW, STRANGE AND PROPHETIC DREAMS OF THE INDIAN PEOPLES, by William Willoya and Vinson Brown
When Vinson Brown was five years old, his father, who was a doctor on the Sioux Reservation of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, saved the life of the chief of the Oglala Sioux and was gifted with a beautiful, beaded pipe bag. When the boy touched it he felt a sensation go up his arm and into his heart. From the age of five until the age of nine he had the following dream every few weeks:
"In my dreams I seemed to be floating in the sky looking down at a land of many round hills. On the top of each hill was a group of Indians. Some of them were lying on the dry grass, with their fingers digging into the ground despairingly. Others lifted their arms hopelessly to the sky. Women were huddled together weeping. All were wearing old, cast-off whitemen's clothing, just rags. Their faces were filled with a deep sadness, ....There seemed to be growing a strange light up in the sky. Looking up, I saw the sunlight flashing on the wings of a beautiful white bird, a dove...As the dove came near the top of one of the hills, a strange and remarkable thing happened. The Indians there suddenly sprang to their feet, gazing up at the dove. The white men's rags fell from their bodies and disappeared. Instead they now lifted their heads proudly under the handsome headresses and their bodies were covered with clean buckskin that glittered with beads....Their faces glowed with happiness and joy....They began to march up into the sky after the dove, marching with the springing steps of conquerers....Other dark-skinned peoples rose joyously from hill after hill....Drums began to mutter, lifting and rolling into thunder, and pipes shrilled.... Voices chanting ancient songs.... Slowly a bow formed in the sky, a rainbow of people marching to glory, a rainbow of unity...."
Many years followed and Vinson tried to get someone to interpret his dream. When he was an adult and travelling from New Mexico to Arizona he met an Otomi Indian. When he heard about the dream he said, "I know what the dream means.... Long ago there lived a great prophet-king of the Toltec Indians of southern Mexico, called Quetzalcoatl...
"He foretold that in time the white men would come out of the eastern sea....that the white men would be like a bird that had two different kinds of feet. One foot would be the foot of the dove and the other would be the foot of the eagle. The foot of the dove meant the religion of Christianity... a religion of love and kindness... The foot of the eagle meant the way most of the white men treated the Indians, by clawing them, killing them, enslaving them and exploiting them.
"But Quetzalcoatl promised that a few hundred years after the first coming of the white men other white men would come to the Indians with both feet the feet of the dove.... They would lead the Indians up from the earth of despair and defeat into the sky of hope, freedom and triumph....
"The fact that the Indians you saw in the sky were wearing the clothes of the ancient days meant that these white men would not make fun or laugh at the old Indian culture and religion. instead they would teach the Indians to be proud of their ancestors and get back the great spirit and knowledge the ancient people had. As true brothers, both the Indians and these white men would start to build a better world in which justice, peace and love between men would rule."
William Willoya and Vinson Brown began their search fot this "great spirit of change that is now growing in the world."
When Vinson Brown was five years old, his father, who was a doctor on the Sioux Reservation of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, saved the life of the chief of the Oglala Sioux and was gifted with a beautiful, beaded pipe bag. When the boy touched it he felt a sensation go up his arm and into his heart. From the age of five until the age of nine he had the following dream every few weeks:
"In my dreams I seemed to be floating in the sky looking down at a land of many round hills. On the top of each hill was a group of Indians. Some of them were lying on the dry grass, with their fingers digging into the ground despairingly. Others lifted their arms hopelessly to the sky. Women were huddled together weeping. All were wearing old, cast-off whitemen's clothing, just rags. Their faces were filled with a deep sadness, ....There seemed to be growing a strange light up in the sky. Looking up, I saw the sunlight flashing on the wings of a beautiful white bird, a dove...As the dove came near the top of one of the hills, a strange and remarkable thing happened. The Indians there suddenly sprang to their feet, gazing up at the dove. The white men's rags fell from their bodies and disappeared. Instead they now lifted their heads proudly under the handsome headresses and their bodies were covered with clean buckskin that glittered with beads....Their faces glowed with happiness and joy....They began to march up into the sky after the dove, marching with the springing steps of conquerers....Other dark-skinned peoples rose joyously from hill after hill....Drums began to mutter, lifting and rolling into thunder, and pipes shrilled.... Voices chanting ancient songs.... Slowly a bow formed in the sky, a rainbow of people marching to glory, a rainbow of unity...."
Many years followed and Vinson tried to get someone to interpret his dream. When he was an adult and travelling from New Mexico to Arizona he met an Otomi Indian. When he heard about the dream he said, "I know what the dream means.... Long ago there lived a great prophet-king of the Toltec Indians of southern Mexico, called Quetzalcoatl...
"He foretold that in time the white men would come out of the eastern sea....that the white men would be like a bird that had two different kinds of feet. One foot would be the foot of the dove and the other would be the foot of the eagle. The foot of the dove meant the religion of Christianity... a religion of love and kindness... The foot of the eagle meant the way most of the white men treated the Indians, by clawing them, killing them, enslaving them and exploiting them.
"But Quetzalcoatl promised that a few hundred years after the first coming of the white men other white men would come to the Indians with both feet the feet of the dove.... They would lead the Indians up from the earth of despair and defeat into the sky of hope, freedom and triumph....
"The fact that the Indians you saw in the sky were wearing the clothes of the ancient days meant that these white men would not make fun or laugh at the old Indian culture and religion. instead they would teach the Indians to be proud of their ancestors and get back the great spirit and knowledge the ancient people had. As true brothers, both the Indians and these white men would start to build a better world in which justice, peace and love between men would rule."
William Willoya and Vinson Brown began their search fot this "great spirit of change that is now growing in the world."
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
NELSON MANDELA - IN THE PRESENCE OF A GIANT
Info from wikepedia
Born July 18, 1918, in Umtata, Transkei, South Africa. Anti-apartheid activist, Leader of African National Congress, arrested in 1962, released Feb. 11, 1990, elected President of South Africa 1994-1999, winner of Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
excerpt from article in CITIZEN-TIMES, Asheville newspaper 7-18-94, titled WITH MANDELA, IT'S ALL ABOUT ACTION, NOT ABOUT WORDS, by Bill McGoun
"Bangkok - He is gray of hair and stooped with age. He steadied himself with a cane in his right hand and was assisted by an aide on his left. He proceeded slowly up the ramp to the speaker's platform in Conference Room A of the Media Center at the IMPACT Exhibit Center....
There was no mistaking that this was a special morning.The corridors of the Exhibition Center have been a mass of humanity all week, what with 17,000 people on hand for the XV International Aids Conference. But this was different. Hundreds were lined up outside the Media Center, evidently restrained by a barrier. I had hurried inside, past a continuation of the barrier, and taken a seat in the second row.
As the guest appeared the room got nearly quiet. The spectators knew they were in the presence of a giant. This aged man endured 28 years of imprisonment to free 38 million of his countrymen from their shackles. He showed that a land once ruled with an iron hand by a white minority can transition to black rule without massive bloodshed or a continuation of oppression with the roles reversed.
Nelson Mandela. Those two words say volumes. They speak of courage few of us can even comprehend. They represent a man with every reason to be bitter and vindictive who instead led his nation into a rebirth for all its people, whether their ancestors lived in Africa, Europe or Asia.
His body may be frail but his voice isn't....he was brief and to the point Thursday morning....
He inspires with his life. When he finished, he left the stage and did not take questions. That didn't matter to me. What would I have asked? What insight could he give with his words now that he has not long ago given with his actions."
Born July 18, 1918, in Umtata, Transkei, South Africa. Anti-apartheid activist, Leader of African National Congress, arrested in 1962, released Feb. 11, 1990, elected President of South Africa 1994-1999, winner of Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
excerpt from article in CITIZEN-TIMES, Asheville newspaper 7-18-94, titled WITH MANDELA, IT'S ALL ABOUT ACTION, NOT ABOUT WORDS, by Bill McGoun
"Bangkok - He is gray of hair and stooped with age. He steadied himself with a cane in his right hand and was assisted by an aide on his left. He proceeded slowly up the ramp to the speaker's platform in Conference Room A of the Media Center at the IMPACT Exhibit Center....
There was no mistaking that this was a special morning.The corridors of the Exhibition Center have been a mass of humanity all week, what with 17,000 people on hand for the XV International Aids Conference. But this was different. Hundreds were lined up outside the Media Center, evidently restrained by a barrier. I had hurried inside, past a continuation of the barrier, and taken a seat in the second row.
As the guest appeared the room got nearly quiet. The spectators knew they were in the presence of a giant. This aged man endured 28 years of imprisonment to free 38 million of his countrymen from their shackles. He showed that a land once ruled with an iron hand by a white minority can transition to black rule without massive bloodshed or a continuation of oppression with the roles reversed.
Nelson Mandela. Those two words say volumes. They speak of courage few of us can even comprehend. They represent a man with every reason to be bitter and vindictive who instead led his nation into a rebirth for all its people, whether their ancestors lived in Africa, Europe or Asia.
His body may be frail but his voice isn't....he was brief and to the point Thursday morning....
He inspires with his life. When he finished, he left the stage and did not take questions. That didn't matter to me. What would I have asked? What insight could he give with his words now that he has not long ago given with his actions."
Friday, May 6, 2011
RETURN OF THE SPIRIT
excerpt from WARRIORS OF THE RAINBOW, STRANGE AND PROPHETIC DREAMS OF THE INDIAN PEOPLE, by William Willoya and Vinson Brown
"Listen, oh my ears, listen, as the fawn listens for its mother in the forest, but listen, my ears, for the Words of the Spirit.
Watch, oh my eyes, watch, as the otter watches over his children, but watch, my eyes, for the Way of the Spirit.
Feel, oh my fingers, feel, as the lair cub feels the warm tongue of the bear, but feels my fingers, the Touch of the Spirit.
Day by day, I shall gather strength from Thee, thinking, thinking, but stilling my thoughts, as the calm of summer stills the waters of a pond.
When my heart is quiet, when my thoughts are still, when I have forgotten my pride, when I am filled with love for all Your creatures, lead me, oh Grandfather.
In Thy love I shall grow, oh Ancient One, until hatred disappears, until all envy and jealous and petty thoughts are blown away as the wind blows the fog from the valley.
I was weak, but now You make me strong; I was proud, but now I shall be humble; I was filled with bad thoughts, but now they shall be gone forever, even as the wise youth leaves the ways of childhood and becomes a man.
I am longing, oh Grandfather, for Thy spirit; into the silent places I go seeking, even as the Eagle Chief climbs toward the sun.
I will go with my mind at peace; into the darkness I shall go and fear no evil.
On the feet of my breath I shall cross the skies and the vastness of space shall be as the hollows of my hand through which I pierce as the lightning touches earth and sky.
Then will come Your spirit, oh Center of All Being; as the light of the outer world fades, the light of the inner world shall glow, and I shall be swept as on waves of glory into Thy nearness and Thy knowledge.
"Listen, oh my ears, listen, as the fawn listens for its mother in the forest, but listen, my ears, for the Words of the Spirit.
Watch, oh my eyes, watch, as the otter watches over his children, but watch, my eyes, for the Way of the Spirit.
Feel, oh my fingers, feel, as the lair cub feels the warm tongue of the bear, but feels my fingers, the Touch of the Spirit.
Day by day, I shall gather strength from Thee, thinking, thinking, but stilling my thoughts, as the calm of summer stills the waters of a pond.
When my heart is quiet, when my thoughts are still, when I have forgotten my pride, when I am filled with love for all Your creatures, lead me, oh Grandfather.
In Thy love I shall grow, oh Ancient One, until hatred disappears, until all envy and jealous and petty thoughts are blown away as the wind blows the fog from the valley.
I was weak, but now You make me strong; I was proud, but now I shall be humble; I was filled with bad thoughts, but now they shall be gone forever, even as the wise youth leaves the ways of childhood and becomes a man.
I am longing, oh Grandfather, for Thy spirit; into the silent places I go seeking, even as the Eagle Chief climbs toward the sun.
I will go with my mind at peace; into the darkness I shall go and fear no evil.
On the feet of my breath I shall cross the skies and the vastness of space shall be as the hollows of my hand through which I pierce as the lightning touches earth and sky.
Then will come Your spirit, oh Center of All Being; as the light of the outer world fades, the light of the inner world shall glow, and I shall be swept as on waves of glory into Thy nearness and Thy knowledge.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
SISTERS
DEDICATED TO FRAN AND MARZIEH; AND BETH AND AMANDA
THE STORY OF TWO VERY DIFFERENT SISTERS
One is here, one lives there. One is a little taller than the other. Two different colors of hair, two different outlooks on life, two very different views from their windows. Both have different tomorrows ahead. Each is unique in so many ways. Each has her own story, with all the busy things going on in the present. Each has different work to do, and different demands on the day. Each has a separate destination and a distinctly different path to get there. But...
For all the things that might be different and unique about them.. these two sisters will always share so much. They will always be the best of family and friends, entwined together, through all the days of their lives. Their love will always be very special; gentle and joyful when it can be, strong and giving when it needs to be, reminding them, no matter how different their stories turn out...
They share the incredibly precious gift of being "sisters". And when you think of some of the best things this world has to offer, a blessing like that is really...what it's all abut.
-Laurel Atherton, Blue Mountain Arts
THE STORY OF TWO VERY DIFFERENT SISTERS
One is here, one lives there. One is a little taller than the other. Two different colors of hair, two different outlooks on life, two very different views from their windows. Both have different tomorrows ahead. Each is unique in so many ways. Each has her own story, with all the busy things going on in the present. Each has different work to do, and different demands on the day. Each has a separate destination and a distinctly different path to get there. But...
For all the things that might be different and unique about them.. these two sisters will always share so much. They will always be the best of family and friends, entwined together, through all the days of their lives. Their love will always be very special; gentle and joyful when it can be, strong and giving when it needs to be, reminding them, no matter how different their stories turn out...
They share the incredibly precious gift of being "sisters". And when you think of some of the best things this world has to offer, a blessing like that is really...what it's all abut.
-Laurel Atherton, Blue Mountain Arts
Sunday, May 1, 2011
WORLD HARMONY IN ACTION - MAY 1, 1912
excerpt from 239 DAYS : ABDU'L-BAHA'S JOURNEY IN AMERICA, by Allan L. Ward
"They moved outside the tent and spadefuls of earth were turned by persons from Persia, Syria, Egypt, India, Japan, South Africa, England, France, Germany, Holland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and by North American Indians; Abdu'l-Baha finished the effort and placed the stone."
Thus the dedication of the first Baha'i House of Worship in the Western Hemisphere set forth literally in concrete terms, a union of souls dedicated to world harmony. The nine doors of the temple are opened to peoples of all nationalities, all religions, and all colors. The words of all religions are read and heads are bowed in unity.
Over the inner nine doors you will find inspiring, welcoming words engraved on the crystal and concrete surfaces. In regular services you will hear voices raised to God in many languages, faiths and scriptures. There are no sermons, only quotes from all the major religions of the world.
"They moved outside the tent and spadefuls of earth were turned by persons from Persia, Syria, Egypt, India, Japan, South Africa, England, France, Germany, Holland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and by North American Indians; Abdu'l-Baha finished the effort and placed the stone."
Thus the dedication of the first Baha'i House of Worship in the Western Hemisphere set forth literally in concrete terms, a union of souls dedicated to world harmony. The nine doors of the temple are opened to peoples of all nationalities, all religions, and all colors. The words of all religions are read and heads are bowed in unity.
Over the inner nine doors you will find inspiring, welcoming words engraved on the crystal and concrete surfaces. In regular services you will hear voices raised to God in many languages, faiths and scriptures. There are no sermons, only quotes from all the major religions of the world.
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