More love

The object of this massive tribute died as he had always lived - a private man without wealth, without property, without official title or office. Mahatma Gandhi was not a commander of great armies nor ruler of vast lands. He could boast no scientific achievements or artistic gift. Yet men, governments and dignitaries from all over the world have joined hands today to pay homage to this little brown man in the loincloth who led his country to freedom. Pope Pius, the Archbishop of Canterbury, President Truman, Chiang Kai-shek, The Foreign Minister of Russia, the President of France... are among the millions here and abroad who have lamented his passing. In the words of General George C. Marshall, the American Secretary of State, "Mahatma Gandhi had become the spokesman for the conscience of mankind, a man who made humility and simple truth more powerful than empires." And Albert Einstein added, "Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth."

"Whenever I despair, I remember that the way of truth and love has always won. There may be tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they may seem invincible, but in the end, they always fail. Think of it: always."

Watched 2 movies during consecutive prayer meetings. 'Tuesdays with Morrie' portrayed a famous sports journalist, who while being caught up with his hectic lifestyle, learnt lessons on living from his dying ex-professor. It's interesting to see how people get caught up pursuing all sorts of things in life, that when conversation on end of life arises, many see it as a taboo, coz they simply have yet to found the true purpose of what they are living for (ie things which really matter)..

'Gandhi' portrayed the life of one of India's most respected icons in history. As a young lawyer trained in England, Mohandas K. Gandhi's exploits 1st became well-known when he led a non-violent protest for the rights of Indians in South Africa. He would later return to his homeland, and developed compassion for many of his people (especially in rural areas) who lived miserably in oppressive conditions under British rule. It's amazing how despite various challenges and difficulties, which include imprisonment from time to time, colonial oppression, racial tensions, he continued to live a simple and humble life, uniting all his countrymen and advocating non-violence as a measure to obtain independence. His perseverance finally paid off after many years, when he was already old, as the British finally granted independence to India.

1 thing we can learn is that Gandhi is a man of principles, as seen through his life where he lived out the values he held on to. If as 1 person he is able to make a difference by living out such a life, what more Christians (since we call ourselves God's children)?

We see a lot of problems among ourselves today when it comes to relationships, both internally and externally, especially when we fail to practise what we preach, accept other people's weaknesses, or tend to become upset when our rights are trampled upon. It's a reminder (for myself as well) that love, acceptance and forgiveness (even towards those who are annoying or don't deserve it) starts from building our close relationship with God. If God so loved the world, can we afford not to?

Sets the theme for this quarter bible conference, doesn't it?
Title: A Loving Church
Date: 13-15 August 2010
Venue: Hope Place, Skudai Parade

Currently listening: 愛可以再更多一點點 (More Love)
by: 讚美之泉 (Stream of Praise)

我可以擁有全世界 卻沒有愛
(I could have the whole world and yet still have no love)
我可以明白所有事 卻還是空白
(I could understand all things but feel empty inside)
我可以用信心移山 卻還是孤單
(I could move the mountains by faith yet seem so alone)
這世界沒有了愛 一切仍是黑白
(Without love, this world would be empty, just black and white)

Bridge
不要埋藏在心裡 把愛說出來
(Don’t hide it inside your heart, say it out in truth)
不要默默在一旁 把愛活出來
(Don’t hide it in the corner, let your love shine through)

Chorus
喔愛 可以再更多一點點
(Oh come, let’s all try to pour out more love)
不怕被傷害 把靈魂鎖起來
(Just put your fears aside, let your compassion rise)
愛 可以再更多一點點
(Come, let’s all try to pour out more love)
從天父來的愛 把懼怕挪開
(The love that’s from the Father will cast away all fears)
發現幸福在轉角與你相遇
(You’ll find His joy abounding reaching for you)
一瞬間 這世界變得好美
(With God’s love, this world is so beautiful)