God's Promise

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

Ok, so I am not always one who pulls something out of my readings, or at least has something that strikes me so deeply. But, I have to admit that this like in Isaiah was kinda like an "Eureka!" for me. There are so many things in this life that I struggle with. Lately it has been with the motivation for school and temptation. Much of the time it feels like I'm bashing my head against a brick wall and not getting anywhere in the battle that I am engaged in. The thing is, that much of the battle has been about me going solo, that I can conquer my struggles by myself. How flawed is that? Perhaps this is why the verse in Isaiah hit me so strongly, God will help me, God will take me by the hand and lead me through all of the struggles that I have. I think that it's high time that I stop being so independent of God and allow for a little more guidancee. I'm definately finding that I can't beat the struggles that I have by myself. Somewhat of a obvious statement, but I think sometimes that we need to be reminded of the obvious.

World Chaos

The current events in Europe have inspired me to write. I find it interesting that the Muslims in Europe have reacted so strongly to the depiction of Mohommad. I understand that there is a strong tie with that religious figure, but does it truely require a violent reaction? I realize that this isn't characteristic of all those who are Muslim, or who practice islam; however, they're not doing a great job on the PR aspect. Look towards all of the events in the last number of years. We have Iraq, which whether or not you beleive in the war (or occupation of), the true war is simply muslims attacting muslims. I would love to say that all of the resistance in Iraq is solely because of the occupation by the US; however, it is easily percieved that it is more of denominational infighting, with casulties on both sides of the fence. More PR blunders, Osama Bin Laden, the twin towers, and now the reaction over some editorial cartoons. By no means am I trying to justify the publishing of these cartoons, but to react so violently? Hmm, I think it does the religion more damage than good. "Don't offend us, we'll riot and burn down your house." I've tried to place this into persective with my own reaction to a depection of Jesus Christ. In fact, I can think of a report of Will & Grace where they have shot a episode that features Brittney Spears as an overly conservative "christian" talk show host for "Cruci-fixins'", both are rather offensive, one it Brittney Spears (don't we all wish she would fall of the face of the earth) and a mockery of Christians (note also, the episode is supposed to be airred the day before easter, a rather important religious day for Christians). How do I think that I would react? Well, certainly not going to the production studio and burning down the place. I just don't think that Christians would react so strongly (or more specifically, violently) to that event. Yes, protest, write letters, make our concerns known, but to rally and riot? Seems a little too fanatical.