quotable quotes: somebody do something

just read: Long Walk to Freedom

It is only fitting to follow a post on Emancipation with the story of a freedom fighter - Nelson Mandela. I have long admired Madiba (Mandela's tribal name) for his strength of character and the sacrifices he made for a strongly held conviction. I do not know many people who could be sent to prison for nearly three decades and come out speaking of reconciliation and forgiveness.

The early parts of this book, when he is describing his boyhood, made me long to be in Africa. The images described were like many I had seen in my time there. The beauty of that continent is impressive and Mandela describes it well.

More than the vivid word pictures and clear fondness Mandela has for his homeland, this book is a lesson in how to structure, manage and maintian a movement. By the end, I felt as if I had received an education in community action. I took notes throughout. The Hubs asked, "why are you writing in that book?"

"Because this is good stuff about how to bring about change," was my response.

I also enjoyed learning about South African and ANC (African National Congress political party) history. I was exposed to the broad strokes, but this book provided the timeline and details that I was lacking.

Mandela's discipline is unreal. His perspective is unique.His optimism is unbelievable. There are a number of passages that left me contemplating life, humanity and my role in the universe. But, I believe this one is worth sharing because it summarizes his world view and what made him such a powerful leader.

"I am no more virtuous or self-sacrificing than the next man, but I found that I could not even enjoy the poor and limited freedoms I was allowed when I knew my people were not free...It was during those long and lonely years that my hunger for the freedom of my own people became a hunger for the freedom of all people, white and black. I knew as well as I knew anything that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another mans freedom is a prisoner of hatred...When I walked out of prison, that was my mission, to liberate the oppressed and the oppressor both...For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

just Sheri, thankful for the example of a great life

just read: love does

One of my book clubs recently completed the book Love Does by Bob Goff. The book is a series of stories - some funny, some heartbreaking, all with the intention of moving us to action.

Bob has done some interesting things. In my book club, each meeting, there was a discussion about his adventures - most found them amazing. While they are out of the ordinary and some stories are pretty grand, I was thinking about all of the people I met along the journey of life who could share similar stories - rescuing slaves, helping those in extreme poverty, going to the far reaches of the world for that one lost sheep, surviving harrowing circumstances..

I believe it is possible for EVERY human being to live a life and write a book like Bob's, but most of us don't. Why? Oh, the reasons excuses are many: I am too busy. I am not qualified. I am not ready. I will later.              (fill in the blank)

God is calling each of us on the great adventure. Ours won't look just like Bob's because we are each uniquely gifted. But, our adventure could still be pretty amazing.

What is holding you back from living a great adventure?

just Sheri, compelled by love to keep moving

just read: Outliers

I read a lot. In fact I am currently a member of not one, but two book clubs...and I still have books I am reading independently.

There is one book I read this year that I have thought about again and again - Outliers by Malcom Gladwell.

This book has pertinent lessons in assertive communication - which is really important to leadership and relationship.

The author proposes that to be an expert at anything we must spend 10,000 hours practicing - which is really important when learning a new skill or encouraging those who think they cannot be successful. I used this concept with my students - "get up try again, keep practicing, you CAN succeed!"

The major concept, I will let the author describe in his own words:


"When outliers become outliers it is not just because of their own efforts. It's because of the contributions of lots of different people and lots of different circumstances— and that means that we, as a society, have more control about who succeeds—and how many of us succeed—than we think. That's an amazingly hopeful and uplifting idea." (taken from an interview found at www.gladwell.com).

I think another Gladwell book will make the reading list in the near future.

What do you think of this concept: no one succeeds on their own and we can contribute to the success of others?

just Sheri, grateful to all of my contributors

Quotable Quotes: false promise(s) of materialism

"Money and things make three major promises that they cannot keep: the promise of happiness, significance, and security...when we become more secure with who we are in Christ, we don't need to impress others with our image but could serve them with our love." ~ Craig Groeschel

Quotable Quotes: a sojourners life

Jesus bids us to come and follow, "To respond to this calling is to accept that you will be a sojourner relinquishing the security of being a settler. To follow Him is to choose to forever be an alien and stranger in this world." ~Erwin McManus

quotable quotes: happy endings

just read: What is the What

I don't usually pick up books like this one. Why? First, it is fiction (though based on real accounts from a real person), and I tend toward non-fiction reading. Second, it is about civil war, violence, orphans, child soldiers, evil and struggle. Stories like this are not fiction to me, as I have met too many in my life's journey who lived this reality. Thus, reading such stories is not a leisure activity, but rather insights me to anger or elicits sadness - with no outlet it is like self-imposed torture.

On my recent trip to the book store I decided to puruse the fiction section. The cover of this book caught my attention first. Then the title peaked my curiosity. I had to look inside. The first few pages intrigued me. It is a story created following interviews with one of the Sudanese Lost Boys about his experiences living in America, and his life prior to immigrating as a refugee. The story is well written, weaving the stories of the old life with the new reality.

I remember watching stories of the Lost Boys in my younger years - orphans due to civil war, walking by the hundreds with no particular destination. Vulnerable to becoming child soldiers, starvation, and more. This story is written about Valentino, but it represents so many others. Despite my usual avoidance of books like this, I took this one home...I am glad I did.

I couldn't put it down and read the entire thing in two nights. Then I researched the author, turns out he is a world changer who overcame some of his own life challenges. I will read more of his books, or those he is promoting through his foundation and publishing house. So, what is the what? I don't really know, but I know I will be thinking about this book for a long time.

Valentino is desperately trying to make it in this world. Working. Going to school. Longing to love and be loved. A typical story of many young people. What is remarkable about this book is how it captured the immigrant experience. The way an immigrant is treated at work. The way immigrants are treated by the police, their neighbors, and others in society. This story captured the feeling of being an "outsider," a "stranger." Beaten, and no one coming to rescue. Lonely, and no one noticing. Hopeful, and having a system working against even the most ambitious of dreamers. Unsure of who to trust and what are appropriate relational boundaries. A foreigner in a foreign land. Struggling without a safety-net. Being unwelcome, but having no "home" to return to. The story is heartbreaking...and unfortunately not uncommon.

Reading this book has me looking with new eyes (and a renewed passion) at the person who cleans my office, the one bagging my groceries at the store, or doing my nails at the salon. What can I do to show them that they are not forgotten?

just Sheri, reminded of the mandate to show hospitality to strangers

Quotable quotes: relativity

"Relativity applies to physics, not ethics"

~ Albert Einstein

just read: same kind of different as me

Last year, someone recommended I read Same Kind of Different as Me. When I saw it on the shelf at a charity book sale, I thought "why not? And, it is for a good cause." I had no idea what to expect.

This is a wonderful, true story focused around two men - who appear different, but share many similarities. One, a rich art dealer in Texas. The other a homeless man, formerly a slave. Brought together by a woman - married to the art dealer.

If you are looking for an inspiring story about how one life can make a difference, I recommend this book. I laughed out loud and literally cried at times throughout the story.

Denver Moore, the former slave, is often full of wisdom. In the final chapter he says:


"We're all just regular folks walkin down the road God done set in front of us. The truth about it is, whether we is rich or poor or somethin in between, this earth ain't no final resting place. So in a way, we is all homeless - just workin our way toward home."

As a sojourner, and a former nomad, these words struck a cord in my heart. It was many years ago that "home" was redefined for me. Home is not constructed by men. Home is not a designated geographic place. My home on earth is with my husband, wherever God leads. But, I am still just a visitor passing through on a journey to my final resting place in eternity. That perspective changes everything!

just Sheri, homeless and working my way toward home

just read: Humilitas

Back in September I posted about the author of Humilitas, John Dickson.

Since then I have read through some of my stack and packed this book in my carry-on to China. I finished it while on the trip. I enjoyed the authors approach to humility. Reading this book gave me a lesson in ancient history and latin vocabulary, while challenging me to build better character qualities - a VERY unique (and intriguing) combination!

I cannot possibly summarize the book in one blog post, so I will instead focus on one chapter.  John applied the virtue of humility to leadership in a number of aspects, but the one I will focus on is persuasion. Persuasion is a tool leaders use to influence circumstances or events. John argues that "the humble are frequently more persuasive and inspiring than the arrogant."

According to John, the fundamentals of leadership are: 1. ability, 2. example and 3. persuasion. Then he says:

"... persuasion is the leader's ability to articulate and argue a position in a way that motivates others in the team to move in the new direction. A leader with example but with no ability to persuade others will be well loved but unable to lift people beyond the circumstances they can see around them. Persuasion is key."

John goes on to explain that according to ancient philosophers, Aristotle in particular, the character of the speaker is the most effective tool. Beyond intellect. Beyond emotional appeal. Character, or ethos, influences. Why? Aristotle says, "We believe good-hearted people to a greater extent and more quickly than we do others on all subjects in general and completely in cases where there is not exact knowledge but room for doubt."

John concludes the chapter by saying, "When people trust us, they tend to believe what we say, and few are considered more trustworthy than those who choose to use their power for the good of others above themselves." A strong argument in favor of humility.

Want to be great? Choose to be a servant. That is the stance of a world-changer! Listening to others. Thinking of their needs above your own. "Humility is the noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources or use your influence for the good of others before yourself." Tough to do, but worth the effort.

just Sheri, seeing the value of ethos and trying to establish it in my heart

Albert Schweitzer on life choices

"Only a person...who has no thought of heroism but only of a duty undertaken with sober enthusiasm, is capable of becoming the kind of spiritual pioneer the world needs. There are not heroes of action - only heroes of renunciation and suffering. Of these there are plenty. But few of them are known, and even they not to the crowd, but to the few..."

Sacrifice. Consistency. Virtue. I have had the privilege of meeting many individuals across the globe who exhibit these traits. These are the unsung heroes that are changing the world.

just Sheri, grateful for the dedication of others

what if I...?

I recently finished reading the book "Just Courage" by Gary Haugen, founder of the International Justice Mission. If you aren't familiar with this organization...you should be. They truly are a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.  The members of this group fight systemic injustice, often at great risk to their own personal safety.

Gary asks a lot of tough questions in this book.  For instance, "would you rather be safe or be brave? You can't be both."

I finished reading this book a few months ago and have moved on to other readings, but there is a statement in the book that I can't get out of my mind.  No matter how I try, I can't drop it and move on.  It is haunting me.

Gary tells a story in the first chapter of the book about his days in law school.  He was doing laundry and reading John Stuart Mill's essay "On Liberty."  This essay was written in 1859.  According to Haugen, the essay author is attempting to explain how words lose their meaning. He states that the best example of this is Christians:


"Christians, he [Mill]observed, seem to have the amazing ability to say the most wonderful things without actually believing them."


Haugen then provides a list of examples:

• blessed are the poor and humble
• it's better to give than to receive
• judge not, lest you be judged
• love your neighbor as yourself

I have come up with a few of my own examples:

• God is able to do...
• greater is He who is in me...
• all things are possible with God
• His mercies are new every morning

The question that is haunting me is a simple one - how would I live my life differently if I actually believed such things? 

I am trying to implement those things as they come to mind.  For instance, prayer is emerging as an active part of my life again (though still not reaching previous levels). Kindness remains paramount to daily living (though not where it should be).  Where my actions are inconsistent with the above statements - I attempt to correct my steps (lots of corrective action still necessary). 

Do you have examples of wonderful Christian sayings that seem to have lost their meaning?

just Sheri, reminded (again) of the value of living our truth

the little engine that could...

I have decided that one of my responsibilities as a tutor is to share American culture with my student. What better way to do that than through a popular children's book?

On a recent weekday, two grown-ups sat in a library and read aloud "The Little Engine that Could."

I hadn't planned on it being a good opportunity to teach about the rhythm of the English language...nor old school words that aren't used that often anymore. My thoughts were rather shallow actually. Ahh, this is a popular children's book that adults still refer to often. That should be good.

We ended up having an insightful conversation about character qualities. She has the best questions.

Q: How would you describe the attitude of the little blue engine?


Optimistic. Do you know that word?

No. What does it mean?


I wrote it down. Then wrote the best definition I could come up with without the use of a dictionary.

Optimistic: believing the best about people or situations. Believing that you can, even when it's hard or challenging. Believing the challenge is not too big.

The opposite of optimistic is pessimistic. Do you know that word?

No.


Pessimistic: believing that people are bad or situations are too hard. Viewing the challenge as too big.

The little blue engine was also helpful and kind. The little blue engine was confident that even though he had not tried to go over the mountain before, he could do it.

How would you describe the attitude of the other trains?


Some of the other trains were arrogant, believing that they were too important to help the toys when they asked. Do you know the word arrogant?

No. What does it mean?


Arrogant...pause. I was not really sure how to define arrogance. Then I explained that when we say someone is "arrogant" it is not a compliment. I guess arrogance can be describe as being overly confident.

Yes. I understand. Too much confidence.


TOO MUCH confidence.


This is a good story. I am going to read it to my little sister. It has a good lesson.


just Sheri, reminded about character from a children's book

A sad day in my world...

Borders' seeks approval to liquidate, close stores
http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_6775/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=JF30g4QI

Borders has been my favorite bookstore for over a decade. Apparently I am not main stream. First Circuit City (my favorite electronics store), then JC Penney Outlet, now Borders.

I often spend time on a weekend just wandering the aisles - now what will I do on a leisurely Saturday?

just Sheri, a misplaced consumer

Quotable Quotes: triumph

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." ~ Edmund Burke

Quotable Quotes: choose happiness

In the year of "audacious joy" I am reminded by a man known for comedy - being happy is a choice, not a product of circumstances.

"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." ~ Grouchy Marx

just Sheri,  choosing joy

Quotable Quotes: Condoleezza

I've always felt that I've gotten where I am because I follow what interests me instead of worrying about the job market or what I ought to do. I'm also a very religious person and believe it's God's will to do certain things. You can't be rigid about your life. You can't have it all planned out far ahead of time. ~ Condoleezza Rice

Human Rights

"The concept of human rights requires a religious dimension...rooted particularly in the Christian doctrine that all human beings are created in the image of God, and therefore have inherent dignity"
 ~ Timothy Keller

Thoughts?

Just read: Radical

Certain books become "trendy" or a "fad." This is one of them - Radical by David Platt. 

When an idea catches on, like this one has, it is usually because it is something we were wanting (or needing) to hear. I know I needed to hear it.

It was the tag line that caught my attention - "taking back your faith from the American Dream." Since returning to America I have been wondering how to ward off materialism, how to live a life dedicated to serving others, how to be faithful when so much distraction is available in the form of opportunity. This book is about struggling through these trials and living a life worthy of the calling we have received.

Here are some deep thoughts from Platt:

• "The goal of the American dream is to make much of us, the goal of the gospel is to make much of God."
• "[Radicals]...believe they were created for more than a Christian spin on the American dream. They believe the purpose of their lives is deeper than having a nice job, raising a decent family, living a comfortable life, and tacking church attendance onto the end of it."
• "Jesus beckons each of us to plainly, humbly, and quietly focus our lives on people."
• "God has called us to be a people who spend our lives for the sake of his glory among the needy outside our gates"
• "We are tempted, though, to settle for throwing our scraps to the poor"...the question isn't what can we spare? But, what will it take? Are we willing to do what it takes?

I want to be willing to do what it takes, which is more than just what I can spare.

just Sheri, wanting to live radically