Monthly Archives: September 2011

Maybe it’s NOT the end

Maybe it’s NOT the end

I was lamenting to my friend Jeff earlier today, how I feel so un-accomplished. So alone. So isolated. I stand on the precipice of 60 in less then a year. As I look back, there seemingly is nothing of importance that I have accomplished in my life. Sure I have had my successes and failures like everyone.

But being disabled/retired is not what I thought it would be. Many hours spent toiling at nothing of significance. Finding creative outlets from the boredom and tedium of the day. Autism makes it especially difficult for me, to relate to other people. I crave friendship and fellowship, but it seems to come less often. Gone are the halcyon days of social banter and interaction with fellow co-workers. Instead, I find myself talking to my cats. Companion animals. They are the only ones in this stark corner of the universe it seems, that fully understand me, and my social awkwardness.

Jeff took the time to say: “Wait a minute? You really think the best part of your ministry is in the past? Let me tell you….” and he proceeded to explain how many of the greats in the Bible, did not start their ministry until very late in life.

Abraham was 100 years old, when he had has promised son, Isaac. (Gen 21:5). Moses sat idle for 40 years (Acts 7:23 and Acts 7:30) before God called him to lead the nation of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt. He was 80. The Apostle Paul was about 50 when he was called. John wrote The Book of Revelation near the end of his life, about 92. Jesus didn’t start his ministry until he was 30 years old.

It seems God has to train us, and strip us of self pride before we are ready to be used. Jeff carefully reminded me, how my life has impacted his. “I look to you, for guidance, wisdom, and understanding. I can not find that in someone that hasn’t experienced life.”

I had to understand that God may have me on the sidelines at the moment, but He is working in me something far greater then my mind can fully conceive. God will still use me, even if I am in failing health. I just have to be available.

“Therefore we do NOT lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed, day by day.” (2 Cor 4:16 NIV)

Wayno

 

Tucson says Yes to Civility

Amidst a backdrop of monsoon weather today in Tucson, it would seem that is NOT the only thing storming in the Old Pueblo.

A handful of protesters gathered at the busy intersection of Campbell and Speedway, (near the University of Arizona’s University Medical Centre) to protest the Pima County Republican Party’s decision to raffle a Glock handgun, similar to what accused Tucson Shooter Jared Loughner used on January 8, 2011. Loughner’s is accused of killing 6 people and injuring 13 others that day, including 8th CD, U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D).

Tucson Ward 6 City Councilman Steve Kozachik (R)

A surprise to many, was Ward 6 Tucson Councilman Steve Kozachik (R). Kozachik, himself a Republican, came out in support of the rally. He is the other side of the Republican party that does NOT agree with the raffle.

Protester Susan Thorpe

I interviewed Susan Thorpe, one of the protesters and she had this to say: “Raffling off a Glock as a fund raiser? I mean what an outrageous act to do. Why would you raffle off a Glock? Why would you choose to promote violence?” Calls to the Republican Party Headquarters in Tucson, remain un-answered.

Dave Croteu (manager) and Mary De Champ, Tucson Green Party Mayoral Candidate

Green Party Tucson Mayoral Candidate Mary De Camp was also present at today’s rally and had this to say: “I think the Green Party should auction off a gun safe. I respect the right of other people to bear arms, though I am a pacifist myself….we do have non-violence as one of our 10 key values.”

It would seem that no one in the Pima County Republican Party wants to own this. There is much conjecture and speculation, why this was done. Councilman Kozachik said: “Why not raffle off an ipad?” The already splintered Republican party, heads into the Novemeber elections, in just a few short weeks.

Remembering 9/11

Flag Half Staff

Flag Half StaffRemembering 9/11

Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities sad it best. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. This is a journey each of us has undertaken. No one is immune from the influences of that fateful day: September 11, 2001. The day our world changed.

What unfolded is etched indelibly in the mind. The horror of seeing planes crash into the World Trade Centre Buildings in New York not once but twice, is a scene unlikely to be forgotten. It was indeed: The worst of times. As we saw the towers topple, we could not help but ask: why? Today, ten years later, we know the answers to those questions. The actions taken that day were born of hatred, fear, mis-trust and ignorance.

It precipitated a divisive debate on the agenda of the United States on the arena of world politics. Was the goal to remove the resolve in America for its love of freedom of thought and expression? Or was it to slowly drain this nation of its focus and resources by fighting a war on Terrorism? One ponders these things, if only briefly.

Today — we remember the worst disaster to transpire on American soil. We remember the courageous and heroic actions of United Airlines flight 93. Forty passengers determined NOT to let the terrorists taste victory. Instead they offered their lives as a living sacrifice, so that an untold number, would live. It was not the best of times.

As we honour the victims of September 11, 2001, we pause to reflect the changes forced upon all. Internally, and externally.

Travel is no longer a casual event. Security checks have replaced waiting areas. Background checks now replace trust. Caution replaced a laissez-faire attitude.

Two things that did not change:

1. Our borders are no more secure today, then they were a decade ago.

2. First responders still can not communicate efficiently with each other. Fire departments may not be able to talk to police departments directly. Police may not have the ability to directly communicate with hospitals. Radio Amateurs voluntarily provide vital communication links, because the U.S. Government flagrantly continues to ignore this need.

What lessons have been learned from September 11, 2001?

“Perhaps the greatest horror of war is the systematic transformation of our young men, into heroes.”
“The Outer Limits” — “The Light Brigade”

Wayno Guerrini