A comment, by a cherished reader, concerning my previous post, No Way to Die:
"I stare into the darkness and see the new enemies at the gate of civilization. As always, I don the full armor of my beliefs and hone my pencil for the coming attacks. I put on my game face and, fearlessly, step off the edge into a future which is now."
Tony, this psychology is so representative of me as well. I have no fear of dying either, and I figure that will be my salvation into the good life. As I get ready to pack up my life now, at 60, and end one story, I will begin anew. Although somewhat nervous, I am not fearful of my future, for I am an "Old Soul," and I Carry the wisdom of life and my experiences, as you said, to share and mentor others that will listen and benefit from my words. I hope this will be my valuable Legacy to leave and be remembered by. -- MB
As always, I am humbled when folks take a moment to comment on what I write. Whether the comments are positive or negative is not as important to me as that they are constructive. Anybody can be an ignorant ass, but it takes a real talent to give a constructive critique or opinion. MB (above) has given me welcomed comments in the past, and I am humbled that she has taken the time to share a bit of herself, as well as permit me to share it. With my readership now spanning the entire world, I cannot emphasize enough the importance all of your comments, not only to my writing, but also as another tool to assist in giving other folks another straw to grasp at as they search for, or follow, their own path.
Even if we feel we're alone, if we have shared and mentored in this life then what MB says is probably good news, as it should speed us along our path as we move forward. We may be alone at death, but we needn't be alone in death. It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure those around us feel the loss of our presence. We may feel it is time to move along, but there will always be the shadows of those we leave behind, their eyes on our back as we leave, wondering why we were and why they are. I think if we can leave people asking questions, their minds are open and active. This is always a good thing.
If people experience a loss of our presence, then this would evidence we have shared much of ourselves and, hopefully, changed many of these lives for the better. We will be missed only until we are found, once again, in another lifetime. It is always a choice, a choice only we can make, to continue to move forward. It is also our choice to continue on even though our journey is complete. I asked a question during my post, Rapture: Will You Choose to Stay? It asks the question of whether we give what God wants or what God needs, and what we are willing to sacrifice to ensure the salvation of humanity. If there is no greater love than a person laying down his life for the sake of his friends, then what of the individual who chooses to lay down his salvation for the same?
Alone is no way to die, but neither is leaving a job half finished. God doesn't make mistakes, and if we take this on faith then what we see as a mistake must, therefore, be a test. It stands to reason that if we're the ones who see a mistake in God's thinking, the test must be ours. When you journey to salvation is complete, will you be ready to purchase another ticket?
Your next adventure awaits!
Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.
Even if we feel we're alone, if we have shared and mentored in this life then what MB says is probably good news, as it should speed us along our path as we move forward. We may be alone at death, but we needn't be alone in death. It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure those around us feel the loss of our presence. We may feel it is time to move along, but there will always be the shadows of those we leave behind, their eyes on our back as we leave, wondering why we were and why they are. I think if we can leave people asking questions, their minds are open and active. This is always a good thing.
If people experience a loss of our presence, then this would evidence we have shared much of ourselves and, hopefully, changed many of these lives for the better. We will be missed only until we are found, once again, in another lifetime. It is always a choice, a choice only we can make, to continue to move forward. It is also our choice to continue on even though our journey is complete. I asked a question during my post, Rapture: Will You Choose to Stay? It asks the question of whether we give what God wants or what God needs, and what we are willing to sacrifice to ensure the salvation of humanity. If there is no greater love than a person laying down his life for the sake of his friends, then what of the individual who chooses to lay down his salvation for the same?
Alone is no way to die, but neither is leaving a job half finished. God doesn't make mistakes, and if we take this on faith then what we see as a mistake must, therefore, be a test. It stands to reason that if we're the ones who see a mistake in God's thinking, the test must be ours. When you journey to salvation is complete, will you be ready to purchase another ticket?
Your next adventure awaits!
Epilogue: Upon reading this post, MB sent me a follow-up message. She talked about God not testing us but, rather, by doing what He needs and wants, he gives tenfold in return. She feels God is trying to bring us back to what He originally created, but we may have to learn these lessons "many times through many lives to get his point and get it right." I am certain she is correct in that "it all boils down to the love, compassion, and respect that we can share with each other to get rid of all the bad stuff going on all around us." Sometimes I have to wonder if I am the proverbial teacher, or perhaps the student. I know MB would agree that embracing humility will allow us to learn, even from the least of us, that which we need. It is, after all, the meek which shall inherit the earth, right?
Editor's Note
(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)
Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.
It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.
We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.
Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.
Excellent message. One that everyone needs to read, practice and keep the message going. I believe your right on with what God is trying to get us to do and if it takes many lives for us to get it right, then so be it.
ReplyDelete