In October 1961, shortly after the erection of the Berlin wall, Edmond Khayat, the Lebanese pacifist, staged a protest against the inhumanity and cruelty represented by the wall. In a picture taken at the time, he can be seen heading down the empty road toward the distant Brandenburg Gate, attempting to cross the border while dragging an eighty five pound wooden cross inscribed with the word “HUMANITY”. Continue reading
Life of an immigrant
At the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in London to renew my passport. Everyone speaks Dutch here, strange experience…
Proud moment
Proud of my big brother whom we can now call doctor Verhage. He has just completed his PhD in Biology.
Chains around your feet
“My child, listen to me and take my advice. Put Wisdom’s chains around your feet and her yoke around your neck. Carry her on your shoulder and don’t be resentful on her bonds. Follow Wisdom, and keep to her ways with all your heart. Go looking for her, and she will reveal herself to you. Take hold of her and don’t let go. Then you will discover the peace of mind she offers, and she will become your joy.” Sirach 6.24-28
It is encouraging to know that, as long as we are always trying to live our life to the best of our abilities, we will succeed… Continue reading
The butterfly circus
The following short movie is one of the best short movies I have ever seen. It really beautifully touches on the subject of identity, potential and the importance of words.
I have used it for a theological reflection session at work and with a group of young people in church. Next week I am going to use it for a session about potential with a group of 18-year-old girls.
The following questions may help you to reflect on the film. Feel free to leave any thoughts in the comments section of this page: Continue reading
Shine
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure about you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
From A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson
The sea
The sea will take us to France and, after a stop in Belgium, we will spend time with family in the Netherlands…
