Leadership: Figureheads, God, and Demigods

We need shepherds, mentors, protectors and teachers. Each of these are positions of leadership that bring people together in a community that helps each other and shares resources. No man is an island, even though some are very secluded by choice or circumstance. Leaders evolve naturally and elections give us opportunity to choose the best leaders for a situation. Appointed leaders can be effective if they are chosen by other reliable leaders. Self-appointed leaders and dictators are dangerous as they acquire power through force. The benevolent dictator is my favorite as they are represented by parents and rulers who have shown good judgement and are respected. God is a benevolent dictator. We are asked to follow his will without question. What is there to question about loving others and not expecting anything in return? Some fear God and therefore obey while others simply obey and believe that there is great reward for doing good deeds. God is an invisible leader and yet so very powerful. Tsars and kings and popes may have had this effect on multitudes when armies declared that their leader was now in charge of the land or territory. There must be a great trust factor to put faith in an unseen authority. How can someone or something rule a nation with so many people who really just want to live and let live; or be the boss of their own clan, flock, or family? It seems it is really about protection. One may live in peace if there is some one to protect us. Why anyone would want to take what we have seems unreasonable. Fighting against these marauders may really be just sport. Men have a natural aggression that requires them to tussle with others. We want our soldiers to be smart and strong. Leaders who teach and guide us to become skilled in our life endeavors must also be smart and respected. Many discover on their own how to get by at a very young age. How much better we can survive and thrive with the help of other sage people. The conflict becomes corruption of power. Those in a leadership position can easily abuse their charges. Democratic checks and balances are needed to prevent improper behavior. God bless loyal and loving leaders.

Advertising and Evangelism

Is advertising similar to evangelism- selling a product? Whenever we need financial support or we want to get our message out to multiple people; we need advertisements. Television commercials can be cute and convincing. Newspaper adds may dominate a page to draw our attention like a billboard while driving. But now, we have the Internet. Flashy promises pop up wherever we navigate. Do Christians need clever gimmicks to sell themselves or their religion? I believe a joyful life is the best add for a loving God. I did knock on doors to give away Bibles when I was a teen. And I have opened the door to Jehovah Witnesses. But evangelism today can now be electronically transmitted. There is a sense of safety and comfort sharing the Good News from an arm chair rather than a soap box on a city street. Allah, Yahweh, God must all be pleased with our connectivity. Profitable religion still remains an outrage. Yes, there will be poor always, but the story of anointing Jesus head and feet with expensive oil was not our cue to become lavish in our lifestyles or to exploit religion for monetary gain. Imagine Jesus wearing Nike shoes and wearing a Rolex. Imagine Mohammad as a car salesman , or Buddha hawking Ginsu knives, or having fundraisers in order to finance their seminars. What would be the spiritual message today? The message is still to live a joyous life.

Believe, my children...

There is nothing i would like more than to know that my children think as i do, and believe what i believe, and will do better than i have done. Perhaps, I wish really that all people would believe as I do and will do better than I have done. I want to thank those people who have helped someone today when i stayed home and rested. I praise the people who saved a life today when i stayed home and prayed. I cherish those who gave of themselves today when i was alone and quietly read. I marvel at those who solved a problem today when i may have fueled a fire when i talked on the phone. I wish i were a part of the organization that does the Father's will everyday by reaching out to millions on the television, but even more i wish i was a part of the group that gives loving care to hundreds everyday- and still has energy to take care of their own family at the end of the day. I admire all of you who have a plan and complete your plan. I love all of you who work as a trusted team. When I am done resting and have a new plan and a support system; I will join you strong people who work tirelessly for others.