A Contribution

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     As I took the time to reflect upon the idea of pain, what intrigued me even more was the very essence of human nature, that extends beyond our simple survival; and that is the desire to contribute. Of course I have written and researched about this, and have also experienced this as well. But once again-reminded of this human desire, which one could even call a need. Now I'm not even talking something as grand as being in a well paid position, I'm just thinking about the offering of a conversation, or even a good word, that could potentially offer hope to a fellow human. Maybe the economic reward is not there, but this simple offering could potentially be as rewarding than even a paid position, alerting the reward centres within the brain. We can even go a step further to think about the human contribution, even within a state of suffering. This is where once again I'm reminded of the life story of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Especially as I thought about the recent mass shootings in New Zealand, and also the murder of rapper Nipsey Hussle. I would commend New Zealand's Prime Minister for taking the focus off Islamaphobia, to really think more about how mass shootings are a source of mourning for an entire nation, society, community. If not, rattle nations worldwide. I would also like to commend and thank Pope Francis and the Catholic Church for their tireless efforts to promote peace between Islamic nations and the Christian Catholic faith. Promoting the love for refugees, migrants, those who face hardships, and have been displaced. Especially with Pope Francis' recent visit to Morocco. 

     This is the beauty of the message of Jesus. The one who desired to love all. Be loving and accepting of all regardless of religious faith. To salvage for love. To be truth, even knowing that humanity, the one he died for may not never even love him back. This is where I think about present day sufferings. or even our individual sufferings, which can even mimic the very suffering of Jesus Christ himself. Even as he sat in truth, he was ridiculed, mocked, and thought of as a liar. As humans we are once again reminded that our individual cause extends beyond the self. While even our limitations, or sufferings are served for the very purpose of human contribution. To teach others, to reveal what is their response? Or is there even any response? What is the human response to suffering - and what can we learn from each others example, even from the contribution of presence? 

     I also take the time to reflect upon an individual shooting, the impact that just one person could potentially have upon an entire society, community, nation and globe - and that is the issue of gang violence. This is not a new topic. But a topic that really insiders of gangs can really help to rise up, step up to solve. Change is demanded from within, and created from within. I wish it was that simple, but clearly it is not, especially as Nipsey Hussle was shot. This death is a tragic loss - very tragic, because the death reveals the threat of gang violence. Even if someone uses their platform for the positive, they can be prone to the enemy, that could really hurt, and even kill. It is also with these words that I commend Hussle for his initiatives, but really words cannot console a life taken too early, let alone a murder. But then I am reminded of the teachings of our most loved Jesus, where we are also called to forgive. 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on April 2nd, 2019.
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