Monday, September 27, 2010

NUDGE THE BALANCE

long story but worth reading and reflecting on

NUDGE THE BALANCE
Author Unknown
September 6, 2010

A 91-year-old woman died after living a very long dignified life. When she met God, she asked Him something that had really bothered her for a very long time. "If Man was created in God's image, and if all men are created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?"

God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to teach us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people and our relationships with God.

This confused the woman, so God began to explain:

"When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not alwayswhat they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Lookbeyond the masks people wear if you want to know what is in theirhearts. Remove your own masks to let people know who you really are.

When someone steals from you it teaches you that nothing is forever.Always appreciate what you have. You never know when you might loseit. Never take your friends or family for granted, because today andsometimes only this very moment is the only guarantee you may have.

When someone inflicts injury upon you, it teaches you that the humanstate is a very fragile one. Protect and take care of your body asbest as you can, it's the one thing that you are sure to have forever.

When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike.When you encounter people who are different from you, do not judgethem by how they look or act, instead base it on the contents of whatis in their hearts.

When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someonedoes not always mean that the person will love you back. But don'tturn your back on love, because when you find the right person, thejoy that one person brings you will make up for all of your pasthurts. Times a thousand fold.

When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyonemakes mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you cando is forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who havehurt us is often the most difficult and painful of life's experiences,but it is also the most courageous thing a person can do.

When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resistingtemptation is Man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistanceagainst all temptations. By doing so, you will be rewarded with anenduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure by which you were tempted.

When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of allevil. Aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty theymay be. Do not feel guilty about your success, but never let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities.

When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect.Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do notever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no control."

Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom, the old woman became concerned thatthere are no lessons to be learned from man's good deeds. God repliedthat Man's capacity to love is the greatest gift He has. At the rootof kindness and love, and each act of love also teaches us a lesson. The woman's curiosity deepened. God, once again began to explain:

"When someone loves us, it teaches us love, kindness, charity, honesty, humility, forgiveness, acceptance, and all of these can counteract all the evil in the world. For every good deed, there is one evil deed. Man alone has the power to control the balance between good and evil, but because the lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is too often abused.

When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence,consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of reality? When you die, will your life have resulted in more loving or more hurting? More comfort or more pain? More joy or more sadness? Each one of us has the power over the balance of the love in the world. Use it wisely!"

Don't miss an opportunity to nudge the world's scale in the rightdirection!

Friday, September 03, 2010

Bwalya's Inspiring Story of Hope....


Bwalya, the 12-year old girl featured in the recent HBO documentary “The Lazarus Effect” — passed away on August 14th. Her story continues to inspire and give hope to those she left behind..