Worldviews

Understanding the Times

Paradigm: Model that forms basis of something; relationship of ideas to one another forming a conceptual framework; a typical example of something, especially one that forms the basis of a methodology or theory.

A paradigm is another way of saying how a person views the world. It is a type of lens on a pair of glasses and this lens distorts or makes clear the experiences in human life. The three prevalent paradigms today are Secular Humanism, Marxism/Leninism, and Biblical Christianity. They are distinct in their philosophies and goals for the future of mankind. By looking through each lens, you can get an idea of how each world view shapes a person’s habits, beliefs, experiences, and values. “In the end, every person must choose between a materialist/naturalist worldview or a supernaturalist worldview and this choice will create repercussions throughout every aspect of the individual’s life.”

Secular Humanism is based on the idea that the world and man are self-existing. “Nature alone, out of its infinite evolutionary complexity, gave rise to man, and that there exists no supernatural powers.” A humanist believes in man as the supreme authority. “There is no God and there is no soul. Hence, there are no needs for the props of traditional religion. …immutable truth is also dead and buried. There is no room for fixed law or moral absolutes.” Faith in science and continual evolution are based on the belief that one day man will overcome all environmental factors and restructure society until it reaches a state of utopia. This Utopian dream is based on the belief that humans are perfectible and continually advancing. “Humanism assigns to man nothing less that the task of being his own savior.” There is no heaven or hell, there is only the here and now and therefore the march towards a perfect society is a driving force behind humanism.

Marxism/Leninism adheres to the dogma of Darwinian evolution. They strive for a global communism based on the tenet of dialectical materialism. Dialectical materialism is the idea that development proceeds by a process of conflict and tension. Change is due to clash and struggle. The only constant in the world is conflict---it is the absolute. Evolution implies that the world is always in motion, always changing, and always in a state of tension. “Dialectics in the proper sense is the study of the contradiction in the very essence of objects.” This competition for survival leads to the formation of new species of higher quality. Marxists believe in man and his capacity to transform the world by his own hand. They operate on the assumption that society determines behavior and that by imposing ‘scientific regulation’ on individuals, they will elicit proper behavior. There are to be no classes and everyone works according to his ability and receives according to his need. Marxists are atheists and believe that religion is the opiate of the masses. “There is absolutely no room for either a creator or a ruler.”

Humanists and Marxists believe in basically the same tenets as follows:
*Humans are animals sprung from natural processes spontaneously generated from nonliving material.
*There is no God, no heaven or hell, no soul in man.
*There is no authority but our own. Human authority is supreme. Evolving man will usher in the Kingdom of Man.
*There is no meaning to life except survival of the species and the progress of mankind.
*There is no right or wrong. Values are relative. There are no absolutes and morality comes from calculated costs and benefits.
*Free will is an illusion.

Biblical Christianity holds to the idea that there is a God, a Supreme Being, who created the universe and the people who inhabit it. God is the fountainhead of moral law that is absolute and unchanging and by adhering to these laws with faith in Jesus Christ a person can be saved in the kingdom of God. Christians believe that there is order in the universe and purpose to the meaning of life. They believe that men are fallen beings who have free will and an internal sense of conscience.

By studying the prevalent worldviews in our modern world, I have gained more depth in my perception of interpreting events, people, politics and other matters. I have seen things differently by looking through the lens of Secular Humanism and Marxism/Leninism. In my opinion, these two worldviews are distorted and contain many blind spots in them (if not outright blindness). I believe that that by holding to these paradigms that a person would be “looking through the glass darkly” in regards to the purpose of life. Shakespeare sums up what I think the feeling of this worldview leaves a person with…“Life’s but a walking shadow; a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.”

Why a person would choose to hold to a materialist worldview is a puzzle to me. I see this paradigm not as a life force, but a death wish. To quote a secular humanist, “Modern science directly implies that there are no inherent moral or ethical laws, no absolute guiding principles for human society….We must conclude that when we die, we die, and that is the end of us.”

Every person on earth must at sometime ask himself the question, “Is existence ultimately meaningful, or is it ultimately absurd? If God is, He represents the ultimate meaning of existence, the sufficient reason why it came into existence and the final end towards which it moves as its destiny. If God is not, existence is an accident, a momentary flicker of light between an infinite darkness and void before, and after.”

I am thankful for the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, who gives me the lens of hope in which I view life. I believe that the Biblical Christian worldview is the most correct and clear outlook for a life of purpose and meaning. In the words of C.S. Lewis, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

Copyright L.L. Williams

The Abolition of Man

The Abolition of Man

C.S. Lewis convincingly illustrates in his book The Abolition of Man how modern academia is altering the fabric of society by the way they infuse their philosophy into textbooks. “They write in order to produce certain states of mind in the rising generation…. because they think them to be the means to some state of society.” The ideas found in ‘The Little Green Book ’, a text-book designed for elementary school children, are aimed at building a secular society based on scientific materialism. This type of society is termed progressive and enlightened. The aim is to focus on ‘real’ or ‘basic’ values which will cut away the ‘parasitic growth of emotion’ and help to keep men centered on logic and reason instead of feelings. Ethics, religion, and morals are said to be without merit because they are outdated and do not work within the framework of scientific thinking. This belief system has produced a society of what Lewis terms “men without chests.” He states that if values are based on the ‘natural’ man then there can be no foundation for virtue, because we are departing from what makes us human, namely our morality. Without the establishment of ‘the Tao’ or the truth to be an underpinning of educational teaching then the ultimate outcome is the crumbling of character. It is apparent our culture has become selfish and materialistic, without loyalty or courage, and focused on worldly things instead of eternal values. This erosion of principle has caused a landslide of problems ranging from personal despair to societal decay. There is an epidemic ailment that is burdening many people today and it is the atrophy of character. ‘Men without chests’ have lost heart.

The word ‘heart’ can be used to represent the core of life and strength. This includes the mind, spirit, and soul of a person. One of the dictionary definitions states: ‘Heart is the center of the total personality with reference to intuition, feeling, or emotion: the center of emotion, in contrast to the head as the center of the intellect.’ Therefore, the seat of the soul is the heart. This is where valor, integrity, honor, love, and the whole range of emotions and beliefs are held. There is a divinely inspired sense of right and wrong that is also felt within the heart. But for many, this point of truth is obscured. The feelings and ideals of a person are educated out of them and are looked upon as inferior to logic and reason. “all emotions…are contrary to reason and contemptible and ought to be eradicated”, according to the producers of modern texts like 'The Little Green Book'.

This divorce of reason from emotion has produced “fools and villains”. “We make men without chests and expect of them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. We castrate and bid the geldings be fruitful.” This is witnessed time and time again as we listen to the news with shock and horror. I believe that Lewis was right in stating, “The practical result of education in the spirit of The Green Book must be the destruction of society.”

This is why I feel such a resonance with the appeal to return to the classics. Within the classics we will find the Tao, the way, the light --- truth. It is in finding this path that we will be open to the knowledge that man is not only a visceral being, but a dual being with a divine spark which I call the ‘Light of Christ’. This knowledge has been buried by piles of worksheets and fill in the blank tests that coincide with The Green Book. Modern education does not allow the teaching of traditional values and has replaced them with rational/scientific views and methods. In addition, one of the most important classics that our society has turned from is the Bible. It has been called a fictitious tale of imaginary legends and it is scorned as stale mythology. This departure from a core book has created a black hole of relativism. “we are ready to scrap traditional morals as a mere error and then to put ourselves in a position where we can find no ground for any value judgments at all.” Within this realm man has lost hope for anything better than this world except what is thought to be the ultimate in triumph…the accumulation of power. Many will, “Give up… soul, (to) get power in return.”

The basis of C.S. Lewis’ appeal is that the foundation for a secular society is corrupt. Because the Tao or eternal truths have become irrelevant to modern man, we have ceased to look within the center of the soul and have come to depend on might and mind instead. As a result, there are an enormous number of cases of heart disease and it is the leading cause of death of the spirit. The groundwork for this ailment starts at a young age with a seemingly benign ‘little green’ book; however, the outcome is in Lewis’ words, “The Abolition of Man”.

Alas, Babylon

Growing up during the Cold War brought thoughts of the apocalypse especially when I was a teenager. I believed that the future would surely be full of nuclear blasts and destruction on a grand scale. I didn’t figure on marrying and having a family, house, dog, cat and chickens of my own. But things changed so fast and then the Berlin Wall came down. It was over… in theory. The Cold War is part of history now, but reading Alas, Babylon has brought back thoughts of ‘what if?’

If a nuclear attack did occur on free soil, I think the consequences would be revealing. I say revealing because during times of crisis a persons moral fiber is exposed. If he has any mettle and resolve, people automatically look to him for leadership. This was the case for the character Randy Bragg. During ordinary times, he was a slacker in daily life with no direction or ambition. But under the perilous circumstances he found himself in after ‘THE DAY’, he became the head of the family and of his community. Fortunately, he had gained leadership ability while serving in the Korean War as an officer.

Leadership isn’t an inborn trait or produced because of heredity. I believe that leadership naturally occurs because of preparation and character. The preparation needs to happen before the crisis, because when it hits, it is too late in many cases. The foundation needs to be laid and roots sunk deep before the storm arrives. I think a good way to prepare for leadership is to read about the amazing leaders who founded our country and led it through difficult times. That is how Lincoln became the man he was because he read George Washington’s biography over and over again. He emulated Washington’s qualities and became a great person by walking down the same path. Lincoln wasn’t born to aristocracy, but he naturally rose to the call because of his devotion to education and his matchless integrity. I believe that ordinary people like Lincoln, without great means or opportunities, will be called upon to do extraordinary things because of the world we live in today. It is the preparation and foundation that is laid now that will enable liberty and freedom to survive the assaults raining down upon it.

Character is the supreme quality that will be of most value during a crisis. Honesty and trust will carry more weight than gold. This is true when placed in extreme circumstances and survival is in the balance, being able to trust your neighbor to share water, food, or what have you will determine whether or not you will deal with that person. If they haven’t had honor in the past, you certainly wouldn’t want to exchange any goods or services with them during a catastrophe. Intense situations bring out the best and worst in people. Therefore, character that is established in ordinary life will be magnified during times of crisis. A person of integrity will be looked to for guidance and trusted with responsibility.

According to The Fourth Turning by Strauss and Howe, times of crisis will come as surely as winter follows autumn. By reading about a post-nuclear community from Alas, Babylon, I have gained a sense of what matters most in times of war. It is physical preparation which includes having adequate food, potable water, and medical supplies, but perhaps more importantly is individual character. Initiative, integrity, and leadership are the most valuable commodities during disastrous times, but must be paid for in advance.

Copyright L.L. Williams

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Love is the only power that unlocks the gate to our heart.

“That’s you Christians, all over! ---you’ll get up a society, and get some poor missionary to spend all his days among just such heathen. But let me see one of you that would take one into your house with you, and take the labor of their conversion on yourselves! No; when it comes to that, they are dirty and disagreeable, and it’s too much care.”

In the book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the character who struck me the most was Topsy, the defiant and rowdy slave girl. She was bought as a reform project for strait-laced Miss Ophelia. “You ought to educate your slaves, and treat them like reasonable creatures, ---like immortal creatures, that you’ve got to stand before the bar of God with. That’s my mind.”, she firmly stated. Miss Ophelia believed that a New England education and Christian tutoring would reform a person from slave mentality and subdue any creature into a respectable person. But for all of her trouble, Miss Ophelia was only given grief and frustration. Topsy was incorrigible and she knew it. She believed that she was wicked and her actions proved it. She was a thief and a hopeless liar. Time and time again bore out what an incurable rascal she was.

Topsy came from a place of abuse and neglect. She never knew her parents and didn’t believe she had any. From her first master, she was cursed and treated like an animal because she was always trying to get away with something. The beatings and threatening didn’t change her behavior. It just drove into her mind the idea that she was no good. “I spects I’s the wickedest critter in the world.” Her behavior reflected her environment and she was continually trying to manipulate situations in order to stay out of trouble. But this generally brought her more trouble.

Miss Ophelia believed that teaching Topsy proper manners and training her in correct ways would reform this little girl into a civilized person. She taught her Christian virtues and good behavior. However, they were just words and didn’t stick into Topsy’s mind or change her actions. Miss Ophelia didn’t have any influence over her and the continual misbehavior infuriated the fussy lady. “Topsy! She would say when at the end of all patience, “what does make you act so?” “Dunno, Missis, ---I spects cause I’s so wicked!” Miss Ophelia expected success from her efforts, but ended up with failure after failure and frustration. She felt that she was doing her duty in trying to reform Topsy, but she didn’t have any sway over the girl. The reason that she had no influence over Topsy is explained by an admission from Miss Ophelia that, “I’ve always had a prejudice against negroes, and it’s a fact,--- I never could bear to have that child touch me.” This revealed her inner heart. She thought she could hide her true opinions from the child, but the fact is her feeling of revulsion overrode any feelings of care. “All the substantial favors you can do them, will never excite one emotion of gratitude, while that feeling of repugnance remains in the heart;--- it’s a queer kind of a fact, ---but so it is.”

Topsy intuited the true feelings of Miss Ophelia and this conflict did not allow her freedom to change. Topsy continued focusing on self-preservation and justification; therefore her behavior remained the same. The idea that education and a sense of duty should be motive for change is a counterfeit belief and this was clearly demonstrated to Miss Ophelia. It wasn’t until she had a change of heart and genuinely loved Topsy that unlocked the gates to having influence over her behavior. Love opened the way for Topsy to trust, believe in, and love Miss Ophelia in return. This was the most powerful incentive to change.

“It’s not what I think of me---
Or what you think of me,
But what I think you think of me that matters.”

Doing something noble or performing a good work out of duty lacks substance. I learned from Uncle Tom’s Cabin that the only true force for change in an individual and therefore the world is love….love that comes straight from the heart.

Copyright L.L. Williams

Washington D.C--A Classic City

As I walked the paths in Washington D. C., I reflected upon how the architecture, statues, and monuments hearken back to a glorious past found in the days of Rome and Greece. The classical lines reflect an order and design that embraces balance, accuracy, and organization. The commanding memorials are a tribute to the great men and ideas that have shaped our nation. But more than the buildings and architecture stands an ideal. This ideal is based on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as Thomas Jefferson so eloquently inscribed in the Declaration of Independence.

Just as Rome had a high civilization for hundreds of years, so has the United States of America. There are many parallels between the two nations and their rise to glory. However, as we look back on Rome’s decline, there are also many parallels evident today between our society and the ancient Romans.

Roman citizens enjoyed a special identity in the world which they lived. They claimed rights that were unheard of in many societies. For example, the Romans could travel the realm of the empire knowing that they had full protection of the army. Just as an American travels to another country and if he runs into difficulty, he claims the status as an American citizen to help protect him from the unfair laws of another nation. As citizens, Romans were guaranteed rights and they had privileges that allowed them the freedom to vote and their rule was by consent of the governed. They created a republic founded on principles of liberty. Eventually this liberty was eroded away because the people grew tired of their responsibility to administer the government. Case in point is how Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon without protest. He marched into the city with his army which was against the law; however, the people were willing to give away their power to one who said he would manage it for them. He claimed power that was not his to have, but the people allowed it. Overtime, corruption and decay manifested itself and the Romans were ultimately ruled by controlling and cruel despots.

The corruption and decay found in the Roman society sound eerily familiar today. For example, the practice of infanticide was widely accepted. If a parent didn’t like the color of a child’s eyes or if the child was deformed in some way, the parent would expose the baby to the elements and let it die. If anyone was found rescuing the baby, then he would be jailed and sentenced to death.

Another practice widely accepted in Roman culture was that of homosexuality. It was considered by many philosophers of the time to be the highest form of love, hence the expression “brotherly love”. Infidelity to one’s spouse was accepted and customary. Marriage was not held in high regard and its primary purpose was reproduction.

Slavery was a tool of the economy and thousands of conquered people ended up in bondage. This reduced the need for the Roman proletariat which caused economic stress for working class people. Yet, to keep the masses happy, the Roman aristocracy promised them bread and circuses. So the mass of people were contented with free food and entertainment. It was a grassroots welfare program that worked for several years. However, bankruptcy, greed, and corruption created an insolvent government. A famous example of this overspending and greed was Nero and his absurd building projects at the expense of the army and national defense.

Christians were considered a plague by Romans, yet they found a use for this nuisance. It was a common ritual to cover a believer with tar, bind them to a pole, and light them on fire while still alive. This was used as a form of lighting the paths into the city. I have observed the same type of practice in our modern, enlightened age because if a person in our society claims a belief in God, then he is figuratively burned at the stake.

We know that Rome was conquered by Vandals, Goths and other barbarous people, but the fact is that Rome ruined itself from the inside out. How unfortunate it is that as we walk down the path of history and recognize the mistakes of the past we still have not overcome the errors of fallen empires. Our founding fathers knew that America, this ideal society based on liberty and freedom, could not exist among an immoral people. If at an individual level, one cannot govern himself, how is it to be expected that he could govern a nation. The distinction of Americans is that we believe in God, are governed by his laws found in Scripture, and that we trust in Him. This nation was built on principles of truth and needs a moral people to oversee it. Otherwise, it will be a replica of other fallen civilizations bound by avarice and corruption and destroyed by depravity.

Copyright L.L. Williams

How To Tame a Shrew

Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare

The description of a woman who should be held in high regard has changed over the past century, especially in the last half. Sharp-witted, shrewd, and bold are definitions that come to my mind when I think of the modern woman. This ideal has become prevalent because of the media that surrounds us as a society. Kate from The Taming of the Shrew would be a heroine in popular media today. She is sassy, irreverent, and cruel to those around her. No one could control her and no one dared. She knew it and she liked it. She was drunk from the power that she held over other people.

I liken this ideal of modern womanhood--- bold, sassy, and in-your-face--- to a hurricane. It causes destruction and wreaks havoc upon those around her. For example, when a woman is not controlling her temper, she loses the ability to hear and listen. The windy wrath that she expels blows respect and admiration away. Many people come to fear and avoid the woman who behaves in this manner. Just as Kate was disagreeable, sharp-tongued, and violent at times, ‘modern-women’ can make those around her dread her presence. I believe that Kate reveled in the power she had, and she felt justified in her temperament because of the jealousy over her ‘ideal’ sister, Bianca. Yet, instinctively I could sense the disappointment and sadness that she felt. She wanted to be appreciated and admired but her disposition did not allow it, therefore, it made her angrier and so the winds of discontent blew harder.

However, just as there is an eye in the center of the hurricane, calm can be found in the seat of a woman’s soul. Kate had to be humbled and broken of her vindictive spirit. I think the secret in making Kate realize her difficulties which helped change her attitude was in “killing with kindness” as Petruchio found. As with every person, Kate was bound by the human condition. We must all learn to control our appetites and passions so that they will be subservient to our will. Kate was bound by her strong feelings and out of control behavior, but when she was forced to fast, and clothing and comfort was withheld from her, she became humble. She learned difficult lessons through the crisis that Petruchio put her through; however, after this occurred Kate was reformed and she found peace.

I believe that women are born with a nature that is partly to nurture and foster growth in others. When a woman finds a peaceful attitude about her role in life, it can help her intuit the needs of others and render service where needed. This is a great power that can be fostered and strengthened into developing people and relationships.

In the end, Kate described the type of woman who she used to be and how she feels about it now. She declared that a woman who is scornful, harsh and callous as one whose beauty is blotted and marred. “I am asham’d that women are so simple, To offer war where they should kneel for peace, Or seek for rule, supremacy, and sway, When they are bound to serve, love, and obey.” She realized that only in fulfilling her proper role as a gentle-woman would she find contentment. She also acknowledged and showed appreciation for men and their role as protector, provider, and defender of women, family, and home.

“Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks, Shall win my love.” I hope to instill the virtues of gentleness and tenderness into the girls I know by example. I want them to appreciate their womanly gifts and the feminine attributes they have. I hope this development will lead them to believe in the virtues of what I will describe as the ‘Neo-modern-woman’… smart but humble, courageous yet calm, witty but kind, and loyal and loving. These are some of the ideals of women that I believe we will see growing with the future, despite the all-consuming media of the day. Like the gentle wind of a spring zephyr, the influence that good women have is emerging into a powerful force that will sweep away the prevalent but false viewpoint of the modern-woman today.

Copyright L.L. Williams

Good Question Hamlet

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Hamlet’s, “To be, or not to be”, is the epitome of the ultimate question of life. I believe that most every human being who has roamed this earth at some point asks the question of “Why am I here?” Arriving at an answer can be an arduous journey or a walk in the park. It can simply come from beliefs and traditions that a person has inherited or he can embark upon a serious study into philosophy, religion, or science to find conclusions. The answers can come in a flash of inspiration, the anguish of tragedy, or in the serene moments of meditation.

Philosophers, shaman, prophets, and fools have all tried to answer this sometimes breathtaking question of “why?” We can find their conclusions in sacred writings, oral traditions, fairy tales, or textbooks. But I think that ultimately a person must find their answer within their own spirit. I believe that we are dual beings---flesh and spirit. As children of God, we can access higher power in order to answer the highest questions of life. When we find true answers, it will resonate within our soul. I also believe that we each have purpose in life as individuals. When we are fulfilling that purpose, it will bring us joy.

Hamlet also asked this question of why we, “suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune”, or suffer the, “whips and scorns of the oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely, the pangs of despised love”. Why do humans continue to, “grunt and sweat under a weary life”? I think that some of these answers can be found in pain. Painful experiences, whether they are in the mind or physically of the body, can be the crucible of character.

My case in point is that I have often marveled at the astonishing strength and power of various people who have survived horrific events in their life. For example, the Nazi death camp survivors who were starved, humiliated, beaten and treated so cruelly, yet the German officers couldn’t squeeze the life out of them. The will to survive was so strong and the human spirit so powerful that they were able to live on to the next day and tell their story to the world. Another example of strength and will came from the depths of Siberia where a few political prisoners were able to escape and cross the Gobi desert into India and freedom. Incredible determination and spirit was needed to overcome the odds against them. Why do people fight to live when life is so difficult? I believe that Victor Frankl put affliction into perspective when he said he hoped to be worthy of his suffering, and to be sanctified through enduring. When a person is brought down into the depths of humility, his only choice is to give up or reach for God. And by enduring heartbreaking trials, ones heart is strengthened and the soul is purified enough to see the face of God.

“To be, or not to be”, is a question that will live on as long as human beings do. I find hope in the strength of the human spirit and peace in my belief in God. I think that as long as people look to their answers for the reason of life with pure intent, they will find their solution fixed in the love of God.

Copyright L.L. Williams

Love is a Many Splendid Thing

Midsummer Night’s Dream

“Truth, reason and love keep little company together.”

Shakespeare had deep insight into the phenomenon called, “falling in love”. It is like a spell that is cast upon two people and nothing else in the world matters except to nurture, grow, and deepen the love that is felt by the two. Love makes the irrational seem rational and the impossible seem promising. It is similar to a dream in the way that random events eventually resolve themselves and come together to complete an enchanting story.

It is fitting that Shakespeare placed the setting of this play in a magical fairy-land forest. It represents what love is like upon first encounter. It is mystical, foggy, mysterious, exciting, and full of surprises. One can get lost in the mystery and end up not knowing what is true and what is false. The effect of the misty forest is similar to the effect of love --- a person is entranced by the magic but may also be bewildered by the haziness. The spell of love can blind the couple to each others faults and shortcomings as was seen with Helena and Demetrius. Poor Helena was tied to her lover even though he tried to sever those ties at any chance he could. He was cruel and hurtful, but her love was fastened to his heart. She overlooked his mistreatment and kept her hope in a future that would eventually blossom into a fruitful relationship. It is sad that she didn't realize her own beauty and decide to find love in a kinder and gentler person. But how true it is, that many pine after the very person who treats them the most cruel. This irony hasn’t changed over the course of thousands of years and is a somewhat pitiful or humorous commentary on the mystery of human nature.

How quickly love can change when it isn’t rooted in time. The fickleness of Lysander by turning his attention to Helena after one enchanted night shows how easily affection can be misplaced. The astonishment of Hermia and her distress in finding her lover wooing another is a poignant depiction of how deeply wounded one can become when giving their heart to another. It is a tender and vulnerable thing to trust another person with affection and feelings. Her darling lover became an enigma in a matter of a few dark moments and Hermia became lost, confused, and heartbroken.

The haziness of the forest and darkness of the night produced a situation where Puck, the mischievous fairy, could enjoy tricks and capers to his heart’s content. He hoodwinked Titania with love potion in her eyes that blinded her to the ridiculous brute she now admired. This amusement of Puck’s is another reflection of how falling in love can mislead a person and she may be deceived into loving an ass like Bottom. It was a funny prank, but it happens so often in reality that it is really crying shame that “falling in love” can make someone overlook the reality of a person, and she will settle for a beast.

Even though love may be hazy at times, in the end of Midsummer Night’s Dream the true lovers found each other again and were brought back to reality. They were able to bind and seal their love in the light of day after waking up and finding solid ground. Falling in love is an eternal phenomenon and a marvelous experience. Fortunately most couples find a foundation to build upon after they are done falling, and love grows into something not just blissful, but divine.

Copyright L.L. Williams

Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky

Crime and Punishment
Fyodor Dostoevsky


Does a person have the right to murder if it makes life better for others around him? The victim was a cruel, miserly, bitter person. Did her death benefit society?

The victim’s death did in fact benefit many people. For example, for those who were in debt to this money-lender, the contract became null and void, and their property became free and clear. Plus, the exorbitant amount she charged in interest was negated. Usury is an ugly trade. In addition, her simple-minded sister would be free from her cruel hand. And Raskolnikov would now have the money he needed to support his sister and mother plus finish at the university. So yes, it could be argued that her death did in fact benefit society.

However, when Raskolnikov murdered the victim, he actually murdered himself. He may have physically split her skull open, but in reality he split open his own head and ripped apart his peace of mind. He rent his conscience in two and tried to repair it by binding it up in a web of lies, but this only tied himself into a twisted, broken madman. Whether or not the law or any person could discover the facts, the fact remained that the murder never left his thoughts. Sin brings guilt which brings fear. He was sick with fear and the angst he suffered drove him mad.

Raskolnikov’s frenetic state of mind spoke to the universal truth regarding conscience. The voice of inner knowing exists inside everyone. Conscience may be a still, small voice, but it is so distinct that it can’t be mistaken. It may be ignored, rationalized away, or argued out of hearing, but it is so clear and definite that it will continue to manifest itself to the spirit of man. Guilt is a crushing weight to bear. When Raskolnikov tried to override immutable law, the result was uncontrolled terror, dread, anxiety, and horror at his deed.

By reading Fyodor Dostoevsky’s, Crime and Punishment, many questions regarding principles, morals, and the value of human life surfaced to mind. It is my conviction that all human beings have intrinsic worth. God has given man reason and this divine spark is what guides our ethics, morality, government, and civilization. Without law---moral, civil, or otherwise, then the fall of man into an abyss of chaos is certain. This was displayed through Raskolnikov and the living hell he created.

Copyright L.L. Williams

7-Habits

“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.” (Henry David Thoreau)

I have been applying the 7-Habits this summer while training for a marathon with my husband. I never believed that I would actually train and run a marathon. It always sounded like a neat thing to do, but way too hard for me. Yet, I was so inspired by the different people I watched cross the finish line in October of 2007, in particular a man pushing a wheel-chair-bound boy whom I supposed had cerebral-palsy, that I just wanted to become a better person and reach out for a difficult challenge and conquer it. I didn’t realize how hard it would be, but the journey has taught me a lot about myself.

“Difficult experiences become the crucibles that forge our character and develop the internal powers; the freedom to handle difficult circumstances in the future and to inspire others to do so as well.” (Stephen R. Covey)

By taking a proactive approach to the training that was required, I made myself be more agreeable and a better running partner. In the beginning of our training I complained a lot about how hard it was and how much I ached…and that was only doing 2 or 3 miles. But I realized my mistake and decided to be proactive by not whining. I found that listening to music and/or a book on my MP3 player is a good distraction. I also developed the habit of being proactive by making and keeping commitments to myself. It was a big challenge some mornings, but I kept my promise and was blessed by witnessing some amazing sunrises.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

I had an idea of the result I wanted…..complete 26.2 miles. But by “beginning with the end in mind” it has helped to make my vision clear of what I want to accomplish. It is not just a physical goal of conditioning my body to run that far, but also a mental goal of conquering my inner doubts. I have envisioned running across the finish line and by doing this, it has pushed my motivation and kept it up when the thoughts of the race become overwhelming. Mission statements and the reason for what you are doing is a powerful force which keeps you on the road you want to follow.

“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” (Goethe)

Putting “first things first” is discipline of time management that I have wrestled with. But like Covey says, it is discipline that comes from within. Integrity develops when you make and keep commitments, first to yourself. By opening your eyes to what is important, not important, urgent and not urgent, you can focus your activities on things of lasting value. I have learned to prioritize my time and recognize the power of an hour. I have been using the Quadrant tool which has helped me immensely because it is like a map and helps me see the direction I am going. It also helps me have balance, flexibility, and adaptability.

“We have committed the Golden Rule to memory; let us now commit it to life.” (Edwin Markham)

Win/Win as a personal philosophy takes courage. For example, during some of our runs together, I would feel like a loser because I am so much slower than my husband; however, he never made me feel this way…it was all my perception. I needed to realize that we are both in a partnership and that we can compensate for each other’s weaknesses. I may be slower, but I provide splendid company and humorous commentary. He on the other hand is a great coach and helps me recognize progress that I don’t see in myself. So it’s a win/win situation. I like this habit.

“The heart has its reasons which reason knows not of.” (Pascal)

Empathic listening and seeking to understand opens “soul to soul flow”. It is the bridge between people that is built with respect, patience, and empathy. I have appreciated this more and more during our training because I know that my husband really listens with intent. He wants to be sure that I am dealing with the pain, but not injuring myself. He listens and also watches. I am grateful.

“We seek not to imitate the masters, rather we seek what they sought.” (Eastern Philosophy)

Synergy is a real phenomenon that is hard to describe because it is beyond observation, but it exists nonetheless. I don’t know how I can do a wind sprint at the end of a long run, but when I know that I am close to my goal and my husband says, “Let’s go for it”, I am able to get the energy to run a little harder. It is like a spark that kindles a little flash of momentum. When I was on my own this rarely happened, so I know that shared goals can reach further heights. It is empowering to have support and when creative powers are mixed, synergy occurs.

“I rejoice in life for its own sake.” (George Bernard Shaw)

By running, I have found the physical exercise is only one dimension of the whole. There is also a mental, emotional, and even spiritual aspect of it. It has become a way for me to “sharpen the saw.” I have come to enjoy the time spent in the early morning hours with the quiet, still air and to breathe in the sweet smell of fresh cut hay. It is inspiring to watch the sun rise and feel the rays warm my face. I feel alive when I run and it helps me appreciate the gifts I have been given ---my physical health, my relationships, and my love for God. I’ve also decided that running is a metaphor of life. It has helped me realize that the journey on earth is a steady, continual process that is full of surprises. If I keep up with the regimen of training and apply correct principles, then eventually I will make it to the finish line. I may not have the easiest time and there are obstacles and pain to overcome, but I know that I made a commitment and was able to see it through. The victory will be cherished.

Copyright L.L. Williams

P.S. I finished my first marathon on October 4, 2008. It took me 5 hours but I crossed the finish line!

The Transcendent Power of Music
“I put on my Mozart CD so that I could feel.” This comment came from a conversation I had with my husband after reading the Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers together. Chad was called to 18 months of active duty service and while deployed spent a year in the Ar Ramadi, Iraq area. He used this music to get away from the war. I think his statement was an accurate description of what music can do for a person, and depending on what type of music is chosen for listening are the feelings that will be experienced. “Music is the shorthand of emotion.” (Leo Tolstoy)
Music can express joy, sorrow, hope, love and can most significantly be a devotion to God. I believe that many composers of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic musical era were inspired by God to bring heavenly beauty down to earth. I am amazed at the quality and quantity of music produced in the 18th and 19th centuries in addition to the musical genius of those eras. I found a common thread running through the lives of the most influential composers of all time and that thread is a deep and abiding testimony of a living God and the study of the Holy Bible. These men were endowed with musical genius and fulfilled their divine mission by giving the world part of their heart and soul in the form of music. They brought joy, edification, perspective and refinement to humanity and their cumulative gift is without measure.
“(They) open a vista to the universe. After experiencing (this music), people feel there is meaning to life after all.” (Helmut Walcha)In my opinion, I think these master composers were opening the way for the spirit of the Lord to be felt. I believe that there was a spiritual famine that spanned many years and people weren’t getting fed by preachers and clergy with the sermons and dogma of the time, plus conflicting messages from different denominations and churches was confusing. However, many of the composers felt that it was their duty and calling to praise God and bring enlightenment through the music they wrote. “Nothing higher exists than to approach God… and from that to extend His glory among humanity.” (Beethoven) Johann Sebastian Bach believed that music was, “For the glory of the most high God alone, and for my neighbor to learn from.” I feel the music created during the Baroque, Classical and Romantic time is of an enduring and eternal quality that lifts and ennobles man. It is a conduit of the Holy Spirit and enriches all who will listen to it with not only their ears but their hearts also. The music written specifically for church services was sacred and it is a pure form of worship. “There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is.” (William P. Merrill) I think it is a beautiful sentiment that Bach signed his work with the letters, “J.J.” (Jesu Juva---Help me Jesus) It was his hope and prayer to express his religious devotion and share that devotion with others. The symbolism in Bach’s work is proof to his depth and understanding of the Holy Scriptures. He used this method to teach about the life and mission of Jesus Christ.
Many composers had to face adversity in the form of financial difficulty, discouragement from pursuing their passion, and physical ailments; however, they did not let roadblocks or trials stop them from fulfilling their commitment in life. The great composers had sensitivity to spiritual things and trusted in the Lord to lead them on the path that they should walk in life. Comfort was given to them, “Even on the most troubled days, there is certain peace for those who have the single felicity to be Christians.” (Liszt) Through their faith and hope these master composers were able to engage in their mission because they felt it was a calling from God. They knew that they were endowed with talents from on high. “I know that God has favored me, and recognize it thankfully. I also believe that I have done my duty and have been of use to the world through my works. Let others do the same!” (Haydn) Learning about these men’s faith, fortitude, and diligence has made me feel like I too have a calling or mission in life that I can complete if I have the discernment and courage to take upon myself the task. I also want to be of use to the world and am inspired by their greatness. I feel the same feelings that Beethoven did when he said, “Almighty God, you look down into my innermost soul, you see into my heart and you know that it is filled with love for humanity and a desire to do good.”
I believe that as human beings we have a dual nature---spirit and flesh. When we listen to a beautiful symphony by Haydn, Mozart, or Handel we are partaking of something divine. This genre of music has an ethereal quality that can comfort and lift person’s thoughts towards God. “Music is a discipline, and a mistress of order and good manners, she makes the people milder and gentler, more moral and more reasonable.” (Martin Luther) The power that music has to change a person’s feelings and thoughts is a testament to the influence it has. What we put into our minds by reading, listening, or what we gaze upon eventually becomes who we are. Unfortunately the mass of music produced today is without merit. Generally speaking, the popular music of today appeals to the “natural man” with the heavy beat, monotonous words, and shallow content. Shubert deplores certain music that “engenders in people not love but madness: which rouses them to scornful laughter instead of lifting up their thoughts to God.” I agree with his thoughts and hope that I can cultivate my tastes to include only the best the world of music has to offer and disregard the rest. I have a wide variety of music that I enjoy listening to, but I know that if I keep my focus on the popular tunes of the day I will be missing out on a large scope of music that can be edifying. “My lord, I should be sorry if I only entertain them. I wish to make them better.” (Handel) I do feel like a better person after listening to The Messiah or a concerto by Beethoven. Music’s purpose is, “to ennoble, to comfort, to purify man, to bless and praise God.” (Liszt) I now feel a strong responsibility to choose wisely the music I have playing in my home and that of which my children are exposed to.
“Music expresses feeling and thought, without language; it was below and before speech, and it is above and beyond all words.” (Robert G. Ingersoll) I stand in great admiration of the master composers and am grateful for the inspiration and delight that their music brings to me. I want to gain the depth of understanding that they had of the Bible because I believe this is where their illumination came from. The sublime feelings that I have when I hear music from the masters is proof to me of their divine mission to enlighten the world and bring joy. I agree with this sentiment that, “Music is what feelings sound like.” (Author Unknown)
Copyright L.L. Williams

I AM GEN-X ---AND I AM OK WITH IT
I am a nomad, a “Gen-Xer”, a part of a group known as the “nowhere generation” described as having an “indifference to practically everything on the planet”. ‘ X’ stands for everything or nothing with our motto as “oh well, whatever, never mind”. Generation-X is generally marked by its lack of optimism for the future, nihilism, cynicism, skepticism, alienation and mistrust in traditional values and institutions. The nomads of today or ‘X’ers are a collection of a “generation (that) grew up in a time of drugs, divorce and economic strain . . . They feel paralyzed by the social problems they see as their inheritance: racial strife, homelessness, AIDS, fractured families and federal deficits.” The Closing of the American Mind described X'ers, also known as 13'ers, as mindless, soul-less, and dumb. “Never knowing anything except institutional decline, 13'ers are deeply skeptical about grand policy visions they assume will somehow only add to America’s fiscal debt and social chaos.” “As they see it, other people get benefits, while they pay the bills.” More X'ers believe in UFO’s than in Social Security lasting until they retire”. Lacking a generational core or any sense of collective mission they are accused of having not having a principled inner life and a splintered persona. However, this is a “logical reaction to parental neglect”, being under-protected and under-valued while growing up in an unraveling era. Instability and a wavering family life, plus community and national fracturing was experienced all during our youth. “We are moving beyond cynicism to apathy.” “We do not fuss and fume about our souls… we have retained from childhood the propensity to see through things, and tell the truth with startling frankness.” X'ers have come to expect little of themselves as a generation, and this fact has become part of our collective persona.
In reading The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe, I learned many things about my generation and discovered some things about myself. Initially I felt that I was a member of the “loser” generation. But continuing on, I was opened to realization that I belong to an archetype, ‘Nomadic’, and that my generation does have a place in history. Even though X'ers have been “putdown by a Boomer-dominated media” for their entire lives and have been considered irrelevant, during the time that we are now in, “13’ers could emerge as the leaders of a Crisis-era based on the notion of taking raw action now.” Pragmatic application to seemingly unsolvable problems will be the trademark of this generation in the coming years. “We perceive our civic challenge as some vast, insoluble Rubik’s Cube. Behind each problem lies another problem that must be solved first, and behind that lies yet another, and another, ad infinitum. To fix crime we have to fix the family, but before we do that we have to fix welfare, and that means fixing our budget, and that means fixing our civic spirit, but we can’t do that without fixing moral standards, and that means fixing schools and churches, and that means fixing the inner cities, and that’s impossible unless we fix crime. There’s no fulcrum on which to rest a policy lever. People of all age’s sense that something huge will have to sweep across America before the gloom can be lifted-but that’s an awareness we suppress.”
By learning about circular time, and contrasting it to the linear and chaotic model, it has enabled me to see the patterns and connections that are available to help make sense of the time we are now seated in and the approaching era to come. I feel like my education was a “sort of social studies stew” and could never make sense of history as a unifying story. I was under the impression that time was chaotic and random and this gave me a sense of powerlessness and a dim view of the future. I distinctly remember having a very nihilistic view when I was a teen and believed that the future was not worth contemplating because of impending doom. However, by learning about the seasonality of time and how it naturally progresses from spring to summer to fall and winter, I have gained a sense of power and belief that the future can be something to look forward to if I am prepared. My skepticism has been replaced by understanding that throughout time people have been put in place to guide the footsteps of history and have altered the course of impossible odds to bring about a resolution to the chilly winds of winter during a crisis era. I hope that I am one of those people. I want to keep the fires burning during the bitter crisis and sow the seeds of hope in the spring.
I was pessimistic about my generation until I learned that many great men of the past have fit within the nomad archetype. George Washington is the epitome of a pragmatic leader who endured to win. Patrick Henry was a fire-brand who shook the fear from people as he declared “give me liberty or give me death”. Ethan Allen was one of the bravest patriots ever seen in America. By gaining understanding about archetypes, turnings, and the saeculum, I have been assured that the seasons of time have a pattern that can be looked to and used to prepare for the future events.
“They (Gen-X) possess only a hazy sense of their own identity but a monumental preoccupation with all the problems the preceding generation will leave for them to fix. By whatever name, so far they are an unsung generation, hardly recognized as a social force or even noticed much at all.” Even though that may be the case, Gen-X'ers will be prepared to emerge as leaders during the crisis because of the survivalist, realism and pragmatic leadership they have. Urgent necessity of the crisis will lend new meaning to the lives of Gen-X. “They will provide the on-site tacticians and behind-the-scenes bosses whose decisions will determine its day-to-day course.”
By becoming aware of the characteristics of Gen-X and the nomad archetype, I have learned a lot about myself and the role my generation has to play in history. I used to tremble at the thoughts of an unavoidable crisis, but now I am looking forward to winter. Even though the winds of change howl outside of my windows, I am secure in knowing that I can fulfill my part in history within my sphere of influence. By teaching my hero children about their role and by accepting and believing in my generation, I hope to enter the crisis and climax strong and determined to make it a better world as we enter a new gate in history. In addition, as I endure the crucible of adversity with my family, I hope to be able to stand firm in the conviction that I know spring is on the way and prepare the ground for future generations. Copyright L.L. Williams

What is Seen and What is Not Seen
Foresight: the ability to think ahead, the ability to envision possible future problems or obstacles.
Fredric Bastiat had the wisdom and ability to recognize that there are series of effects connected with every action whether it is on an economic, societal, or personal level. He was a brilliant economist with the ability to look forward and survey the results of cause and effect. I believe that he came up with a prudent philosophy of not only political economy but also a philosophy of living that can enrich lives and make it possible to avoid many pitfalls and struggles. Unfortunately we live in a time of fast food, easy credit, and ‘live for the moment’ mentality. This has produced a nation of impatient, short-sighted people who are constantly focused on consuming. This conspicuous consumption ideology is a crisis which causes discontent, restlessness, debt, and problems at an individual, family, community and societal level. Instant gratification is marketed for every conceivable object and to every age even before birth. This obsession of ‘buy now pay later’ has become such a huge problem that I believe it will bring about an economic disaster. The precarious bubble of an unsound economy could burst and with it will pour the rains of crisis.
A prime example of this shortsighted thinking is currently the stimulus checks from the federal government. The money received by individual Americans will perhaps help them out with a purchase that they have been putting off, but in the long run, it will cost exponentially more because of the interest on an unsound loan. The federal government is incapable of growing the economy with taxation and redistribution and this has been proven time and time again within capitalist, socialist, and communist nations, but the facts are laid aside for political popularity and power at the polls. This temporary satisfaction of a few dollars in the pocket now will eventually rob generations to come of economic stability and growth. Bastiat’s comparison to a nation as a parched piece of land and taxes as a force that draws moisture from the ground is an astute judgment. We are so willing to partake of the poison in order to quench a thirst.
Programs, benefits, grants, loans, bureaucracy, security, government workers, and the list goes on and on of how the taxes we pay are used in innumerable ways. What is seen is the employment of thousands upon thousands of people, but what is not seen is the dependence on government and entitlement mentality that grows with every new program that is instituted. For example, if you look at the public school system of today, teachers and the UEA are always very hostile about demanding more money to fund their schools and programs. There are ‘No Excuses’ for suppressing the raising of taxes. The schools want every child in the free lunch program in order for their school to get more funding. And with every child who qualifies for free lunch you also are enrolled in Title 1. This is to ensure that ‘No child is left behind’. Ironically, the testing scores incrementally drop over time and therefore a new test is devised and administered. Real learning doesn’t occur, so there is a demand for more money in order to fund more programs in order to purchase newer technology, etc. This is just a small example of how government, taxes and programs do not solve problems but actually originate the problems from the beginning. They are the cause but the effects are out of control.
Bastiat’s political economic philosophy is based upon sound principles which if applied gives a firm foundation for growth and prosperity. A nation down to an individual can expect an increase with compounded interest by practicing the laws of frugality and restraint. Like a seed that is planted, we see the flower and enjoy the fruits thereof. However, we need to recognize the time and effort that it took to develop the essential roots, support system and the vital photosynthesis that occurs. That is what is not seen. Foresight gives one the patience to wait until the time is right to enjoy the fruit. Copyright L.L. Williams

Othello

“Our bodies are our gardens, to which our will are gardeners; so that if we will plant nettles or sow lettuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme…the power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills.”
In Shakespeare’s Othello, the antagonist Iago created devastation in the lives of those around him because of his deep-seated jealousy. Iago is a perfect specimen of ill-will and how thoughts of anger swell and take root in the heart. His hostility grew into hatred which increased and strengthened into branches of evil. This overshadowed his conscience, and any scruples died in the chilly shade of rage. He was a master at planting kernels of doubt, jealousy, and anger in every field that was available to him. He cultivated his plan until it grew and blighted the love of Othello for his wife. The fruit of his malice resulted in despair and death.
Iago was able to taint and distort Othello’s opinion of Desdemona through slow poisoning. Othello was fed subtle comments of gossip which tainted his feelings and disfigured Desdemona’s reputation. “…he that filches from me my good name/ Robs me of that which not enriches him/ And makes me poor indeed.” This created doubt and suspicion about the new bride, which caused Othello to lose his peace of mind. “Not poppy nor mandragora/ Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world/ Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep”. Othello was a powerful and commanding general, yet he was not able to command his own feelings once there was jealousy planted in his heart. Othello was driven to complete rage and anger of what he assumed was the truth. Like a small seed, jealousy was nurtured in a fertile field, so it grew. Othello is a tragic figure. He withered under the heat of adversity, because his love and trust was planted in fallow ground; therefore, his relationship with Desdemona was barren.
It is difficult to root out the feelings of jealousy or anger. We can cut them off at the surface, but the feelings will keep springing up and continue to spread; therefore, we must dig deep within and follow the wisdom of the ages which says to forgive, bless, and do good to others. As human beings, we have a nature that is fallen and mortal. It is a challenging and painful process to take hold of the prickly surface of your nature and remove the barbed meanness of character; however, if we leave our wills unchecked, then it can grow out of control. We must be gardeners of our soul and pluck out the wild plants that can at a moment seem innocent, but with time, the plant develops into a pernicious vine that pierces and stings. If left to grow, the seeds of vice mature and reproduce a hundred-fold and spread to all areas of life. This strangles and chokes out all of the desirable virtues throughout the field. Husbandry of the virtues and vices within us is an art that needs continual cultivation. Daily sowing and constant weeding will produce a beautiful nature in the form of a Godly person.
From Shakespeare’s Othello we can learn that in order to flourish in life and in love, a person must live upright in the light of truth and send down roots firmly planted in a rich foundation integrity, loyalty, and honesty. With this tragic play, we recognize the genuine guidance in the proverb, “what you sow is what you will reap.” Copyright L.L. Williams

Walden

Good Morning, Thoreau

“I am awake and dawn is in me.” According to Henry David Thoreau, this is the ultimate quest ---to be mindful and seeking for truth in order to, “live deep and suck out all the marrow of life.”

Truth is awakening to our genius and becoming a noble person by conscious endeavor. In order to shake off the “slush of opinion, and prejudice, and tradition”, we must live life with purpose. Unfortunately, many are blinded by the delusions of what society calls success and fall short of achieving true accomplishment because of apathy and fear of judgment. However, “In accumulating property for ourselves or our posterity, in founding a family or a state, or acquiring fame even, we are mortal; but in dealing with truth we are immortal.” By following shallow pursuits we will be living a fraudulent life. Thoreau explains further that life is like a fairy tale if we follow our dreams. It takes courage to build a castle in the air, but if we continue on the path which leads to truth, our foundations will be sure and eternal with the footings “pebbly with stars.”

The journey to truth is not an obscure path which is difficult to find and only available to the elite. It is clearly marked by the greatest thinkers and noblest souls of all time in the form of classics. Classics are varied in their medium, yet Thoreau describes the written word as, "something at once more intimate with us and more universal than any other work of art. It is the work of art nearest to life itself". As I have stood on “intellectual tiptoe”, my thoughts have been raised to match my efforts. I hope to hold these thoughts long enough in order to make them part of myself.

I want to be an example to my children of a “treasure hunter”. Books are my treasure and I truly have dated a new era in my life from the reading of a book. “By such a pile, (I) hope to scale heaven at last.” Reading has always been a love of mine, and I believe that it has helped me overcome my persistent thoughts of miniature dreams. I have been awakened to new visions and lofty heights that I aspire to climb and reach. I am guilty of earth-bound thinking, yet when I read from Bronte, Dickens, Tolstoy, Thoreau, etc., I am inspired and marvel at the greatness of this life that has been given to me. I am rich because I get to enjoy Mozart in the morning, Austen in the afternoon, and the words of Christ in the evening with my dear husband and children. Books and classics have without a doubt helped me on my journey and given me a standard for finding truth.

“The cost of a thing is what I will call life which is required to be exchanged for it.” This is a profound statement that set me to thinking about how I use each day that is offered me. I believe we all need a “Realometer” to check us from “killing time and injuring eternity”. Thoreau encourages the development of skill of ones own hands and mind in order to provide for the necessities in life. He concluded from his experiences that one could provide for himself nicely if he worked diligently for six weeks of the year. The remaining time could be used for leisure---building ones mind and spirit. Nevertheless, we are often prone to become a “slave-driver of yourself” and constantly thinking of ways to earn and build and amass. Conversely, less is more. If it is true that, “In the long run men hit only what they aim at”, then we must realize how important it is to give time and attention to things that are worthy of us. I fully agree with his sentiment that you are more appreciative of what you create and build of your own; hopefully, this will be qualities of the soul that will transcend time and be passed down to future generations.

Wisdom, advice and practical guidance is to be found throughout Walden, especially in the “Economy” chapter. For example, I have never been a slave to fashion, but from my reading of his views, clothing has taken on a new meaning to me. “The childish and savage taste of men and women for new patterns keeps how many shaking and squinting through kaleidoscopes…” Thoreau’s description of clothes as false skin, false colors and of our outmost cuticle is clever and accurate. Yet it is frequently the measure by which a man is judged. It is a quick and easy way of classifying people and our culture puts a premium on “looking good” instead of being good. The right clothes, the right hair, the right brands make a person cool and appealing…a “winner”. Thoreau warns of us of these false impressions and how they are merely disguises. He wants us to become “new men” instead. He also describes how people in general have more anxiety about patched, unattractive or outdated clothes than they have about their own conscience. What a sad but true statement and I have to admit that I am prone to commit this offense. Instead of praising my children for getting dressed and ready for the day, I have criticized them for their choice of apparel. I know that there is no wrong-doing in having mismatched clothes, but I want them to look “squared-away”. I’ve realized that the sin lies with me and have decided to accept what they choose to wear, however painful it may be especially when we go out in public.

“...civilization has been improving our houses…It has created palaces, but it was not so easy to create noblemen…” Shelter like clothing, a basic need, has become a measuring stick of worth. We tend to define ourselves by our things instead of our being. “Before we can adorn our houses with beautiful objects the walls must be stripped, and our lives must be stripped, and beautiful housekeeping and beautiful living be laid for a foundation: now, a taste for the beautiful is most cultivated out of doors.” God is the master architect and when we marvel at the incredible splendor of nature, our souls are changed. This is where we will plant the seeds of virtue and grow noblemen and noble villages of men. Thoreau’s “Simplicity-Simplicity” stand as a clarion call to reason. Unfortunately his golden words are discarded and replaced instead with silver dollars. This contradiction is ever present in our culture of “think-green” and “conspicuous-consumption”.

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” I have heard this quote often times before, but have only just begun to understand what it alludes to and the relevance it has. Henry David Thoreau was a master at making one stop and think about life and what it means. “Direct your eye right inward, and you’ll find-- A thousand regions in you mind-- Yet undiscovered. Travel them”. Self-reflection is a powerful method that can be drawn upon to enlighten and give vision, however, Thoreau laments the fact that too few use it; therefore, the quiet desperation shrouds the soul and light is dimmed from a person. The remedy for the ebbing light is to dream, believe, and listen to your own heart. Instead of hacking at the branches of confusion in life, we must find the root---discover and choose your fundamental principles. A person’s core beliefs are embedded in their nature and are somewhat hidden and forgotten about, but these are the very powers by which one is guided. Awake to them and you can have your castles in the air and all the while be building a solid foundation under them. Thoreau is very pointed in the statements he made about awareness of one’s self, the inner-life, and values we possess, and throughout Walden, he urges the reader to wake up and have an “infinite expectation of the dawn”. He exhorts us to stay alive all of our life, and I want to be one who is awake to the glorious truth of reality and thoughtful of eternity. By reading this classic, I became aware of the desire I have within me to “live deliberately” and continually be drinking from the fountainhead of the day --- “undiluted morning air.” Copyright L.L. Williams

Les Miserables
“To err is human, to forgive divine.” This concept has become more comprehensible and within the reach of my mental grasp by the characters and story of Les Miserables. I have always understood and accepted justice as a stern and exacting taskmaster who accepts nothing less than complete fulfillment of law. There is no compassion or sympathy when there are consequences to be meted out by justice. He is a ruthless hunter who demands his due. There seems to be no escaping the consequences of sin, and so therefore, humanity is a lost cause because we are all fallen beings. However, there is a principle that no mere mortal could have ever conceived of… the divine principle of mercy. I have never understood the concept of justice and mercy fully, yet at a very deep level Victor Hugo shed light on these principles which has led me to firmly trust in the miracle of forgiveness. I have always believed that justice should trump mercy when it comes to transgression and wrongdoing. I instinctively want to see criminals pay for their crime, wrongs to be righted, restitution paid fully and it angers me when the “bad guy gets away”. “Eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth” is a natural judgment and it seems fair and right. “Turning the other cheek” goes against the grain of human nature. But I have had a realization that the compassion of mercy is a higher law and within it are redemptive qualities. This understanding has brought about a new sympathy for “sinners” and consequently for myself. I have become aware of the benevolence of God towards his children as we struggle with this mortal clay and earthly experience.
The juxtaposition of justice and mercy were played out in Les Miserables in such a way that it became apparent how liberation from tyranny and sin is a struggle that is experienced at a macro and micro level. The society of France revolting against the oppression of the king seemed like an insurmountable challenge to overcome. But with devotion and unity, a people can throw off the chains of slavery put on by a dictatorship. It is not easily done and the cost is very high, but freedom and liberty are priceless.
On an individual level, Jean Valjean was continually faced with choices which seemed outrageously difficult to grapple with, and he became aware that he could not escape the condemning consequences of sin. The significance of the silver candlesticks and how it purchased a man’s soul was poignant. Just as Christ was sold for a bit of silver, Jean Valjean was bought. The bishop had the ability to see a criminal and recognize the infinite worth of the person. Thus by seeing his soul and extending mercy, he had the ability to change the path Valjean was on and was an impetus in making it possible for God to change the nature of an outcast of society. Valjean recognized his corrupt morals and as he wrestled with pride, shame, and self-justification he was able to come off conqueror because of the mercy extended to him. The price of his soul was greater to him than anything in this world even when he was faced with losing his freedom and going back to prison which was a living hell that stripped him of his humanity. He knew that he could not escape the ultimate judge and could not live with the torment of a damned soul. Because of his choices, he was ultimately free and could live with peace and a clear conscience before God.
As I read Fantine’s story, I thought about virtue and the price which is paid for immoral behavior. Fantine was indebted her entire life for her summer love affair. Her dream of love, family, and home was destroyed because of the sin which resulted in an illegitimate child. Overwhelming challenges presented themselves to Fantine over and over again and she sank under the weight of her circumstances. She lost everything ….her beauty, her livelihood, her self-respect, judgment and dignity. She tried to make her life acceptable and take care of her child by being completely self-reliant and in doing so, she did not appeal to mercy or a higher authority for help. Justice was cruel to her from the decisions that she made and she never recovered the right of mercy because of continuous error until the very end. Ultimately, she sacrificed her life because of the choice's she made and she was bound by shame and despair. Yet, just as the woman taken in adultery was forgiven and shown mercy, so was Fantine given hope and kindness by Jean Valjean as he showed compassion and comfort while she suffered.
Marius represents many “believers” of the faith----belief in word but not in deed. For example, he incrementally shut out Jean Valjean and in doing so rent a huge void in the life of his family. He did not know that Valjean was his savior and that Valjean had carried him thru the bowels of the earth, walked through a filthy mire, and was almost crushed under the weight of carrying the lifeless body of Marius. In this manner he rescued a helpless being from sure death by his super-human strength and he did this because of love for Cossette. Marius didn’t recognize or appreciate the sacrifice that restored him to life. In return for this amazing deed and without asking for anything, not even recognition of the fact, Valjean was slowly cast out of the presence of the person he loved the most. This in turn broke Valjean’s heart and he was alone and had no one to call his friend which ultimately killed him. Fortunately, the truth was discovered and Marius turned his affection and love towards Valjean and called him Father once again. Valjean’s prayer of reconciliation was answered and he died in peace with Cossette by his side.
Justice and mercy are immutable laws of the universe. The claim of justice can have no hold upon a person if he is willing to reach out for lifesaving mercy. Jean Valjean’s redemption and how the grace of God transformed him from a brutish and lowly creature into a divine individual was a story that penetrated my soul and gave me a new insight into the work of Deity. Victor Hugo’s masterpiece, Les Miserables, is a healing story that needs to be told over and over again in order to bring peace into the lives of the hopeless and to comfort the weary sojourners of this earth. I believe that this book has the power to change lives, because it changed mine. I have learned that mercy has emancipating qualities and that I want to make my appeal to God for mercy and accept the extended hand of grace and forgiveness. In addition, I must be willing to forgive freely and let justice be according to God’s will. Holding on to sorrow for previous mistakes and depending on oneself for saving grace will keep a person from moving forward. This has the effect of descending into despair. We cannot save ourselves, contrary to popular belief, yet there is hope through a redeeming power that we cannot comprehend. I also recognized the deep and abiding love of Jean Valjean for his beloved Cosette and how he only wanted her to have peace and joy. I am sure that this is how our Father on High feels about his children on earth. From the musical Les Miserables, the prayer of Jean Valjean is also my hope, ‘God on High, Hear my Prayer, In my need, You have always been there…Bring me home’. By trusting in the divine quality of mercy and allowing absolute justice to be God’s, we can become new creatures and emerge into glorious beings. Copyright L.L. Williams

Great Expectations

From reading Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, I recognized the great author he was because of the way he developed characters and transformed them into images of human nature. Some of the themes he dealt with were social status, intrinsic worth, revenge, pride, and love. As I thought about the different characters in this book, I realized that each was a powerful illustration of how their focus in life became their greatest ordeal and cause of suffering. Dickens then used this source of pain to heal and restore each main character into a figure of evolution and growth. When we recognize the same type of traits within ourselves through reading great literature, we are able to peer into a mirror and recognize our weaknesses and flaws, plus see our strengths and positive aspects that we have. This reflection can be a powerful impetus for personal change.
Miss Havishim was a representation of pride, unforgiveness, and revenge. She chose to stop her life on the day of her jilted wedding plans. The clocks were even stopped to the minute of her failed marriage and this also commemorated the moment when her progression stopped. As a result, everything around her eventually crumbled and eroded. She was a strange and weird character and may seem far-fetched, but I believe that Dickens portrayed her physical surroundings to resemble our internal life when we choose not to forgive and let go of the past. We can become full of bugs, parasites, dust, and mold and we also decay mentally if we hold on to bitterness. Even her relationships with others were of a parasitic quality. Her relatives only wanted her death so that they could inherit her wealth. She basically damned herself to a life of unhappiness, resentment, and hostility because of her choice to hold on to the past and not look with hope to the future. Everything around her crumbled and was eventually torn down as a result of the way she lived her life. The legacy she left was one of sour hatred and despair over a promise not kept. She is not one to be emulated until near the end of her life when she asked forgiveness of Pip for the pain she caused him in her quest for revenge.
Pip was prideful and deceived in the fact that he believed in appearances, and held to the idea that wealth and social status were the true measure of a man. He wanted all of the external things to become a gentleman including wearing the right clothing, belonging to a “gentleman’s” club and having the proper education. Ironically, the true qualities of a gentleman—loyalty, honesty, kindness—were embodied in Joe whom Pip despised throughout most of his life. Joe was an ignorant and simple man and this was repugnant to Pip’s ideals. Yet, the extravagance of Pip’s living and mismanagement of his accounts eventually brought about his economic ruin. He symbolizes the corruption of Miss Havishim in this way. Pip’s mistaken belief’s about his benefactor and his love for Estella was another proof of his misguided views of life. Yet this also brought about his realization that position in life and class-rank are false measures of a person. He came to appreciate and see the worth in his benefactor who was a criminal and on the lowest level of society. In addition, he was redeemed by Joe and given back life and hope instead of dying alone in prison. This brought him to the true knowledge of what a real gentleman is—a man who is forgiving, compassionate, and constant.
Estella was openly prideful of her beauty and her disdain for men. She was the ill-fated product of Miss Havishim’s acrimony. Unfortunately, this blinded her from the true character of people and she seemed unaware that this would ultimately lead to her own devastation. She was incapable of feeling love and this coldness and hurt was what she received in return. Her redemption came after her abusive marriage ended. Estella realized, “Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching…I have been bent and broken, but ---I hope into a better shape.”
Pip and Estella could have been ruined by false beliefs, disappointment and the unfortunate situations which they encountered in life like Miss Havishim was, but fortunately circumstances worked in a way to break them of the ruinous path they were on. The trials and pain that they underwent broke them of their pride and helped them reconcile their mistakes. They were able to overcome their past and become new creatures because of forgiveness and humility. They are each powerful illustrations of redemption and deliverance. Charles Dickens was a brilliant writer and through his characters we can open our eyes to the power of revenge versus forgiveness, love versus hate, and what the true worth of each individual is regardless of their social status in life. Copyright L.L. Williams

Lady Macbeth

Women may be the weaker sex, but that does not mean that they don’t have a tremendous amount of power. Lady Macbeth is an example of how women can wield their feminine power for good or evil ends. She was so consumed with ambition, pride and greed that she had to renounce her womanhood in order to accomplish the desire of her heart. “Unsex me here.” She turned her back on her feminine attributes in order to gain the nerve to be an accomplice to murder.
When women turn their back on their natural inclinations there is a coarsening in the fabric of society. I can see how the women’s liberation movement has destroyed respect and admiration for women’s role. Motherhood and raising children at home is looked upon with contempt. I have been infected with this ideology because we are led to believe that our net-worth is equal to our self-worth, therefore if you are not bringing in an income, you are worthless. There are certain roles and qualities that are ascribed to women. I believe that women have an inborn desire to nurture, and are naturally inclined to foster growth and cultivate relationships. There is a gentleness that can soften and refine human beings when a woman is fulfilling her role and magnifying her abilities. When a woman realizes her privilege of being a caretaker then she is fulfilled and home is a place of peace which develops happy children and a content husband. This in turn creates the moral fabric for a strong and stable society.
There is confusion about roles and duties in our culture today. Women are bombarded with conflicting messages from many different sources which creates bewilderment and perplexity in her mind. For example, from the media and school and friends, girls are expected to grow up and get a job and perhaps have 1.6 children if it fits into their career path when they are successful and mature. If asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, and a girl replies, “A mom”, then she is derided. But the same girl is told at Sunday school to be a wife and mother. It is clear to see how a young lady grows up with a muddled mind concerning her role as a woman. But if we will go back and study our core books then the confusion will be cleared up. God has stated that a man is to be the protector and provider and woman is to bear and raise children. I need to remember this during times that I don’t feel appreciated or valued for the things I do and the life I have chosen. I may not have initials beside my name, but I know that the work I do in my own home will have impact on generations.
When Lady Macbeth was overpowered with ambition she chose to abandon her feminine qualities and disown her womanhood in order to gain her desire. Yet she could never escape the guilt which consumed her. All ended tragically because of her drive for power and her husband’s glory. She could have looked to her natural attributes and persuaded her husband to be patient and steer him away from coveting unearned grandeur. Unfortunately, she didn’t listen to her womanly virtues and tragedy unfolded at every end. Copyright L.L. Williams