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
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
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
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
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
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
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
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
Monday, August 11, 2008
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
“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
Friday, August 8, 2008
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
“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
Thursday, August 7, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
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
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
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