Reflections Inside The Greenhouse

So it's October, Black History Month, or so called. Now I've subscribed to this idea of black history month for decades and always felt the need to be quite grateful for it, you know it gives us the opportunity to get around the table, or even get access to the table, for the world to to realise, recognise, understand, celebrate the achievements accomplishments, the struggles, the contributions of black people down the centuries. But for some reason, probably because of the current state of world affairs, I have even more of an issue with it this year 2020. Here's to a richly diverse and representative curriculum every month...not just in October! Make it mandatory.

You could well be forgiven for thinking, that what we are currently experiencing is nothing short of a revolution... let's be honest, we need solutions and if you know that you're part of the solution and party to the ultimate solution, you are a rare commodity right now. Past 'solutions' have resulted in atrocities and genocides, but this Solution brings life, abundant life....for all the 'whosoever wills'.

So if you're party to the Solution, you're in great demand, the world needs you, is crying out for you, groaning for you!! It's harvest time!

....and if you want to know what that Solution is...keep your eyes on The Son!

So, much as I've somewhat reluctantly, succumbed to some of the trappings of social media, I do still believe that one can be so easily drawn in to negative effect as the temptations hover to become more and more engrossed ....and then the 'scrolling and swiping' starts!!! It's easy to succumb to some of the potentially addictive, comparison-invoking and self-judgemental effects!

However, it can prove to be an extremely useful and invaluable tool for so many reasons some of which we've seen and come to rely on during this recent global shift and I admit, it's been useful for me for research and to be able to share some of my reflections with you.....

In life there's often a school of thought, which considers it acceptable to unwisely and hastily, make presumptions on the lifestyle or leanings of certain characters. Sometimes, we do this because their persuasions don't line up with our own or because they're not considered to be 'good' or 'good enough' people, there's a knee jerk reaction to dismiss anything that would come out of their mouth. "Surely nothing of good substance could come from such a person!".

Introducing.... The Speaking Donkeys...they can come in all shapes and sizes, too young, too old, too educated, not educated enough, too black, too white, too rich, too poor! The appellations are numerous; just anyone who's so far removed from our own personal reality....

Sometimes what you really need to hear though, comes from an unlikely source.

May we become more sophisticated, 'Speaking Donkey' spotters. Then, there's the choice: Will you accept what's being said, or will you dismiss the message on the grounds of its messenger?

Life can really throw you a curve ball and all of a sudden you can find yourself in an extremely heated and pressurised situation. (Which I now recall was my very own experience and inspiration for writing this piece!!) However, as was the experience of three unsuspecting young men centuries ago, be encouraged to know that you can experience the supernatural when your back is against the wall....a very hot wall. When the heat is on and you're surrounded by strife, you too can endure the fiery experience, but without the ravaging effects, you too can be supernaturally delivered from the 'flames' without the smell or even hint of smoke on you!

Fathers' Day is the designated day to celebrate the patriarch, the provider, the role model, the protector, the man of the house and many times the mantle falls on the woman of the house!!! However, these champions, which they are, these warriors, past and present (and future), I believe, deserve celebrating every day.

I realise though that a good father is not everyone's experience and unfortunately that's becoming more and more the case these days, but today we take the time to celebrate those who have left and do leave, a positive, indelible impression upon their children and anyone they come into contact with.

We celebrate and we salute you today, good fathers of the Earth. Perpetuate after your kind.

We applaud you.... everyday.

BLM protesters chant "equality and fairness" and wave banners that read "No More Hatred" and "We're Not All Criminals" but then they exhibit and portray the exact lawless behaviour and sentiments that they appear so avidly to protest against.

Is this a call for justice, engendering reparation and restoration? You could be forgiven for thinking that that would be the change we're desperate to see, a satisfying end to the struggle ....but for some it still doesn't appear to be enough.....some black people seem to want more...

Black lives matter, yes they do, all lives matter, yes they do, but only if and when black lives matter, can it be said all lives matter.

The recent events are a reminder, if we really needed one, that the anger, bitterness and frustration is real and justified....but we have to wisely, calmly and positively articulate our truth, violence and vengeance is not the way to lasting victory. It's time to usurp our energy in a positively, demonstrative fashion...come together and engage in constructive dialogue, to break the back of this curse, in solidarity with our families subject to social injustices here and all over the world. Then see the oppressor for what he sadly, really is...

Teaching is as much about attitude and approach as it is about content. Teachers in educational institutions are generally aware of the need to take into account learning styles and earn the trust and then the engagement of their students. Learning is also about attitude and approach, requiring humility, determination and a willingness to learn.

Educators, of any kind anywhere in life, also need to take into account learning styles and earn the trust and then the engagement of their listeners, their 'receivers'.

The roles can also often be interchangeable. Let's ensure that we adopt the right attitude and approach, whether we are required to teach or educate (give information), or learn (receive information).

People connections are powerful!

Once you've made a meaningful and fruitful connection with someone it's not just superficial, it's made on a much deeper, spiritual level. If you consider yourself 'salt' and 'light', never underestimate, but instead, cherish the power of your connections with all kinds of people, everywhere, everyday!