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The New Year
Here it is the New Year; a time in which we reflect on the past and what is to come. For some in the world it will truly be a new beginning as they work at rebuilding their lives. We think especially of those who have been devastated by the tsunami in Asia. People have lost their families, their homes, their livelihoods. One woman who was interviewed spoke of meeting a woman and her sons. They were fisher folk whose lives have been centered on the water and who now find themselves terrified of the very thing which has sustained their life.
We pray for hope for those people and also for others who find themselves in places of loss or desperation. Many have experienced other forms of violence. We invite you to spend time checking out this website for information on the many areas of abuse that are experienced by people.
This past December 1, 2004, World's Aids Day was devoted to women and girls. According to the most recent UN AIDS data, of the over six million people between the ages of 15 and 24 living with AIDS, 75% are women and girls. This reflects the unbearable tragedy of gender inequality. Sexual relations are so unequal that women, in particular young women, have little capacity to say no to sex or to negotiate safe sex.
"Patterns of violence against women in conflict do not arise 'naturally' but they are ordered, condoned or tolerated. They persist because those who commit them know they can get away with impunity", said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International. Amnesty International has a campaign Stop Violence Against Women which calls for global action to challenge both the violence and the failure of governments to prevent it. www.amnesty.org/actforwomen/index-eng
Glimmers of hope and help are found throughout the world. The response to the devastation in Asia is unprecedented. People are beginning to rebuild their lives, not only abroad but also at home. A hug, a blanket, a bucket, a listening ear, a helpful referral can all bring healing to those who need hope. With God's grace, may we all find our place and piece that we can contribute to our life and the lives around us.
Worship resourcesThe Important Things in Life (an analogy) A professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty jar and filled it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter. He asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed it was. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly and the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then poured a box of sand into the jar. He asked once more if the jar was full. They agreed it was. "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life," said the professor. "The rocks are the important things — God, your family, your partner, your children, your faith, your health — things that if everything else was lost, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter — like your job, your house, … The sand is everything else, the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first, there is no room for the things that are important. Pay attention to the things that are critical to you. Play with your children. Spend time with your partner. Pray. There will always be time to work and to clean the house. Take care first of the big things. The rest is just sand. adapted from NB Women's News, September 7, 2004 Top |
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