Utterly Speechless

I saw this show a while back, and ever since I've been meaning to put this segment here. Just grabs me and teaches me a huge lesson. From An Idiot Abroad on Sky1 channel in the UK.

This is Muhammad's last message. I think the Prophet's on to something here.

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I don't know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you carefully and TAKE THIS WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (Interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived...

Beware of Satan, for your safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have right over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and comitted helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery.

O People, listen to me in earnest, whorship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. YOU ARE ALL EQUAL. NOBODY HAS SUPERIORITY OVER OTHER EXCEPT BY PIETY AND GOOD ACTION.

Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QUR'AN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me direcly. BE MY WITNESS O ALLAH THAT I HAVE CONVEYED YOUR MESSAGE TO YOUR PEOPLE."

En un 15 de Septiembre . . . (o, Feliz Cumple, Guate)

Palacio Nacional de Guatemala, quince de septiembre de mil ochocientos veintiuno.

Siendo públicos e indudables los deseos de independencia del gobierno español que por escrito y de palabra ha manifestado el pueblo de esta capital recibidos por último correo diversos oficios de los ayuntamientos constitucionales de Ciudad Real, Comitán y Tuxtla en que comunican haber proclamado y jurado dicha independencia, y excitan a que se haga lo mismo en está ciudad siendo positivo que han circulado iguales oficios a otros ayuntamientos determinado de acuerdo con las Excma. diputación provincial que para tratar de asunto tan grave se reuniesen en uno de los salones de este palacio la misma diputación la Excma. audiencia territorial, el venerable Sr. deán y cabildo eclesiástico, el Excma. ayuntamiento, el M. I. claustro el consulado y M. I. colegio de abogados, los prelados regulares, jefes y funcionarios públicos congregados todos en el mismo salón: leídos los oficios expresados discutido y medito detenidamente el asunto y oído el clamor de Viva la Independencia que repetía de continuo el pueblo que se veía reunido en la calles, plaza, patio, corredores y antesala de este palacio, se acordó por esta diputación e individuos de Excmo. ayuntamiento:

1. Que siendo la independencia del gobierno español la voluntad general del pueblo de Guatemala, y sin perjuicio de lo que determine sobre ella el congreso que debe formarse, el Sr. Jefe político la mande publicar para prevenir las consecuencias querían temibles en el caso de que la proclamase de hecho el mismo pueblo.

2. Que desde luego e circulen oficios a las provincias por correos extraordinarios para sin demora alguna se sirvan proceder a elegir diputados representantes suyos, y éstos concurran a esta capital a formar el congreso que debe decidir el punto de independencia general y absoluta y fijar, en caso de acordarla, la forma de gobierno y ley fundamental que deba regir.

3. Que para facilitar el nombramientos de diputados, se sirvan hacerlo las mismas juntas electorales de provincia que hicieran o debieron hacer las elecciones de los últimos diputados a cortes.

4. Que el número de estos diputados sea en proporción de uno por cada quince mil individuos, sin excluir de la ciudadanía a los originarios de África.

5.Que las mismas juntas electorales de provincia, teniendo presente los últimos censos, se sirvan determinar según esta base el número de diputados o representantes que deban elegir.

6.Que en atención a la gravedad y urgencia del asunto se sirvan hacer las elecciones de modo que día primero de marzo del año próximo de 1882, estén reunidos en esta capital todos los diputados.

7.Que entretanto, no haciéndose novedad en las autoridades establecidas, sigan éstas ejerciendo sus atribuciones respectivas con arreglo a la constitución, decretos, y leyes hasta que el congreso indicado determine lo quesea más justo y benéfico,

8.Que el Sr. jefe político brigadier D. Gavino Gaínza continúe con el gobierno superior político y militar, y para que éste tenga el carácter que parece propio de las circunstancias, forme una junta provisional consultiva, compuesta de los señores individuos actuales de esta diputación provincial, de los señores Miguel Larreynaga, ministrote esta audiencia, D. José del Valle, auditor de Guerra, marques de Aycinena, Dr. D. José Valdés, tesorero de esta santa iglesia, Dr. D. Ángel María Candina, y Lic. D. Antonio Robles, alcalde 3° constitucional, el primero por la provincia de León, el segundo por la de Comayagua, el tercero por Quezaltenango, el cuarto por Sololá y Chimaltenango, el quinto por Sonsonete, y el sexto por Ciudad Real de Chiapa.

9. Que esta junta provisional consulte al señor jefe político en todos los asuntos económicos y gubernativos dignos de su atención.

10. Que la religión católica, que hemos profesado en los siglos anteriores y profesaremos en los sucesivos, se conserve pura e inalterable, manteniendo vivo el espíritu de religiosidad que ha distinguido siempre a Guatemala., respetando a los ministros eclesiásticos, seculares y regulares, y protegiéndoles en sus personas y propiedades.

11. Que se pase oficio a los dignos prelados de las comunidades religiosas, para que cooperando a la paz y sosiego, que es la primera necesidad de los pueblos, cuando pasan de un gobierno a otro, dispongan que sus individuos exhorten a la fraternidad y concordia, a los que estando unidos en el sentimiento general de la independencia, deben estarlo también en todos los demás, sofocando pasiones individuales que dividen los ánimos y producen funestas consecuencias.

12. Que el Excmo. ayuntamiento a quien corresponde la conversación del orden y tranquilidad, tome las medidas más activas para mantenerla imperturbable en toda esta capital y pueblos inmediatos.

13. Que el señor jefe político publique un manifiesto haciendo notorios a la faz de todos los sentimientos generales del pueblo, la opinión de las autoridades y corporaciones, las medidas de este gobierno, las causas y circunstancias que lo decidieron a prestar en manos del señor alcalde 1°, a pedimento del pueblo, el juramento de independencia y fidelidad al gobierno americano que se establezca.

14. Que igual juramento presten la junta provisional, el Excmo. ayuntamiento, el Illmo. señor arzobispo, los tribunales, jefes políticos y militares, los prelados regulares, sus comunidades religiosas, jefes y empleados en las rentas, autoridades, corporaciones y tropas de las respectivas guarniciones.

15. Que el señor jefe político, de acuerdo con el Excmo. ayuntamiento disponga la solemnidad y señale el día en que el pueblo deba hacer la proclamación y juramento expresado de independencia.

16. Que el Excmo. ayuntamiento acuerde la acuñación de una medalla que perpetúe en los siglos la memoria del día Quince de Setiembre de mil ochocientos veintiuno, en que proclamó su feliz independencia.

17. Que imprimiéndose esta acta y el manifiesto expresado, se circule a las Excmas. diputaciones provinciales, ayuntamientos constitucionales y demás autoridades eclesiásticas, regulares, seculares y militares, para que siendo acordes en los mismos sentimientos que ha manifestado este pueblo, se sirvan obrar con arreglo a todo lo expuesto.

18. Que se cante el día que designe el señor jefe político una misa solemne de gracias con asistencia de la junta provincial, detonas las autoridades, corporaciones y jefes, haciéndose salvas de artillería y tres días iluminación.

Palacio Nacional de Guatemala. Septiembre de 1821.

Gavino Gainza
Mariano de Beltranena
José Mariano Calderón
José Matías Delgado
Manuel Antonio Molina
Mariano de Larrave
Antonio de Rivera
José Antonio de Larrave
Isidoro del Valle y Castraciones
Mariano de Aycinena
Pedro de Arroyave
Lorenzo de Romaña, secretario
Domingo Diéguez, secretario.

A Manifesto

I'll be the first to say that my life has been pretty easy. If you know me, you know I don't believe anything easily either: I've read too much, I need proof.

Any "miracles" that I had "seen" up until right before I came to college were, if you really wanted to, explainable (I think I just made that word up) by the word "coincidence."

Growing up in the church I learned enough book knowledge to win prizes in church competitions. I could beat anyone in finding the most obscure verses with my eyes closed. I attended Revelation seminars and understood them by the time I was 10. Baptized at 13. Teaching the Great Controversy by 16. Yet, for all I knew, I was pretty ignorant. If you asked me, "to you, Who is Jesus?" I wouldn't have given you a very good answer. Or, any answer would be canned, with all the preservatives that come with canned foods.

I wish I could say that I have never needed God to manifest in a big way for me to realize that He's really there, you know? Especially during the hard times, it was hard for me to know the peace that He promises. I pray my heart out and after "Amen" it's too quiet, too peaceful. I look up at the ceiling and wonder if there's anything there. Or maybe my prayer just got stuck in the insulation.

It has looked as if there is no hope: either there is no God, or if there is, I'm definitely doing something not according to His will because there is no answer. None at all, not even the all time favorite when describing this sort of things, "wait." Nothing.

Truth is, I can't convince you there is a God. Heck, I'm not even gonna try. Yet, the contrary also stands true.

You can't convince me there isn't a God.

In the last couple of years He (for I know it was Him) has done and undone and utterly left me speechless. I have felt loved, not for who I am but because He loves me either way. Because I have seen too much. I have experienced too much. There is too much proof that He's there.

Most of these miracles can be attributed to coincidence, but I have found that I only tend to do that when I feel lost. Only when not believing is easier than holding on. Only when distrust is the easiest option: if He fails, and I say He doesn't exist, then no one failed except my expectations.

Except that I see that this is my weakness: in my weakness, I forget that He's never weak. I'm reminded of Abraham, waiting (im)patiently for 100 years for a son. 100 years! Paul, 12 years(!) between voyages, or even being denied heading to Spain.Why rush things? Why do I try to excuse things? I know His character: He left 66 books about it. Ten commandments about it. A new commandment about it: He is love, and wants us to love.

What's important is not if everything is going the way it should be, or even going right, or just-so. It's realizing that even if nothing is right, He's not finished.

Truth is, I can't convince you there is a God. Heck, I'm not even gonna try. I just know what He's done for me personally--things I cannot explain... I've seen too much, I've experienced too much. Those who don't want to believe don't want to because they simply don't want to. It's easier to not believe. But man oh man, I know He's there!

To West Texas

(This post is better appreciated if you click on the pictures to see them in all their glory while listening to this)

Ah yes, good ol' Texas. If you don't remember about where I live, go down to a post called "And the Sky Darkened" in November or December.

Huge expanses of mesquite-strewn land, crops, and sweet nothingness to disturb stargazing. Rich history: Native American, cowboy, black and hispanic lore alike. While no mountains can get boring, it can also be beautiful: the sky is bigger here than anywhere I've ever been to. Home to the second-biggest canyon in North America and some big bugs, too. Wait, "show, don't tell," is the motto many teachers live by. So, here goes.

Houses like these are all over the Great Plains, left over from homesteaders facing hard times. Some of these are left over from the Homestead Act of 1862, while some I reckon are abandoned due to the Great Depression and the famed Dust Bowl.

The second largest canyon in North America, aka the Texas Grand Canyon aka Palo Duro Canyon in Canyon, TX

As a wise man said, "All these historical markers telling of atrocities to the Natives should start with 'It is with great shame that . . .'". I figure it is because of the shame that they say it.

My mum, dad and sister looking down on the Canyon.

At the end of the stick, my dad is holding a centipede.

Yup. Scared my mum and sis half-to-death.

Although BBQ is king here, it still can't beat a Guatemalan churrasco.

Sunset over the plains.

"The stars at night are big and bright *clap clap clap clap* deep in the heart of Texas!" The song was banned in the UK during WWII because distracted workers would slow down production to join in the clapping.

Spring and Summer mean storms pop up somewhere over Texas every evening. I've seen softball sized hail before.

A tornado roping out by I-27 en route to Lubbock. My mum pointed it out and we weren't sure it was a tornado. By the time we were convinced it was and my camera was out, it was roping out. My sister and I called 911 and called it in, only 1 of 2 tornadoes reported that day in the US. Thankfully, it never touched the ground and the storm did not spawn any more tornadoes. 

After the storm, several rainbows appeared. How fitting.

Worth a read, from CNN's Belief Blog

Why millennials are leaving the church

(click on the title to head back to the original)

By Rachel Held Evans, Special to CNN
(CNN) – At 32, I barely qualify as a millennial.
I wrote my first essay with a pen and paper, but by the time I graduated from college, I owned a cell phone and used Google as a verb.
I still remember the home phone numbers of my old high school friends, but don’t ask me to recite my husband’s without checking my contacts first.
I own mix tapes that include selections from Nirvana and Pearl Jam, but I’ve never planned a trip without Travelocity.
Despite having one foot in Generation X, I tend to identify most strongly with the attitudes and the ethos of the millennial generation, and because of this, I’m often asked to speak to my fellow evangelical leaders about why millennials are leaving the church.
Armed with the latest surveys, along with personal testimonies from friends and readers, I explain how young adults perceive evangelical Christianity to be too political, too exclusive, old-fashioned, unconcerned with social justice and hostile to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
I point to research that shows young evangelicals often feel they have to choose between their intellectual integrity and their faith, between science and Christianity, between compassion and holiness.
I talk about how the evangelical obsession with sex can make Christian living seem like little more than sticking to a list of rules, and how millennials long for faith communities in which they are safe asking tough questions and wrestling with doubt.
Invariably, after I’ve finished my presentation and opened the floor to questions, a pastor raises his hand and says, “So what you’re saying is we need hipper worship bands. …”
And I proceed to bang my head against the podium.
Time and again, the assumption among Christian leaders, and evangelical leaders in particular, is that the key to drawing twenty-somethings back to church is simply to make a few style updates – edgier music, more casual services, a coffee shop in the fellowship hall, a pastor who wears skinny jeans, an updated Web site that includes online giving.
But here’s the thing: Having been advertised to our whole lives, we millennials have highly sensitive BS meters, and we’re not easily impressed with consumerism or performances.
In fact, I would argue that church-as-performance is just one more thing driving us away from the church, and evangelicalism in particular.
Many of us, myself included, are finding ourselves increasingly drawn to high church traditions – Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, the Episcopal Church, etc. – precisely because the ancient forms of liturgy seem so unpretentious, so unconcerned with being “cool,” and we find that refreshingly authentic.
What millennials really want from the church is not a change in style but a change in substance.
We want an end to the culture wars. We want a truce between science and faith. We want to be known for what we stand for, not what we are against.
We want to ask questions that don’t have predetermined answers.
We want churches that emphasize an allegiance to the kingdom of God over an allegiance to a single political party or a single nation.
We want our LGBT friends to feel truly welcome in our faith communities.
We want to be challenged to live lives of holiness, not only when it comes to sex, but also when it comes to living simply, caring for the poor and oppressed, pursuing reconciliation, engaging in creation care and becoming peacemakers.
You can’t hand us a latte and then go about business as usual and expect us to stick around. We’re not leaving the church because we don’t find the cool factor there; we’re leaving the church because we don’t find Jesus there.
Like every generation before ours and every generation after, deep down, we long for Jesus.
Now these trends are obviously true not only for millennials but also for many folks from other generations. Whenever I write about this topic, I hear from forty-somethings and grandmothers, Generation Xers and retirees, who send me messages in all caps that read “ME TOO!” So I don’t want to portray the divide as wider than it is.
But I would encourage church leaders eager to win millennials back to sit down and really talk with them about what they’re looking for and what they would like to contribute to a faith community.
Their answers might surprise you.
Rachel Held Evans is the author of "Evolving in Monkey Town" and "A Year of Biblical Womanhood." She blogs at rachelheldevans.com. The views expressed in this column belong to Rachel Held Evans.

bloody brilliant

Fry for Prime Minister. Oh wait, I'm not British.