2.27.09

I was thinking about blessings today and what they really are. Difficult times in life have a way of reminding us from whence all blessings flow and now, at a crossroads in my family's life, I ask myself: what will the future hold? Will a miracle or blessing be given from on high?

At first, my answer was: perhaps. But then I started thinking about what blessings actually are. Are they simply good feelings, opportunities, and gifts? I think they can be sometimes, but I also think the tendency to think of blessings as simply facilitators of current happiness can be frustrating and deceiving.

I think blessings are much more than gifts to fulfill current needs. It can be such, of course, but I think their true purposes and characteristics run much deeper. I think a blessing is anything (literally anything) granted unto us by our Heavenly Father that furthers our growth as His children. In the end, they are always what we need; our challenge comes in knowing and believing that and acting accordingly.

Blessings can feel wonderful and they can hurt terribly; they can leave us confused and they can enlighten our understanding; sometimes all in the same day. But they never hurt for no reason; they never are without purpose. I believe, and in fact I know, that blessings always (always) are for the benefit of our divine potential. That can be difficult to accept in life, especially when all we want is stability and predictability. It is hard to accept that our Father's purposes are dynamic, mysterious, and without regard to time: our lives will always change; we will always change. Our Father is unchanging in truth and doctrine, but He is also the master conductor of the symphony of experiences, emotions, opportunities, mistakes, and changes that is each of our individual lives. In this sense, change takes on a new meaning: progression; fulfillment of potential. In this sense, even our Heavenly Father continues to change, for He is continually progressing in ways beyond the comprehension of men. I think one of lucifer's deadliest traps is tricking us into believing that, after this life, changes and challenges cease: that once we pass into the eternities, we will be free of responsibility, care, and progression. It is incredibly tempting to believe, especially because the thought of challenges tomorrow can be very intimidating. And, this brings me back to my discussion of blessings.

If we know there will be challenges tomorrow, how do we approach those unknowns? Can we do anything to merit the necessary blessings? At first, my answer was: absolutely. But, now I'm convinced that merit on our part is not necessarily a requisite for blessings.

Does the Lord only bless those who obey? I am convinced that He does not. In fact, I am convinced that the Lord's blessings are not conditional; only our progress is conditional. The Lord blesses whom He will, when He will, and with what blessings He sees fit to fulfill His own purposes. Now, a part of me screams: no! He can't do that! It's not fair! Rewards should be granted based on merit! But why? Why do I think that way? I think it is because of fear: a fear of failure and rejection; a fear that I will not, based on my own perceptions, receive that which I believe to be in my best interests; a fear that I will not be credited for my efforts. However, say it how you will, fear cannot facilitate faith; it has only the power to destroy.

So, this brings up the issue of worthiness. Isn't personal worthiness what the Lord asks in order to merit blessings? Can't we "ask" and we shall "receive"? Can't we "knock" and it "shall be opened unto us"? Could it be that those promises have worthiness limits? Do we have to be at a certain scaled level of cleanliness to be guaranteed those blessings? I do not (not) believe that to be the case. Consider the following verse:

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not...all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive" (KJV: Matthew 21: 21-22).

What does that mean? Does that mean we do not receive some blessings we ask for because we do not believe enough? Does it mean that we are not worthy enough; that we are not high enough on the supposed scale? Absolutely not, at least not in the way I see things.

Christ says "if ye have faith". In this context, that connotes to me progression, willingness, and unity with divine purpose. Our Father's purposes will always be accomplished and they will be accomplished by way of blessings. Whether we actually see those purposes as blessings (unity), are willing to accept them as divinely appointed (willingness), and grow as a result (progression) is conditional on our righteous use of agency. I do not think we should obey in order to try and merit blessings. I think we should obey in order to exercise faith, that is, forge greater unity, develop greater trust and willingness, and learn how to be truly happy through the realization of our potential.

Whatever happens in life, let us know and believe that it is according to the Lord's will; that it is for our benefit; and that He will make us equal to all that we are to accomplish. If He has declared it, it will surely come to pass. This we must remember as life presents us with tender mercies, accomplishments beyond our known abilities, tempests which test our trust and perseverance, and trials that bleed more than it seems we can bare. All are blessings; all are divinely appointed; all are beautiful in their own right; all are accomplishable.

"I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save He shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which He commandeth them" (1 Nephi 3:7).

May the Lord keep us in our efforts to know and believe the truth of those words; may He keep us in our endeavours to act accordingly (whether that be making things happen, letting things happen, or both).

2.26.09

this is a picture of a sandwich.

2.25.09

I was very inspired by President Obama's speech on Tuesday, especially since he mentioned education policy and reform which is my area of interest.

It is an excellent address: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/us/politics/24obama-text.html?ref=politics

Something he said that particularly struck me was, "As we stand at this crossroads of history, the eyes of all people in all nations are once again upon us, watching to see what we do with this moment, waiting for us to lead" (2008, 8).

Leadership is actually a topic I touched on in a previous post and it continues to resonate with importance as I continue my studies.

He alluded to it again in saying, "there is no force in the world more powerful than the example of America" (8).

I think a lot of policy makers and critics are afraid of certain policies because of their almost obsessive drive to preserve the status quo. "Why fix it if it ain't broke?" they say. Well I say this: when it comes to the realization of human rights and potential, we can always do better. Change will occur anyway; if it ain't broke now, someday it will break. Dynamic actions based on local needs allow for sustainable growth, real problem solving, cultural sensitivity, and human development. Of course, it also leads to an unknown future; hence the principle of choice is manifest. My argument is that the "don't fix it" approach is one based on fear and that any decision based on fear will never allow for the true realization of potential and will only have temporary results at best.

Obama also stressed the importance of personal leadership and the responsibility it carries. He said, "Those of us gathered here tonight have been called to govern in extraordinary times. It is a tremendous burden, but also a great privilege, one that has been entrusted to few generations of Americans, for in our hands lies the ability to shape our world, for good or for ill" (8).

To me, this statements echoes with words from the leaders in the Book of Mormon. They had to be leaders amid trying times, but they were dedicated to edifying values and human potential. They recognized the mantle of responsibility that comes with leadership.

Each of us can relate to those leaders and we should. Our times can be a painful reality, but I am convinced that, out of the most painful realities come the most satisfying destinies. May the Lord keep our dedication to our values; may He keep our leaders; may He keep us as leaders; and may He keep us in our efforts to fulfill our potential and return triumphant.

2.24.09

this is a picture of a sandwich.

2.23.09

I was thinking today about policy making. I one of my classes, my friend Elyssa brought up a very good point. In that class, we discuss education systems as a means of poverty reduction. We have studied extensively what works and what doesn't work, but, even despite the vast literature available to policy makers, decisions, even in the US, continue to reflect negative trends. Elyssa asked why policy makers keep making and enacting policies that are ineffective and how these trends could be changed. A very good question.

I think that policy makers, especially in the last 20-30 years, have been increasingly economically focused. Given the sizable growth the US has experienced, I can definitely see why politicians have had to become more literate in economic issues. And, to some extent, I believe this is a positive trend given that much on the US's agenda is geared toward economic growth and prosperity. Where it becomes a negative trend, however, is embodied in Elyssa's question.

I would argue that most policy makers are somewhat illiterate in issues dealing with human development, especially in terms of education and human resource development. This is not because they have openly rejected those issues as unimportant to their agendas; I think it is simply because, in many cases, globalization trends have steered policies toward very limited economic objectives. In many cases, it has been assumed that the "invisible hand" of the market system will equalize the distribution and exercising of civil and human rights. I argue that this is not the case because it shifts primary responsibilities from leadership to capital and mathematics. These global trends have been detrimental to developing societies and economies because they have often forgotten the people that comprise market systems. And, I would be so bold as to argue that these same trends are becoming detrimental to developed states and economies, but are not as readily dealt with because of the post-WWII momentum that most Western state and economies have gained and Cold War mentality that many leaders and policy makers of the Western world still share. In other words, the incredible momentum of the market system and the somewhat nervous approach to massive changes have led developed countries to somewhat ignore human development innovations such as successful education practices. I believe this is why policy makers continue to enact policies that are somewhat ineffective: they are misinformed about supposedly successful neoliberal policies and uninformed about essential human development innovations.

However, Elyssa's question has two parts. The second part asks how we can change those negative policy habits (which habits themselves are often naive to the fact that they are ineffective). This is a good question because it addresses a massive change that needs to occur in Western policy making. Luckily, there is no shortage of information and theory that would be of great use to policy makers: there are journals aplenty that endlessly discuss development innovations, criticize current habits, and suggest new ones. But my hope is not actually with a massive change to the current system; my hope is with a new generation of leaders. Leaders of my generation must be better rounded: they cannot continue to think inside the Marshall Plan/anti-Soviet box. We must be literate in the strengths and weaknesses of human development practices, not just the politics of market development. Our art must be that of international political economics with a human face. I believe this is the next step in the development of the global world: new leadership with the goal to shift responsibilities forward. Forward to ourselves as leaders to empower and forward to citizens to demand, exercise, and protect human rights.

The market system is wonderful, but it is and always needs to remain a means; not an end. The end is change. A change that is beautifully unknown and surprisingly possible to those who have the courage not to fear it. It is a blessing of our time to have such incredible development resources and I believe that most would not fear or avoid change if they were more literate in the human development literature. Notice that I use the word "literate" as opposed to simply "informed". Information is important, but does not imply responsibility. Literacy becomes a characteristic and attribute and must be accompanied with responsibility for change to occur. So, I think that is my answer to Elyssa's question: a rising generation of leaders literate in and dedicated to taking the next steps in human development.

2.20.09

this is a picture of a sandwich.

2.19.09

I was thinking today about "letting" things happen vs. "making" things happen.

I think the difference lies in pre-situational choices vs. attitudes and actions on site. In other words, I think "making" things happen should ideally refer to a firm dedication to opportunities and decisions: exploring opportunities and making responsible decisions and, if there seems to be no opportunities available, the seeking out of opportunities and the planning of achievement; assessing the pro's and con's and determining where to dedicate your pursuits; these things are "making" things happen. However, just as important is the "letting". In fact, this tender balance is a most essential attribute in life; a principle that cannot be rushed in its learning for, indeed, we are meant to spend a lifetime learning it. The "letting" is the time that is spent en route. It is adaptability and flexibility. And, most of all, it is trust. This trust must be set both in the knowledge of God (His existence) and the knowledge of His ability to bless and guide.

In essence, both "letting" and "making" constitute faith. "Making" constitutes faith in its aspects of seeking, planning, choosing, exploring, pondering, mistaking, and determining. However, it loses its faith when the aspect of human control is introduced. When the actions mentioned above begin to surround themselves with the walls of stress, fear, and control, they have lost their faith. And how often we forget; how often we, almost subconsciously, start to tighten our grips around our success in an attempt to secure a false stability; we forget that we cannot and should not do it alone. If you are questioning your ability to succeed, stop trying to do it alone and start asking yourself if it's what the Lord would have you do. And, whether it is or isn't, start "making" things happen, but not without divine help. Thankfully, the Lord does not abandon us in these situations. In fact, more often than not, He gives us a trial that will turn us back to Him, help us let go, and help us to grow. This is not shameful; it is necessary. As mentioned, an essential part of faith is mistaking. Another essential part is letting go; the "letting" things happen to which I now turn.

"Letting" constitutes faith in its aspects of trusting, letting go, accepting, adapting, changing, and waiting. However, it also can lose its faith. When it begins to sit in comfort and complacency; when it begins to lose its desires for change and, consequently, fear change; when it avoids making certain decisions because of unknown or difficult futures; when any or all of these occur, "letting" has lost its faith. And again, we often forget. But again, we are most often given trials to shake us awake, to help us "rise up from the dust and be men [and women]". If you are asking yourself why "bad" things keep happening to you or to others, stop trying to secure your own perception of stability in your life and "let" things happen.

Both the "letting" and "making" are essential aspects of faith. In life, we sometimes swing from one extreme to the other, but it is all part of the learning process. Remember, passions and excitement have their place, but are ultimately temporary; they are often masked as quick means to stability and success when they actually lead to the illusion and temptation of control. Remember also, fear, in any aspect, never comes from God. If you fear anything in life, know that you are not meant to. You have to know and believe that the Lord will make you equal to the task.

2.18.09

this is a picture of a sandwich.

2.17.09

This came while reading an article about structural adjustment programs and their devastating effects in developing countries:

Empowerment must go beyond the "grass roots" approach. If leaders are to create policies that will help communities and countries to develop, it is essential that they too be empowered with problem-solving and decision-making skills. And, in addition to those skills, they need to have access and know they have access to resources along with training in the effective use of those resources. I think that many developers are afraid that this type of training would impose Western ideologies on developing cultures. I disagree: problem-solving and decision-making are universal concepts that need to be present if any progress is to occur. It would only be culturally imposing insofar as one culture were to suggest the direction of that progress. For a people to have more equal access to social services, culture itself should be empowered at all levels of society: top-down and bottom-up.

2.16.09

this is a picture of a sandwich.

2.15.09

Today has been a strangely inspiring one. First I went to church and was moved by these pasages and text:

"[Fear] is spoken of as something unworthy of a child of God. The first effect of Adam's sin was the he was afraid (Gen. 3:10). Sin destroys that feeling of confidence God's child should feel in a loving Father. Even since the Fall God has been teaching men not to fear, but with penitence to ask forgiveness in full confidence of receiving it" (Bible Dictionary 1979, 672).

The topic of fear has born a certain frequency in my life of late; I have pondered often on its purposes and effects. I am convinced that it is the fountain from which all sorrow flows; the great enemy to happiness. And perhaps the most horrid thing about fear is its subtle impersonation of love. I felt today, while reading the text, that certain fears had crawled back into corners of my mind. Life's difficulties have a way of doing that, I suppose. But, the beauty of fear is that it cannot exist without its opposite: faith. And on this note I was drawn to the second passage--one of my favorites from the book of Alma:

"And Moroni was a strong and mighty man; he was a man of perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery; yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people" (Book of Mormon, Alma 48: 11-12).

I feel a certain kinship with Moroni and I admire greatly his demonstrations of faith, leadership, and dedication. He was a man not motivated by fear, though he certainly knew fear in his time. He was confident and demanding; he was not given to expectations, but lived with a dedication to the fulfillment of potential. In my career, I hope to personify similar attributes. So deep I hope to be my dedication to potential as was Moroni. To do this, there are two keys to which I think I should currently direct my energies:

1. Be driven by potential, but not expectations. I am finding that expectations can be a clever mask for fear. Expectations lead us to the deception of control. We cannot expect things to happen; we must allow things to happen. The future cannot be accurately gauged by expectations, but the power of potential is limitless. Moroni saw the potential of his people (liberty, safety, well-being) and worked with all his capacities to empower them. I am often tempted by the lure of expectation which leads me to do things my own way and to work toward my own illusions of the future. The future will come in its time; doing the Lord's will now will make me into the man I need to be for that time.

2. Confidence is a key to accomplishment whereas pride is a key to failure. The difference is, not surprisingly, fear. Confidence is kindled by the Lord and includes trust, gratitude, and self-initiative. Pride is our attempt to control our own happiness. Moroni was certainly confident in the abilities and resources that the Lord had given him to accomplish good. The Lord has also given me talents and abilities to accomplish good; pride would have me use them to accomplish my own illusions of success (even if those illusions, at times, seem righteous).

I also watched "Lawrence of Arabia" today. It was a fascinating film that compliments several points of my discussion. The actor who played Lawrence did an amazing job of portraying the inner unbalances and conflicts within the character. Lawrence was certainly an inspirational leader at times, while at other times he was a monster. Whether on the battlefield or in the quiet moments of the night, many of the greatest victories are won within men themselves. Patience, dedication, humility, and faith are among the greatest of victories: their consequences are progressive and eternal. I would have such victories in my own life, but I must not trick myself into believing that they will be decisive and complete: any man can win or lose a battle; not every man would conquer himself. I cannot do it alone, and that, perhaps, is the greatest beauty.