Noise

Reading more good books at the mo - I would suggest 'Nickel and Dimed' by Barbara Ehrenreich to anyone looking for a wider perspective on poverty. It is american, and so it is slightly different over here, having state welfare etc, but Polly Toynbee of the Guardian has written a british equivalent, i just don't know what the name is.

One thing i was struck by was the underreporting of this side of our society. One third of british children are born into poverty, but we are meant to be "developed'. I totally agree that the levels of poverty here are not comparable with those in the third world, which do totally deserve our attention, as we are helping to precipitate it. But in our "helping" of those people far away, are we pacifying our guilty concinence - rather than facing the challenge that our neighbours, people like us, are in dire need of help. Its easy to send of a cheque, or go on a trip to see those impacted by poverty and disease. But the challenge I face is making that a reality in my life. The good samaritan did what he could right there and then, he did not travel half way round the world to go and 'find it'.

This is not to poo poo efforts in the third world, some of my closest friend are right in there - and i want to be there to. Using all my skills and talents where ever i can.... it just happens that right now I am here and not there. So this is not a rant, more of a note to self.....

Being really challenged at the moment about the power of words. In a world which is full of spin and half truths, have we become cynical about their power and the power of truth? Can we even discern the truth when we find it, or do we chuck it out straight away. In our pleasure focused society do we easily throw away words which challenge and provoke a response, in the hope of something 'nicer'.

At the same time, am i willing to be someone who doesn't fall into the trap of speaking half truths, or talking about things which i have no idea about? Am i willing to shut up in order that the quieter voices have a chance to speak, or will it be a afront to my pride, my very precious (?) opinions, and need to be heard, if i stay quiet.

Alternatively, will i speak truth when everyne else is happy hearing lies? Am i willing to seek out painful, but lifegiving truth, rather than pacify myself with comfortable, easy falsehood.

Tricky.... i know where i want to go, but as James said, taming the tongue is tricky. or words to that effect.

So - that was nice and light hearted then wasn't it - just a bit of verbal processing.

but other than all that - life is gooooooood.