Post by Rhonda on Nov 1, 2008 22:19:24 GMT -5
WHAT I PRAY FOR
Many years ago I found a short story about Mahatma Gandhi that I have
gone back to several times. It has given me hope and courage. Even if
you are not one to pray, I think you will discover that it is useful.
We remember Gandhi as a leader in India's struggle for independence.
It is hardly an exaggeration to say that he brought the British
Empire to its knees without firing a shot. He was a small man of
great courage. His non-violent resistance was fraught with danger and
the cause eventually claimed his life.
Gandhi once spoke about the source of his courage. He related a story
about an incident that occurred in South Africa. There was a law
directed expressly against Indians in South Africa that he had gone
there to oppose. His ship was met by a hostile mob that had come with
the announced intention of lynching him. Gandhi was advised to stay
on board for his own physical safety. But he went ashore nevertheless.
When later asked why he made such a dangerous decision, he explained,
"I was stoned and kicked and beaten a good deal; but I had not prayed
for safety, but for the courage to face the mob, and that courage
came and did not fail me."
I believe he went after the right thing.
Like you, I know what it is to be afraid. I'm afraid of accidental
injury, dismemberment or death. I've been afraid of a pending medical
diagnosis. There must be a million different faces to the fears of
life.
I'm tempted at these times to hope for, and pray for, a way to avoid
the danger ahead. I want to be safe, secure and healthy. But none of
us is always safe, secure or healthy. So, like Gandhi, I think the
best prayer is for courage to face whatever life may bring. And I am
convinced that the courage will come and not fail me.
-- Steve Goodier
__________
P.S. DEFINITION
Consciousness: That annoying time between naps. -- Unknown
Many years ago I found a short story about Mahatma Gandhi that I have
gone back to several times. It has given me hope and courage. Even if
you are not one to pray, I think you will discover that it is useful.
We remember Gandhi as a leader in India's struggle for independence.
It is hardly an exaggeration to say that he brought the British
Empire to its knees without firing a shot. He was a small man of
great courage. His non-violent resistance was fraught with danger and
the cause eventually claimed his life.
Gandhi once spoke about the source of his courage. He related a story
about an incident that occurred in South Africa. There was a law
directed expressly against Indians in South Africa that he had gone
there to oppose. His ship was met by a hostile mob that had come with
the announced intention of lynching him. Gandhi was advised to stay
on board for his own physical safety. But he went ashore nevertheless.
When later asked why he made such a dangerous decision, he explained,
"I was stoned and kicked and beaten a good deal; but I had not prayed
for safety, but for the courage to face the mob, and that courage
came and did not fail me."
I believe he went after the right thing.
Like you, I know what it is to be afraid. I'm afraid of accidental
injury, dismemberment or death. I've been afraid of a pending medical
diagnosis. There must be a million different faces to the fears of
life.
I'm tempted at these times to hope for, and pray for, a way to avoid
the danger ahead. I want to be safe, secure and healthy. But none of
us is always safe, secure or healthy. So, like Gandhi, I think the
best prayer is for courage to face whatever life may bring. And I am
convinced that the courage will come and not fail me.
-- Steve Goodier
__________
P.S. DEFINITION
Consciousness: That annoying time between naps. -- Unknown