"Bella" Movie Review - Celebrating Life!
"Bella" is a reminder of the beauty and sacredness of life. It is a heart warming story between Jose, a handsome and former soccer pro, now turned chef, and Nina, a waitress he meets at a restaurant. After Nina confides to Jose that she is pregnant, Jose talks her out of having an abortion. This movie will leave a sweetness and lightness in your spirit, as it celebrates families, friendship and life. Go rent it.
"Bella" won the People’s Choice Award at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival.
Pro-Life: Value the Life of Babies in the Womb
When do you believe life begins? The moment a baby is born? Or, like me, do you believe that life begins at conception? I am firmly convinced that our lives begin at conception. Indeed, babies in the womb deserve to be protected and valued. I'll always value life in the womb and the sacredness of life, no matter what laws or culture dictate. My value of life comes from the knowledge of a Creator and that we are all made in His image, not based upon the laws or opinions of men. Babies in the womb are dependent upon the mother for protection. It's time for us to speak for the unborn and their right to live.
Let's agree to value and protect the baby in the womb.
"The Visitor" Movie Review :: Of Immigration, Love and Friendship
This weekend I saw the movie "The Visitor", and it is one of my favorite films ever. "The Visitor" is a reminder that one's life can be forever altered in a moment, simply by meeting people in the most unlikely of ways. The main character of this movie, Walter, is a Professor of Economics who, upon making a business trip to New York, stumbles upon unlikely friendships. The film is about relationships, love, friendship, cultural differences, and the underworld of illegal immigrants. It is a touching film that will surely make you laugh, cry, and speak out against deportation of some illegal immigrants. The cast of characters are wonderfully crafted, intertwined, and unusual.
Many illegal immigrants are simply seeking political asylum or a better economic future for themselves and/or family. Should we deport every illegal immigrant? No, only those who commit crimes and/or have ties to terrorist activity. Often, illegal immigrants risk their lives to come to the United States, with the hope that they will have a better life. Let's provide ways for illegal immigrants to earn a legal income and gain education, so they can have access to a better life.
That being said, the "bad ones", those illegal immigrants who commit crimes, need to return to their home country, where they can be locked up in prison. Why should our prison system be burdened with illegals, while our tax dollars are spent supporting their incarceration? Send them home. On the other hand, as I've stated, let the moral and law abiding immigrants flourish and prosper.
Remember, somewhere down your line, your family immigrated here too, legal or not.
Rebuild Communities by Playing Fair & Getting Involved
Recently, two grand natural disasters impacted our small globe: a typhoon in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and a fierce earthquake in China, both claiming tens of thousands of lives. As I read and see the news reports, my heart sinks with the lives lost and the thousands left behind to rebuild, suffering lack of shelter, clean water and food.
As global citizens and/or people of faith, what is our responsibility to help the suffering? Easy and simple: pray, give, go, heal the sick, clothe the naked, give food to the hungry, and help the widows and orphans. In addition, thinking short and long term, we need to help them rebuild economically through fair trade and just trading practices. It is not enough to drop off aid and wave our hands when goods are delivered. We must take a stand, get involved, and fight for the needs of the poor through ethical and socially responsible trading practices.
Unfortunately, oppressive government regimes, like Myanmar, refuse outside help though the inhabitants are in desperate need. It is heart wrenching to see the suffering amid great horror, with no relief in sight because of the controlling dictatorship. Although our US government has its problems, I am grateful to live in a country where help is available in time of need.
Freedom is a gift.
China and the devastating earthquake
Get involved in helping the suffering in China by giving to the following organizations:
American Red Cross
P.O. Box 4002018
Des Moines, IA 50340-2018
(800) HELP-NOW
AmeriCares
88 Hamilton Ave.
Stamford, CT 06902
(800) 486-4357
Direct Relief International
27 South La Patera Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
(805) 964-4767
Mercy Corps
Dept. W
P.O. Box 2669
Portland, OR 97208
(888) 256-1900
Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) and the deadly typhoon
The military dictatorship in Myanmar refuses outside help as their greed for power and selfish insecurities takes precedence over the needs of the majority. It is a disgusting reminder of the filth of corruption, greed and sinfulness of man. Read the NY Times article and see the video for more information.
Consider helping the Myanmar people by financially giving to the following humanitarian relief agencies:
Care International
151 Ellis Street, NE
Atlanta, GA 30303-2440
USA
Tel: 1-404-681-2552, 1-800-521-CARE
Fax: 1-404-577-5977
Direct Relief
Direct Relief International
27 S. La Patera Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Phone: 805-964-4767
Fax: 805-681-4838
Save the Children
2000 L Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
202-640-6600
Views of Poverty
When you think of poverty, what comes to your mind? Homelessness? Living paycheck to paycheck? Subsidized housing? The extended large family living in a 2 bedroom apartment? The National Geographic images of those starving in Darfur, Sudan or some other African nation? Indeed, poverty brings up different mental images, depending upon one's experience. However, nothing compares to seeing, smelling and experiencing poverty in the developing world. Nothing. You will be transformed somehow when your life touches that of another human being living in dire conditions.
I know of many Guatemalan Mayan families living in the most distressing conditions, including: cornstalk homes, aluminum and cardboard shacks, dirt floors, and no running water and/or bathrooms. The first time I saw such poverty, injustice and righteous indignation filled my being. How could we allow this? How could we let people suffer and not do anything? My experiences in Guatemala changed me from a mere adventure traveler to an advocate for the plight of the poor in Guatemala.
We are all responsible for making life better for the poor, the suffering, the sick and the needy. What will it take for us to recognize that it is only the grace of God separating us from those living in poverty? It has nothing to do with karma; the poor do not deserve a life of poverty, nor do the wealthy deserve their life of privilege. It is the duty of the rich to give to the poor, to improve the lives of others, making the world a better place for all.
Do you agree?
Be globally minded and make life better for all.
Do the Rich Have a Responsibility to Care for the Poor?
Sometimes when I tell people about my business or passion to help the poor in Guatemala, I get blank stares or, worse, detached or angry questions or comments. Why help them? Do you really think you are going to make a difference? Who cares? We have enough to worry about in the US. Why give up your comfort to go to a place like that? I am continuously amazed with the ignorance of some... and then I remember when I neglected to think about the needs of the poor.
Do the rich have a responsibility to care for the poor? Yes, we do. When you see poverty, especially in the developing world, it is overwhelming: lack of clean water, housing, food, education and so much more grip one's heart like no other. Being around the Guatemalan poor reminds me of the grace I walk in. I did not choose to be born in my country, nor my socioeconomic level, nor did the poor choose their plight. When I look into the faces of the Guatemalan poor, I see myself. Indeed, you don't need to be financially rich to care for the poor. Instead, and even more importantly, one needs a heart of compassion, true riches, and a drive to improve the lives of others. Caring for the poor in the developing world can take on many forms: volunteering, giving money, donating needed items, sponsoring a child, building a school or library, buying fair trade and socially responsible products and gifts, and on and on. Everyone can get involved, helping the poor, one person at a time.
What do you think?
Be globally minded and make life better for all.
Amazing Grace: Freedom from Slavery For All
I just rented Amazing Grace, the inspiring story of William Wilberforce, a Cambridge graduate turned politician and philanthropist, who tirelessly advocated for the abolition of slavery in England during the late 17th century. During college, he became friends with William Pitt, who later became the future Prime Minister. In 1780, both Wilberforce and Pitt joined the House of Commons and four years later, Wilberforce became a Christian. Passionate with the rights and justice for all men, Wilberforce became a strong voice for African men, women and children who were forced into a life of servitude and abuse by English plantation owners. Although he contemplated leaving politics, William Pitt and John Newton, a former slave trader turned abolitionist minister and the one who penned the song "Amazing Grace", convinced Wilberforce to remain and to become the chief parliamentary abolitionist speaker. This single decision to stay in politics and advocate for slaves became his lifetime legacy.
Not surprisingly, Wilberforce's campaign to destroy the slave trade in England was wrought with opposition, especially by those who feared an economic and political collapse of their beloved country. Wilberforce fought this battle with faith, courage and a conviction; he believed that every human had a God given right for freedom and dignity. Just three days before his death on July 29, 1833, Wilberforce received the glorious news that the Emancipation Bill was passed by the House of Commons. He lived to see his years of work change the course of history.
Fast forward more than 170 years, the world is still plagued by slavery. Studies show that modern day slaves number 27 million, including men, women and children. The Amazing Change is the call to action today.
In closing, I'd like to remind you of the words to the song that inspired Wilberforce's call to justice:
AMAZING GRACE
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!
Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.
"Amazing Grace" is a well-known Christian hymn. The words were written late in 1772 by Englishman John Newton. They first appeared in print in Newton's Olney Hymns (1779), which he worked on with William Cowper.
Human Rights Day: Dignity and Justice for All of Us
December 10th marks the start of a year-long commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948. The 2008 Human Rights theme is "Dignity and justice for all of us." All countries have accepted the UDHR as a standard for human equality and value. However, it is critical for individuals and communities to accept and act on these principles. We have come a long way with human rights but we are far from a world free of discrimination. A contract does not change the behavior of people. Change begins with a heart decision and manifests itself in a change of behavior.
My faith tells me that each life is of value: born and unborn, rich and poor, male and female, educated and non-educated, literate and non-literate, strong and weak, young and old, and on and on.
Yes, it is good to promote Human Rights Day, and, more so, to act upon it and make life fair, just and balanced for all. Let's begin within and seek to encourage all people around us of their value, dignity and importance in this world.
What are your plans to be globally minded, promote dignity and justice, and make life better for all?
Escaping the World of Human Sex Trafficking
We've all heard about human sex trafficking, an evil and heartless industry, where women and children are sold, kidnapped and/or forced into the underworld of sex for hire. It makes me absolutely sick to my stomach when I think of the violent atrocities that these poor women and children are enduring at the hands of sexual perpetrators. Sadly and disturbingly, this dark and evil industry is growing.
Three organizations providing hope, help, and opportunity to victims of this dark underworld of sex trafficking are: 1) The International Justice Mission, 2) Rahab Ministries, and 3) Love146. Let's take a look at these organizations and see how they are changing lives, one child, one woman at a time.
By freeing victims and prosecuting the perpetrators of this evil underworld, IJM is changing lives and giving hope to women and children. Click here to see a video clip.
Rahab Ministries works in Thailand and is committed to helping children and women out of the slavery of prostitution by providing practical help and vocational training. Click here to see a video clip.
Love146
Love146 is committed to the abolition of child sex trafficking and exploitation through aftercare, prevention and advocacy. Click here to see a video clip.
According to recent statistics, a conservative estimate of 600,000 to 800,000 men, women, and children are trafficked across international borders, and the trade is growing. Of that amount, according to research, 70% are women and children. (U.S. Department of State. 2004. Trafficking in Persons Report. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of State.)
Will you consider how you can join the efforts to get women and children out of the misery and torture of sex trafficking and into a place of safety and promise? Take a look at these websites for additional information: