When I think of the word "shepherd" I smile...I believe it to be a pretty amazing word and even more amazing as a verb versus a noun.
The meaning as listed by Webster is as follows: 1. One who herds sheep n. 2. Religious leader v.
Clearly this is explained in the simplest of terms given the fact it is after all out of a dictionary.
Does the shepherd that tends to his flock and has since time began not have equal value to that of any religious leader? With all men and women being equal in God's eyes it is this author's opinion that this is a uniquivical truth. Therefore a shepherd is a shepherd...
A simple and beautiful word for a person with a very important purpose.
What if we take the two and put them together, what then? My heart, my conviction and my public declaration seems to be urging a few people to ask about me Africa's plight, many for the first time ever.
It has been a beautiful thing to see people want to become involved in something that needs and deserves so much attention. Many people seem to want to give of themselves on a deeper level than usual given the apparent lack of satisfaction with the status quo these days.
It saddens me deeply that there appears to be such a separation of "camps" ...when talking about the plight of humanity. There are people that want to be a part of the change and people that throw up their hands and say "what's the use"? This is merely an observation not a formal poll or a judgement just an observation on my part. How can we not realize that evryone can do something and clearly something is better than nothing at all.
What started out as a personal calling is taking roots as a "project" as more friends or just people I meet take what appears to be a personal interest. I seem to have people cross my path randomly that have knowledge they openly share and that has been inspirational and affirming as well as profound for me.
What started as a solo mission is starting to take on a life of it's own using me as it's messenger and I couldn't be happier.
I started this Blog with no real objective other than to chronicle my feelings and intentions and eventually my travels...now it is starting to take shape and to root...it is taking on a real solidity and direction I didn't even know to pray for...
To think that it is turning into something bigger is quite wonderful and has taken me by surprise and yet, why should it? There are so many of us that want a plate to step up to at the right time in our lives. It would be purely egotistical to think that there aren't many just like myself that have too, been called during this time of great need.
So, in accordance with what appears to be a divine plan I am now looking at transitioning into more of an interactive Blog in the hope of gathering information that is much needed as I work further and further into the specifics of where this is all headed. This will be somewhat gradual as my technical aptitude is quite average, nothing more.
The power to change is within us all and the darkest enemy of change is surely apathy.
The human race can no longer afford an attitude of apathy, it is simply and yet blatantly out of place in today's world. Apathy and judgement are a big part of what got us here to begin with.
I am hoping those of you that read this will share whatever you feel you have to share...I am very interested in hearing from people that have volunteered in Africa or in other Countries that have similar circumstance whether it be poverty, widespread AIDS,the needs of children and any and all related issues.
I am also hoping to hear from anyone that would like to become involved in this project as it takes shape, perhaps you are meant to help shape it yourself ?
Only you can answer that.
My original objective was to go to Africa to volunteer indefinitely, now I am considering far more than that. There may be a time in the future through a solid,long time friend where there may be a "Water Project" in the works which is exciting beyond comprehension. Intent is a beautiful thing as you never know just how powerful it can turn out to be, especially when the motives are pure.
As a "team" starts to develop there is so much to learn...Can land be bought? Can a Camp be established? CAN one stay in Africa indefinitely? What is needed to start a not for profit organization? There are many, many questions as I said...There are answers out there and with work and an indomitable spirit they will all be unearthed in time.
I believe through FAITH, PERSEVERANCE, DEDICATION and hard work...the sky is the limit.
Search your heart, is there a place for you here amongst this group that is slowly starting to form? I am open to all human beings that have great love in their heart and a desire to better this world even a little bit.
As a Christian woman I also see myself bringing Hope and Truth through the teachings of the bible. As a young child I knew I would one day do this work. My original calling came at a young age and was dismissed by my parents as the musings of a child, sadly.
In the opening of this Blog I let you in on the fact that only in the reckoning of near death was I instilled with the deep and burning conviction that would this time refuse to loosen it's grip regardless of anyone else's input. That for me is all about the Lord and shall remain so until I leave this earth.
Aside from being a Christian however I am simply a human being. My desire to help is a very intense and deep longing way into my bones, into my soul. I can not change that nor do I want this changed. This "project", this endeavor is open to anyone that has a sincere desire to comfort, help and eventually empower people to be lifted up on many levels be it physically, emotionally or Spiritually, preferably all.
We are all different and yet we are the same, we are humanity and therefore connected to each other through that tiny thread that is undeniable. That which takes one down eventually reaches us all on some level...
Please do reach out if you have the desire to do so. Input and questions will help to build this to whatever magnitude it is meant to attain. It is becoming my hope and my vision that it may be a forever growing entity. Prayer is always important so please keep us in your prayers as we move forward, it is greatly appreciated.
Mimi nakupenda,
Malaika~
"I have one life and one chance to make it count for something . . . I'm free to choose what that something is, and the something I've chosen is my faith. Now, my faith goes beyond theology and religion and requires considerable work and effort. My faith demands -- this is not optional -- my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference".
Jimmy Carter
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