"Help Somebody"

Image Credits-ASM media

I happened to be watching Covenant Daughters Television Network this morning and one of Victoria Olsteen’s short inspiring word videos came on. It was on the subject of extravagant giving and how you can always have something to give when you call on Jesus Christ. She offered several examples of powerful giving, the beggar at the gate beautiful seeking alms from Peter and John(Acts3:1-9). They supplied his need with God’s word. They had no silver or gold but they gave the inspiring and powerful word of god, commanding him by faith in the name of Jesus to get up and walk.(Acts 3:8) She touched on how Jesus was able to give loaves of bread and fish that fed 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21).The point is you always have something to give and you are never empty handed if you have faith in God’s measure of giving which is not only the giving of money, but also time, talent and other intangible resources that may be at your disposal as well.

I am topping this Facebook post from five(5) years ago today. Helping folks in need is always on time...

Scripture-Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

This post was recently modified with a link to a Wikipedia post on  "Help Somebody", a song on Neo Soul artist Maxwell's 2009 CD release Black Summer's Night.
--------------------------------


Help your neighbor. If you have it to give why not help others? Of course our country is known for being the most generous in the world. Our giving strength should be reflected more in our cities and job offerings. If everyone has what they need, their heart's desire and dream what is the problem? No utopia,but at least it's a start in good gaining leverage in the world. Of course,not everyone wants to be a billionaire or millionaire. No one I believe chooses to live in poverty either.

I think the President set a good example in this recently by committing a percentage of his salary in a demonstration of solidarity with furloughed Federal workers. On a broader scale he has engendered a spirit of fairness and justice in his commitment to workers and their jobs by auto bailout. He has pushed successfully for affordable health care which gives everybody a fair shot at coverage. He pushes for urban empowerment by establishing millions in grants and appointed liaisons in six hard hit cities across the country including Detroit one of the hardest hit.

Bring'em Back Safely

 It has been made pretty much clear that Edward has broken the law and it is obvious that he has been zig zagging a questionable trail across the globe. But,of course,this is undoubtedly an understatement if not a tremendous oversimplification of the matter. Larger questions are: What are the details of this massive surveillance by the US govt? And, can any of us really ever safely fully know? Why did he flee? Why to those countries? Does he have reason to fear return to go through legal channels? If so, can he be assured of secure return and trial, etc.,especially in light of some political leaders views that he is a traitor?

 This status still remains to be proven in either a court of law if civilian or military tribunal if military. Instead of his whereabouts continuing to be speculated and his asylum status lingering in suspense,he needs to find a safe and secure way home or some respectable and trusted neutral ground,where this matter can be fairly adjudicated and resolved,not typically the places to which he's been fleeing. Russia and Cuba have not historically been viewed as close US allies and Hong Kong's denial of extraditon was embarrassing. It was not the best tactical move for him to flee initially,unless his life was threatened and in imminent danger. And there has been no evidence or alluding to that,although there are inferences that can be drawn by those who are all too faniliar with the risks inherent in these type scenarios.

Obamas interview on Charlie Rose last week would give every indication that the administration is on top of the matter. He stated among other things they are receptive to a system of checks and balances in NSA surveillance and monitoring,even though he sees no irregularities in the current system,now under scrutiny by some members of congress,the ACLU who recently filed a lawsuit. Whether Snowden should be encouraged to return and face the music in a nation with a substantial history of justice and due process is open to speculation.

After he gets a good lawyer, he should come back to people who are willing to work this out through the legal system that's not perfect,but strives for fairness and transparency by its very nature. Its  adversarial procedure based on innocence until proven guilty, is a value taken seriously and has withstood the test of time,though some stark embarrassments as well. If he chooses to continue with sporadic travels extending hodge podge requests for asylum,after reaching out and negotiation by his legal eagles,then,maybe he needs diplomatic interventions,ones that might lead to groundbreaking  alliances among "at odds" nations. By the way, the US has had long experience with political prisoner issues and provides one of the most robust, constitutionally protected and dynamic democratic political milieus for expressions of protest and dissent on all levels of govt globally. Why not return and...kiss the ground? 

 

Show quoted text