Monday 26 October 2009

Passion for Frugality


The economic meltdown of 2008-2009 has wrought havoc in the lives of many in the world. While those in the 3rd world suffer in poverty, hunger and unemployment; people in developed nations have been affected as well due to closure of businesses, unpaid mortgages and job cuts.  Even those belonging to the Forbes list of the richest people have seen the value of their investments plummet.

Associated Press reported on Oct 21, 2009 that “the global economic crisis has generated a new phenomenon: luxury shame, or the shunning of ostentatious purchase of expensive jewellery, watches and fashion.”  A Bain & Co study reveals that the global luxury market is expected to be worth 153 billion euros in 2009, compared with 167 billion euros in 2008.

Luxury goods expert Claudia D’Arpizio says that women this year opted to ‘shop their closets’ and accessorise to update their wardrobes rather than buy new clothes.  She tells, “Frugality is fashionable,” even among the wealthiest consumers.

“Frugality” is a rarely used word in a profit-propelled business world. Advertisements aim to convince consumers that this or that product is a necessity, if not the best one in the market. One of the truths behind the global economic crisis is that people have lived beyond their means, what with banking and lending institutions extending credit to the max, with hidden charges and penalties.

The synonyms of frugality are thrift, self-denial and abstinence. In practical terms, a frugal person is one who spends only on what are necessary and resists non-essentials. Greek historian Agesilaus taught: “By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest,” while modern-day industrialist John D. Rockefeller said: “I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living.”

Jesus Christ was frugal, living a selfless life with no attachment to the world, committing His life fully to the Father and His people. One rich man turned his back on Jesus when told that he had to distribute his treasures to become his disciple. “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” (Matthew 19:21-22) Sending out his followers to spread His teachings, He told them:   “Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses. Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.” (Matthew 10:9-10)

The baggage that we carry in our lives is filled with many useless items that keep us attached to the world, that slow down, if not prevent us from reaching the destination God willed for us.  Doug Dyment, creator of Onebag.com, who espouses the art and science of traveling light, says that the biggest reason people tend to over pack is the “general fear of the unknown…travelers don't know what they might need, so they take everything. You need to come up with a packing list.”

God, through Jesus Christ, has given us the packing list so we can arrive with certainty in His heavenly kingdom.  There is therefore no reason to fear, for as long as you “think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”(Colossians 3:2-3)

by Mel Libre

Tuesday 20 October 2009

Lost Children


In Auckland, New Zealand, two-year old Aisling Symes wandered off from the lawn as her mother was cleaning the house. By the time the mother called out for her, she was nowhere to be found. A search was conducted first within the vicinity of the house and then in the neighbourhood, but these proved fruitless. The succeeding days, the media covered the story and police went to the extent of suggesting that the child was abducted.  It was two weeks later when police revisited the area around the house that they discovered the lifeless body of Aisling in the drainage a few meters from where she was playing. During the funeral, her parents called the child “an angel”.

In Colorado, USA, a run-away giant helium balloon was pursued relentlessly by two helicopters and other transport facilities, when Richard Heene sought help from authorities, claiming that his 6-year old son, Falcon, was on board. The incident was covered live by television beamed to millions worldwide. When the balloon landed, Falcon was not in it, so searchers frantically scoured the 50-miles route to locate his body.  It was found out later that the little boy was hiding inside their house, who during an interview said that “we did this for a show.” Now authorities are studying the possibility of filing felony charges against the parents for the “hoax”.

Adults cherish children. A child is joy to a family; a gift to a community; a vital element of humanity.  It must be because a child is innocent, helpless and dependent. The child seeks a nurturing mother, a providing father and loving siblings. The more that a child is showered with love the more that the child warms the world with its unadulterated laughter, its genuine happiness and its boundless gratitude. It is therefore instinctive for adults to be deeply concerned when a child is found missing.

When Joseph and Mary realised that Jesus aged 12 was not with them as they left Jerusalem, they searched for him. They found him three days later in the temple with the teachers. And Mary like any mother asked Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” (Luke 2:48) Not only will a family be anxious, a community would be restless as well. In the case of Aisling, concerned individuals and organisations, media and police exerted all efforts to find the 2-year old girl; while in the Colorado case, world TV viewers followed the unfolding drama with deep concern.

Christ tells us on how God looks at children: “These children are at the very centre of life in the kingdom.” (Mark 10:14) He explains this further: “Truly, I say to you, unless you repent and become like little children, you can never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)

If we are to learn from the Aisling story, it is that adults must pay attention to children, otherwise, they may get lost, if not endanger their lives, for children have no fear of the world. The balloon boy episode on the other hand reveals how adults can exploit, if not corrupt their children. Adults should be models of righteousness, as their words and actions are the templates that the little ones will duplicate and follow.

As children mature into adults – they become more confident in themselves which we expect them to be. Yet, there are those who become too proud and self-indulgent, at times denying God in the process. Adults get lost in the wilderness of a selfish and material world; not realising that the God they deny seeks out for them, so they will return to His warm embrace.  God the Father who created each one of us, loves us for we are His children. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” (Romans 8:16) When we are lost, God calls out for us: Listen, and be found.

by Mel Libre

Monday 12 October 2009

Impostor Syndrome


If at one time or another you asked the question, “Do I deserve to be in this higher position?” with a feeling of guilt that you have inadequate skills, you have experienced the “impostor syndrome”.  According to Suzanne Mercier of impostorhood.com, “impostors don’t recognise their own talents and as a result feel like frauds. You think you don’t deserve the success you’ve achieved and have just got where you are out of good luck.”

Keith McGregor, an industrial psychologist, says that impostor syndrome causes a person to be defensive when criticised, to hold one’s self back from new challenges and encourages an individual to procrastinate and avoid responsibility. Triathlete Harmish Carter, pressured by expectations that he’d win gold in the Sydney Olympics lost big time; but collected gold when he simply relaxed and enjoyed himself as he competed in the Athens Olympics.

Simon Peter, in many passages, felt of his inadequacies to fulfil his role as a disciple of Jesus Christ, to be extent of denying Christ three times. A fisherman, Peter was tasked by Jesus to build His Church: “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

Humbly accepting his human frailty, Peter became the worthy leader of the early Christian church because of his love and faith in Christ:  “He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

Thus, when he pursued his ministry that led towards his martyrdom, Peter no longer felt like an impostor, unafraid to declare: “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1)

God never places us in a position that we are incapable of delivering what is expected of us. If we only draw from our own strength, there are times we do succeed; but failure would often come to hound us. By seeking God’s guidance and praying for his protection at all times plus doing our level best, there is no chance that victory or success is unattainable even in a higher position. “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:6)

by Mel Libre

Monday 5 October 2009

Sneaker Wars


A German satirical magazine once published a touched-up photograph of a local priest in Herzogenaurach wearing in his left foot an adidas trainer while the other foot fitted in a Puma shoe.  It was meant to poke fun on the rivalry of the two sneaker companies that began when the founders of Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik (”Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory”), Adolf and Rudolf Dassler had a misunderstanding in 1943 when Allied Forces bombed Herzogenaurach, just outside Nuremberg. Rudolf took his wife and children down into the air raid shelter, with Adolf and his family following moments later. It is said that when Adolf took his seat he exclaimed: “The dirty bastards are back again.” While the comment was alleged to be directed to the bombers, Rudolf assumed that it referred to him and his family and from that time on their brotherly bond was irretrievably damaged.

After WWII, Adolf established his company, calling it ‘adidas’; while Rudolf set up a factory across town naming his business ‘Ruda’ (later renamed Puma). The rivalry carried on even after the deaths of the two brothers as their successors competed for attention and the market not just within the town, but into the sporting world as well. In 2005, the mayor of Herzogenaurach Hans Lang incensed by the satirical photo said:  "It is not true to say families of Puma employees and Adidas employees do not mix socially and that marriages between the two firms are forbidden." Barbara Smit, author of the book ‘Drei Streifen gegen Puma’ (‘Three Stripes versus Puma') in her account said that “the fierce sibling rivalry lasted through the second half of the 20th century and involved sporting giants such as Muhammad Ali, Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Mark Spitz and Boris Becker; it was fought in World Cups and Olympics across the globe.”

During the Global Peace Day on September 21, 2009, employees of the two companies got together and played a game of soccer. To show the genuineness of the effort, the two companies collaborated on a soccer uniform that combined the adidas’ three stripes with Puma’s big cat. Puma CEO Jochen Zeitz, who played goalie for his team, said, “The symbolic handshake of adidas and Puma helped to raise awareness for Global Peace Day and the necessity for non-violence and ceasefire,” which adidas CEO Herbert Hainer who played midfield for his squad, agreed.

The anger that erupted between the Dassler brothers in the bunker in 1943 resulted in bitterness that grew intense for decades. While it did spur competition for better products and market domination, it did not create harmony in the family Dassler and the employees of the rival companies. Once bitterness (long term unresolved anger) takes roots, it becomes like toxin that affects everyone else.  “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” (Hebrews 12:15)

The soccer game on September 21 must have meant so much to the people of Herzogenaurach. The general feeling of the citizens and workers in the prosperous yet unhappy community must have been one of relief from a deeply entrenched dagger being taken off their backs. The CEOs of the two companies did the laudable act of forgiveness. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)

By burying the sins of the past, the stakeholders of adidas and Puma, and the citizens of Herzogenaurach can be assured that the souls of Adolf and Rudolf Dassler can rest in peace. And it would not be an impossibility anymore to expect the local priest to wear an adidas in his left foot and a Puma on the other to signify love, peace and harmony.

by Mel Libre