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“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mohandas Gandhi
Rose Mapendo is proof that a name can truly embody the person. Her last name means “great love” in Swahili. A former refugee who suffered horrific personal loss, Ms. Mapendo is determined to help others who have suffered such abuse. She is reaching out to others- this working single mother of ten children who had to move a world away, learn to read and write and navigate an alien culture. Her photo belongs next to the word “hero” in dictionaries!
“Just living is not enough…One must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.” Hans Christian Anderson
There are serious issues and then there are the little things that make life bright. Sure these little things might seem trivial. But think about it- how many times have the so-called “little” things in life lifted you out of a bad day, helped you cope with a serious problem or given you hope? Little things can mean a lot. Like finding a pretty flower or a sunny, cheerful spot in an unexpected place. See what San Francisco came up with as a way to create an oasis in, of all places, parking spaces.
“We will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Rev. Martin Luther, King Jr.
Over two hundred thousand signatures and still going strong. If you want to make your voice heard then here is one way to do so:
Jena Six Petition
“Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.” William James
Cartoonist Humphrey Barasa gives away his art and laughter for free. Waiting for the bus on a certain corner in Nairobi, Kenya is a lot more fun thanks to him.
Hope Out of Darkness
September 15, 2007 in Commentary | 2 comments
“Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world a better place.” Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
When is the right time to temper justice with mercy? We struggle with balancing holding people accountable without ruining the rest of their young lives. In the case of the Jena Six few reasonable people, including their parents, have suggested they just walk away without serious consequences. But decades long sentences? Even a possible life sentence? Voices were raised like candles against the darkness. Bloggers have been like beacons, petitions signed by tens of thousands added to the light. There is hope and maybe life will be better in Jena, Louisiana because local officials have been thrust into a bright, hot spotlight.
“The time is always right to do what is right.” Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Find a good summary of events leading to this controversy from someone who traveled to Jena, LA to get the whole story: Jena Six