User talk:Haridien Richard

Strive for sensibility on this coming out day.

Hallmark of Champions
CHAMPions. What is the hallmark of champions? The features described below characterises values and elements that forms part of the makeup of champions. C: Contentment. This element refers to a sense of satisfaction with who you are and what you have. Accepting the situation that we are in and dealing with it in the best way we can. Accepting the hand; cards; lot that life has presented us. Resigning to that which God has given us (the good & the bad & the ugly) and counting our blessings day by day. Making the most of who we are (own identity, profile, blond, brunette, blue eyes, brown eyes, African, American, European, Asian, Child of God, Christian, Believer, etc.) there is a reason why we were born into a particular body within a particular community and country, with whom we are (parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, cousins, step-families, friends, etc.), where we live (villa, apartment, big house, small house, shack, tent, rentals, ownerships, et.), where we work (own business, public service, private company, unemployed), where we study, our own particular health, illness, disability, strength, weakness, gifts, talents, abilities, potential to cope with that which life throws at us now in this given point in time.

We were all given only one natural body – contrary to what some belief-systems want us to know. There are no extra bodies in the closet or wardrobe that we could just take and put on when the first one is worn out or damaged. We are stuck with what we have. However, we are also very special. There is no one else in this whole world exactly like you – not even if you are one of identical twins. Only you have your own particular design of finger-prints, no one else of the almost 7 billion people traversing the earth at this specific point in time – or in times past! Not wishing for something or somebody else to such an extent that it takes our focus away from the current situation and making ourselves miserable & depressed. It does not mean that we should not have dreams; plans and work towards improving our lives. It does mean having faith, hope and inner strength to deal with our own particular mix of situations and conditions. God loves us for whom we are – we should also do the same. Accepting and relishing our Childhood in God, and not allowing ourselves to be overtaken by doubt or fear about our position even in the face of much turmoil, uncertainty, and change within the church structures of any Christian denomination. The position of the church structure might change owing to adaptation and adjustment to social, political, scientific or technical movements and pressure. As a result of the above changes, strategic, policy, doctrinal or other adjustments might likewise also have a bearing on the church structures. What remains important is that we absorb those changes, makes sense of it, but remains convinced and sure about our own position as Child of God. It should only intensify our personal relationship with our God and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. We must draw deeply from our own godly experiences of the past and ensure that Jesus remains the centre of our lives as we proceed into the future. He has chosen us and will not abandon us, even though it might look as if the very ground on which we stand has shifted. Our relationship with God remains intact as we intensify our prayers and strives to experience Him in our everyday lives.

H: Happiness. This feature refers to the sense of joy, gladness, love, lightness, fun, laughter, simplicity that one experience which comes and goes at any given time, sometimes out of the blue. Often the duration of the experience differs from person to person and the given event or non-event. It means that we are enjoying life, ourselves, relationships, environments, people, animals, flora, rivers, oceans, landscapes, natural creation. The operative words are that of enjoyment, passion, enthusiasm or an intensity of pleasure that is sometimes indescribable. It also means that we take pleasure in who we are and things we do that is either free or relatively inexpensive. When you enjoy a drink or good company, really enjoy it. When you drive through the countryside, really enjoy the scenery and vista – take it in with all your senses, see it, touch it, taste it, hear it, smell it. Enjoy the beauty of colours and fashions around us – the flowers, trees, grass… So there is the sense of happiness that we feel in and for ourselves of situations, places, and people that touches us. Then there is also the sense of happiness that we experience when we reach out to others less fortunate and find themselves in one or other need. This service of generosity also extends itself into the afterlife as we pray and intercede for lost souls. The goodness we experience when we are able to help others and give of ourselves in the process also creates a sense of happiness and generosity. Happiness does not only lie in what we receive, but more importantly in what we give. We do not help others to get any reward, but it never-the-less has its inherent benefits. As long as we are in this earthly vale, the gift of happiness and joy comes and goes – it remains of short duration. Our earthly bodies are not designed to absorb and handle long lasting spurts and streams of happiness and joy. There are also various levels of joy and pleasure that can still be classified as happiness. There is indescribable joy in the mere fact that we are Children of God. We rejoice that our names are written in heaven. Happiness is the counter-weight of misery, pain, sadness, and anxiety which should provide a good balance and diversity in the way we experience life in general. Unfortunately there are so much pain and misery in the world and very little happiness in relation to it. We know the cause stems out of SIN and its effects. The secret is to create as much small pockets of happiness as we can muster. If we have real contentment we can find happiness in almost everything we do or experience. We should have joy and gladness in our human experience, knowing full well we also have it in our godly experience. Let us savour the moment, delve deep within it when we find moments of happiness and endeavour to make it linger on a little longer. Let us practice eternal happiness by cherishing the moments of happiness we are fortunate to have whilst still here on earth. When we are overcome by joyfulness, let us focus on it as if it the first and last time that we encounter it. Let it not pass us by thoughtlessly. Let us breathe life and meaning into it. Let us have more fun – there is no law against it. Let us smile more. By smiling we give our faces something to do. By smiling we also exude goodness and beauty to people around us, thereby touching them inwardly and sharing some of our blessings of that moment. Smiling often evokes goodness in others who see our smiles, and allow them to reciprocate likewise. Smiling warms up often cold and chilly hearts and dispositions. This is a beautiful gift to share that will not impoverish us, but juxtaposed to the enriching of ourselves and others. Smiling and laughter are the two arms of happiness. We should also laugh much more. Laugh with abundance. Laugh without restraint. Laugh at life. Laugh at situations; conditions and irony – not at people. Laughter is also good for us, not only mentally, but also physically and spiritually. Happiness is one good fruit of a well-adjusted, balanced and contended Child of God.

A: APPRECIATION. This feature also forms an integral part of being a true champion. When one has a sense of appreciation, one is truly grateful and thankful. One of our church leaders once said: “He who thinks thanks”. This is in essence what it is all about. We have to think about ourselves, our position in life, our relationships, our possessions, our gifts and talents, etc. Appreciation is not the same as contentment. However, it is similar and dissimilar. Appreciation is on a higher level than contentment. Whilst contentment is about an enduring sense of satisfaction and acceptance of us and our situation, appreciation goes deeper. Unfortunately appreciation is often much more short-lived in duration and focussed on a given reason. However, this should not be so. We could also strive to have a lasting sense of appreciation and thankfulness. The pre-condition for thankfulness is humility. It thus follows that pride and arrogance excludes a sense of appreciation. However humility does not mean allowing oneself to be used as a doormat and being manipulated as if your opinion or views are irrelevant. On the contrary, being truly humble means to bow to the timely will of God and His Majesty. Understanding His Will and Majesty also prompts and move one to uphold it and stand up for it – even in the face of controversy; pressure; hostility; rejection and alienation. It takes courage, character, and determination to stand up for one’s beliefs and convictions. The degree to which one is prepared to stand up for your convictions also alludes to the degree of appreciation, and gratitude one expresses as understanding of the benefits afforded to you by your benefactor. We essentially live in a society of throw-away things; gratification; and ungratefulness. This malaise also pulls through to intangible things, such as values, ethics and morality. Having a general sense of appreciation does not come easily to everyone. It is always a good idea to practice saying “thank you” for favours, benefits and natural gifts received. We all teach this to our children. This should then also be the building blocks to a strong structure of a sense of being thankful and appreciative. True gratitude and thankfulness comes from deep within the heart and soul. Children of God should strive for the feature of appreciation and thankfulness and live a life of gratitude. We do not have enough words of thankfulness for all the natural and spiritual things which we were fortunate to have received from God, the True Benefactor and Giver of all good gifts. Be thankful for everything, small and big. Thankful for the breath of life, health & illness, food and drink, children and parents, natural and spiritual gifts, faith & teaching, hope & love for the promise of our eternal inheritance. As we are appreciative, let us also express this in various ways, such as deep felt prayer, receiving the word of God, partaking in the sacrament of Holy Communion, following, loyalty, fellowship, godly service, dedication, offering, sacrifice. Thankfulness is intertwined with practical measures, and is also the key to the heart of the benefactor. Locked away therein is also the expectation of more to be had from the benefactor’s treasure chest and reserves.

M: Meekness. This element could almost be regarded as an old fashioned and outmoded word in this modern world wherein we live. What does it mean to be meek? Does meek equate with weak? Certainly not! Let’s start with the person with whom scripture identifies with the word “meek”. That is the person Jesus Christ. One thing is certain – He is certainly not weak! On the contrary He is absolutely strong and valiant. However, He is also not hard and cold. In fact He is described as being full of love and mercy. He is soft and compassionate. So there is an inherent dichotomy in the word: “meekness”. It has characteristics of softness; tenderness; gentleness; quietness; obedience; compassion; mercy and love, but also speaks of an inner strength and power. Meekness also alludes to balance. It certainly does not conjure up images of extremity, or points to either sides of the pendulum. It speaks highly of an inner strength and inner control. Control of one’s emotions, thoughts, and actions. It does not mean that one sometimes cannot drift into bouts of despair. Jesus also experienced extreme sadness – so much so that it felt as if the whole world was weighing down on Him when He was praying in Getsemane moments before His capture, interrogation, trial, false conviction and death sentence. This was indeed also the case spiritually as He felt the full brunt of the World’s Sin coming to bear upon Him. At another time He was infuriated when He came into the temple and saw the money-changers and other “businesses” being conducted. He literally drove them out of the temple saying that His Father’s house is a house of prayer and not a den of thieves. However, in essence Jesus was indeed the epitome of meekness and mildness. This inner strength and gift enabled Him to stay true to His commission and purpose on earth. He did not flinch or allowed any person or spirit to sway Him towards the left or right. As Children of God, we should also possess this spiritual gift of meekness. We should be balanced, tender-hearted, filled with kindness and compassion. However, no one should take us for granted or try to walk over us as if we would not mind. We show the necessary modesty, but must stay true to our mission and purpose in life. When necessary we must also stand up for that we believe in – our faith and convictions. There is a saying that goes: “If you do not stand up for something, you will fall for anything!” Our convictions must shine through. We stand up and speak out against those things that threaten our faith and relationship with God. We stand up for godly principles, values and standards – even if it goes against the grain of society and societal norms. We might be blighted, avoided, ostracised or even hated by our contemporaries for that which we believe in. That should not deter us, on the contrary we are glad that we could suffer for Christ’ sake. Obviously we are human and also experience the full spectrum of human emotions. We are not spared the trials and tribulations, the ups and downs of life. We are not shielded in a water-tight compartment against the brutality and harshness of life. Life is not (and should not be) a bed of roses. However, we are tested in every circumstance and temptation, and when it happens we should show what we are made of, what characterises a true Child of God. This feature of meekness certainly speaks volumes for softness, balance, compassion, and inner strength. It places a different spin on the meaning of the word as we encounter it in modern times. There is certainly a place for it, and more than just a mere place, it is an essential element of a true Champion.

P: PEACE. This last feature is certainly not the least. Much has been said and done in the name of peace. However, just like happiness it is fragile and should be handled with care and consideration. Peace is a desirable condition which promotes stability and growth. It takes place on various levels: personal, inter-personal, in families, groups and communities, countries within its borders, as well as internationally between countries. It goes without saying that it is of utmost importance that personal and inter-personal conditions of peace exists as it forms the building blocks of regional and world-wide peace. The UN (United Nations) adopted Resolution 36/67 to introduce an International Day of Peace which has been observed every year since 2001 on the 21st of September. The main purpose is a global day of peace and non-violence. The World Council of Churches (WCC) endorses this resolution and also encourages all church denominations to actively pray for peace on this day and always. Although Jesus is regarded as the Prince of Peace, He once said that we should keep our own peace, but that He will give us His peace – a peace that the world does not know. Peace should be much more than a mere absence of conflict. However management of conflict certainly helps creating a more enduring condition of peace. Let’s do it one step at a time. Try to find peace within yourself first. It starts with contentment. Accept yourself; accept all that you are – warts and all. Be at peace with yourself. Search and find silence. It is not necessary to try and fill every moment with noise, with music, with words, with people, with things… Next, establish peace within your relationships. Peace with your wife, husband, parents, children, siblings, friends, etc. Why is it necessary to fight over seemingly insignificant and small things? The opposite of peace is war – or fighting. People fight for various reasons. Reasons includes, but are not limited to such things as rights, perceived injustice, oppression, misunderstanding, greed, avarice, envy, hatred. It is often fuelled by a stubborn selfish stance not to be the least, or to give in and capitulate to demands and pressure. Often we inadvertently hurt the very people which we (are supposed to) love. Furthermore, have peace with your church denomination and local congregation. Have peace with the ministers, priests, pastors who serve you, even though you might be aware of their faults and mistakes. No one is infallible. Look past them or through them and see our Lord and Savior serving us. We all need the great gathering, fellowship of believers, the

collective worshipping of our great God. We need to hear the Word of God, we need to regularly partake of the sacrament of Holy Communion that helps to fashion and cleanse us. Find common ground and acknowledge the differences and diversity between us. Everyone cannot be like you (or me), like what you like, value what you value, love what you love, and disapprove what you disapprove of. However, in essence this is where the problem lies. It is not to give an inch, not to give in, not to back down – sometimes even in the face of reason or decency. This smacks of selfishness and arrogance and is quite contrary to true humility and love. This is not the same as standing up for your convictions to advance truths that stands outside the self, and serves to the common good. A champion will always strive to search for and find peace. A champion will earnestly pray for peace. A champion will do his utmost to maintain peace. And at times it does mean a give and take, or a backing down and retreating at a given point in time in order to advance at a later stage. When a person have peace, such a person cherish moments of silence and contemplation. In moments of silence and contemplation you listen to your inner thoughts, meditations, and the voice of the Holy Spirit. This is the making of a champion, the making of a wise and great soul, the making and essence of a true Child of God. Although the finding and maintaining of world-wide peace might seems ever elusive, within and amongst the champions and Children of God, pockets of true peace is certainly attainable. Within this climate of peace, a heavenly atmosphere of stability; strength; warmth; and love rules that allows for growth and development.

CONCLUDING REMARKS: I hope and pray that you found some comfort and strength from reading references to thoughts, ideas, and insights that contributes to elements of us becoming and being true champions of our God. I want to hasten by saying that the above is by no means exhaustive or the only thoughts on the subject. This is only what has been revealed to me as I captured it in written form. The general christian Church is daily bombarded with challenges and threats to its very existence. We should never give up our faith in Jesus and our Heavenly Father. True champions will not give up in their spiritual battles, but keep the standard and with courage continue the fray. God will take care of us and in due course fulfill the promise of our eternal inheritance.

Richard Haridien