Sharing Some Uplifting and Inspirational Thoughts (the Building-Blocks for a New “Work”)

Article Title: Sharing Some Uplifting and Inspirational Thoughts (the Building-Blocks for a New “Work”)

Submitted by: Craig Lock

Category (key words/tags): “Inspiration”, Inspirational Quotes, Words of inspiration and upliftment, New Book, Reconciliation, Hope, Forgiveness, Love, Peace (enough there now)

Craig’s new blog with thoughts and extracts from various writings is at http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22&t=post and http://craiglock.wordpress.com

Other articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981

(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig)

Publishing Guidelines:

All my writings may be freely published.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

SHARING SOME UPLIFTING AND INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS

Doing some “sorting out” (my greatest challenge). Here are some short thoughts (and phrases) from my red book in point form), that I’ve collected over the years (instead of stamps or bottle-tops). Some are my own thoughts that I’ve jotted down in my little red book by my bedside (sometimes in the early hours). Perhaps I’ll include these key words, ideas, concepts, threads (enough there now, craig) in a new manuscript that’s currently “writing itself”, so will share with you. Enjoy…

*

The way we live is far more important than what we believe
(but then what we believe will determine how we live, so perhaps they are inter-linked???).

Einstein once said: “Try not to become a man (or woman) of success; but a person of value.”

Ie: Beyond success to significance

“Keep true to the dreams of youth.”
- Friedrich Schiller, German writer/poet and philosopher

“So many others have sacrificed much more than me.”
- an anonymous hero

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
- Mahatma (Mohandas) Gandhi

“Live simply, so that others may simply live.”
- Gandhi

“My life is my message.”
“My death must achieve what my life failed to achieve.”
- Gandhi (again)

Practice it, rather than preaching it.

“You (we) make a living from what we get. However, you (we) make a life from what you GIVE.”

Religion divides; whereas truth unites (ie. unity in truth)

Truth overcomes power… always.

Martin Luther King, Jnr: “Christ gave me the message; whilst Gandhi gave me the method.”

He never lost his faith in God and in man.

On the epitaph of Abdurrahman Wahid (1940 – 30/12/2009) former Indonesian President are written these words:
“Here lies a humanist.”

“The great lift the human spirit to be more than it is.”

You don’t have to forget the past in order to move forward.

“Forgiveness for the past, strength for today… and hope for the future.”

The depth of your past determines the height of your future.

What has happened TO you is not nearly as important as what happens IN you.

“We learn far more from our tears than from our laughter.”

A lasting tribute to Mandela’s legacy (“The father of democracy”)

As Brutus said in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar:
“There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at their flood, leads on to fortune; omitted all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries.”

“The past is history… the future a mystery.”

“It is better to light a candle, than curse the darkness…
a darkness that we will illuminate with our hearts.”

Sport

Union between nations through sport.

“I, we are committed to the positive values found in sport: Performance and passion, team-work and fair-play.”

Sport gives hope to people.

Success

What foundation (your deepest values) are you standing on?

Spend quiet time for reflection, vision, clarity and direction.

Attitude, character, enthusiasm.

Believe, conceive and receive

Desire and achievement is not birthed in the head…but in the heart.

A champion is down at times, but is never counted out.

Failure doesn’t mean that I have failed. It simply means that I haven’t succeeded… YET!

Surrender (to God) is not quitting.

Your life is the dream – YOU are the dream

You don’t have to forget the past in order to look ahead.

“If you cannot do great things, then do little things in a great way.”
- Mother Teresa

“Love rather than be loved,
in forgiving we give…
and in dying we are given eternal life.”
- Mother Teresa (again)

Heroes:

A hero doesn’t have to be (not necessarily) a celebrity. A hero is ANY person who inspires somebody to be more than they “should be”. The really great lift the human spirit to be more than it is.

“I don’t consider myself a hero. I’m an ordinary girl, who believed in her dream. You don’t have to be someone special to achieve something amazing, You’ve just got to have a dream, believe in it and work hard. I hope that my voyage proves what can be achieved by setting your mind to something.”
- powerful and inspirational words from Australia’s newest hero, 16-year old round the world sailor, Jessica Watson (the youngest sailor to circum-navigate* the globe)

* now that’s a big word, craig

“You’ve sometimes got to give up the life you’ve got planned, in order to live the life you were meant to live.”
- Joseph Leyleveldt in ‘Golden Cross’
*
Writing:

Writers challenge (continually) themselves and their readers in new ways – they find new niches.

I’m deeply concerned about the human moral condition (but don’t be too serious and forget to laugh at yourself now, craig). Hardly likely with the life I lead!

I try to show the extra-ordinary in ordinary lives, as revealed by the generosity of spirit and the courage of seemingly’ordinary’ people, as they struggle with the daily trials and tribulations of the incredible journey, that we call life.

Khatib = writer

I write ‘the literature of humanity’

In my latest “works” love and hope strive for expression… even amidst the despair and darkness of the world (oh so serious now, craig!)

“I was drowning in an ocean of despair”

“like a flower, that will never blossom (bloom)”

“Ingenuous and enjoyable, it is penned by an author groping in the darkness of the past for clues as to the puzzle of the present and the future.”

“It was as if I was floating on a cloud of endless  possibilities.”

Replant the roots of peace

“Out of every evening comes a morning.”

“You can cut down the flower, but you can’t stop the coming of the spring.”

Many small (yet significant) steps by many people will eventually reach their destination, their unique destinies.

YOU can shine the light that overcomes the darkness

Shared by: Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

“Peace-makers who sow in peace will reap a harvest of righteousness.”
- James 3:18 About the submitter: In his life mission Craig hopes to help, encourage, motivate, uplift and perhaps even inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials. His dream is seeing people finding, striving for the “seemingly impossible” and one day perhaps even realising their personal goals and dreams having great FUN along the journey.

Craig’s new blog with thoughts and extracts from various writings is at craiglock.wordpress.com and http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22

Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better and brighter future.

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED (electronically or in print)

PPS:

Be nice to your kids.
They choose your rest-home!

May you all see God’s light on the path up ahead

AN INTERVIEW WITH ANOTHER WRITER

AN INTERVIEW WITH ANOTHER WRITER

Tags: books, new books, writer

Writers observe human nature. I want to write stories that matter a lot to me, in terms of my deepest values. True stories from people’s lives in history, that are worth sharing with others, as they have great meaning for me. In short, my stories are about the indomitable and unquenchable strength of the human spirit.
So I try to write inspirational stories of ordinary people in exceptional circumstances and times, that hopefully uplift and impact others through certain people’s great generosity of spirit inherant in the universal human condition. One that has overcome great obstacles in their lives and the stories are all TRUE!

What are you currently working on?

A story, or rather stories of renewal and transformation – a new heart, an ‘Awakened Spirit’.
The title of my current “work” (it’s not really work, as I love writing) is ‘From Seeds of Hope to Endless Possibilities, Far and Great Horizons’

What is your writing purpose?

I have a passion for mutual tolerance and moderation, self-responsibility too. I write to impel some kind of action in readers. I really believe that enough ‘ordinary’ people (what’s that) with passion CAN make an impact on the world.

What are the main themes in your manuscripts?

In short, tolerance, justice, hope, love and peace. I write with the underlying threads of hope, the power of love to effect change in the world… for the better!
So in my various writings I try to plant seeds of hope

Without wanting to sound “grand, (grandious?)” or “self important”, like so many others, I try in some small and quiet way to work for the betterment and upliftment of humanity. Working for the pursuit of peace… or at at least striving for a more peaceful world.  And the only way I can reach many people around the globe from here in “Sleepy Hollow” near the  bottom of the world is through my various writings and the amazing power of the internet, plus heaps of faith, of course.
Thanks
A pleasure

Together, you and I, let’s march into a bright new tomorrow.

“A book is the garden of the soul.”

“A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.”
- Chinese proverb

ORDINARY COURAGE

Tags:  Iraq, Iraq war, Donna Mulhearn, books, ‘Ordinary Courage’

ORDINARY COURAGE
by Donna Mulhearn

This book is a must read for anyone seeking to be challenged about being fully human, fully themselves and wanting to make the world a better place!! Donna’s story begins with reflection about a pair of blood stained boots and moves through surprising and frightening episodes in her efforts to simply respond with non violence in a crazy world of just the opposite.
I don’t agree with all Donna’s perspectives and reasoning but am inspired by the simple commitment and following of ‘call’ that resulted and results in her story!!

This is one woman’s account of finding the ordinary courage to fulfil her purpose, no matter what the odds. At the age of thirty-four, Donna Mulhearn had become disillusioned by her career as a journalist and political adviser and set off on a journey of self-discovery. One day, during this wonderful period of freedom, she heard something radical, a call to action that would change her course, and her life, forever. A man on the radio was appealing for human shields in Iraq, volunteers to deter the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ from attacking Baghdad. Donna was already against the war – she was a firm believer in the power of non-violent action. She knew immediately what she had to do.
Despite protests from concerned family and friends, Donna soon found herself travelling from Sydney to Baghdad. There she joined hundreds of shields from all over the world who formed small teams to protect major sites, power stations, water treatment plants, communication centres, that were crucial to the life of innocent people. Even when Saddam’s statue toppled and the Coalition claimed victory, her challenges did not end. Donna’s story is exceptional, brave and full of conviction. It shows that by being true to yourself you can transform not only one life, but many.

Donna is one of the leading voices in the Australian peace movement and this is her first book. Donna comes to activism as a former political advisor with a background in journalism who now has a passion for contemplative spirituality expressed in concrete compassionate action.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=315493106568http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=315493106568

The book, much like Donna, is spirited, intelligent, courageous and often surprisingly humorous in the midst of tragedy.

‘Donna Mulhearn’s courage and principles stand in damning contrast to the lies told in our name. I salute her.’
- John Pilger

Sourced from : paceebene.org/…/ordinary-courage-book-launch-donna-mulhearn-neville-watson-and-jo-vallentine
antonyloewenstein.com/2010/…/donna-mulhearns-ordinary-courage/

http://pumphouse.blogspot.com/

*
Book Review: Ordinary Courage
BY DANIELLE BUTCHER
23 Feb, 2010 02:11 PM

DONNA Mulhearn’s life had fallen apart. The journalist and political adviser, 34, had just ended her marriage and started to assess the person she had become.
BUT one day her life changed. She heard a radio segment appealing for people to volunteer as human shields in Iraq. People to deter the Coalition of the Willing from attacking Baghdad.
Already a strong anti-violence activist, Mulhearn knew immediately what she had to do.
In her memoir, Ordinary Courage, Mulhearn takes the reader on a journey through her life-changing decision to move to Baghdad.
From her first impressions of the thriving, cosmopolitan city of Baghdad to meeting the others willing to risk their life for the same cause,
this is a moving account of how one woman found her purpose in life and her courage to follow that at all costs.
Sourced from: http://www.berwickjournal.com.au/news/local/news/general/book-review-ordinary-courage/1758714.aspx

The Economics of Peace in The Middle East (from ‘The New Middle East’ by Shimon Peres)

Article Title: The Economics of Peace in The Middle East (from ‘The New Middle East’ by Shimon Peres)

Submitted by: Craig Lock

Key Words: Books, Shimon Peres, Middle East, economics, Israel, peace, ‘Economy of Peace’, possibilities for peace, leadership, politics, world (enough there now, craig!)

Craig’s new blog is at http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22 and craiglock.wordpress.com
Other Articles are available at:

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and
http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:

This article (consisting of points, principles and ideas) is directly sourced from an excellent book, ‘THE NEW MIDDLE EAST’ by Shimon Peres with Arye Naor and was published in Great Britain by Element Books Ltd 1993. This piece may be published with acknowledgment to Element Books Ltd, thank you. All my other articles may be freely published electronically or in print.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

*

THE ECONOMICS OF PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST (from ‘THE NEW MIDDLE EAST’ by Shimon Peres with Arye Naor)

Submitter’s Note:

I am currently reading and researching a fascinating book, ‘THE NEW MIDDLE EAST’ by former Israeli Prime Minister and current President, Shimon Peres (with Arye Naor), especially in the light of current world events. So am sharing some thoughts and ideas of Mr Peres directly sourced from this book (the first three chapters). I’m sharing in the “spirit of just trying to plant tiny seeds of ideas of peace in a current ‘hot-spot’ of the world, a tinderbox.” Hopefully! Whether you agree with the words of Mr Peres written in 1993 or not, I hope you may find these points and notes as revealing and illuminating as I do in attempting to understand this highly complex and volatile region of the world.

*

“WAR HATH NO VICTORS”

“I have always believed that political victories not accompanied by economic benefit stand on very shaky ground. We need to look forward, to construct a framework that holds a potential for happiness for all peoples in the region. It is time to form a new agenda, a stepping-stone from which to leap, higher and further than ever before.

Politics should pave the way from pure military strategy to an enriched political and economic repertoire. Leaders need to foster a peaceful environment that creates wealth and goodwill. The scale has tipped in the direction of economics, rather than military might. Economic challenge brings new opportunities created by human intellectual advances. The ball is now in our court!

*

Western ideology is characterised by the values (and virtues) of liberalism, economic development and democracy. The world is at a historic crossroads: one path leads to modernization, individual rights, seperation of church and state, democracy, prosperity; the other leads to messianism, extremism, servitude, totalarianism, irrationality, poverty.

Economic and social development are the criteria for successful democratization of the Middle East. It’s success will open up limitless opportunities in the region. Democratization will put an end to the danger to regional and world peace. But for the democratic process to take hold, we must first overcome poverty and ignorance – the cradle of fundamentalism.

Low income (and GDP), high unemployment, overpopulation and limited production, diminishing water sources – these all give rise to fanaticism, fundamentalism and false messianism. And the higher the standard of living of the people rises, the lower the level of violence will fall.

*            *

Establishing peace and security requires a conceptual revolution, a ‘revolution in thinking’.

War does not solve any problems; PEACE IS the solution.

Our ultimate goal is the creation of a regional community of nations, with a common market and elected centralised bodies, modeled on the European Community. The need for this regional framework is based on four fundamental factors:

# Political Stability

‘A systemized regional structure will introduce a new framework for the region and that will provide the potential for economic and social growth, extinguishing the fire of religious extremism and cooling the hot winds of revolution.’

# Economics

A higher standard of living is a precondition for mitigating the tensions among Middle Eastern countries. As long as there is a gap between people’s expectations within the socio-political system, there will be space for fundamentalism to develop. Only a practical regional approach can fully exploit the potential for tourism and public communications in this rich area of the world, so making the region prosperous for its people.

# National Security

Co-operation and consensus is vital for economic growth. So too, a mutually beneficial regional security framework.

# Democratization

Democracy is not only a process that guarantees personal and civil freedom, but also is a ‘watchdog’ for peace, working to dispel the factors that underlie fundamentalist agitation. We need a durable peace. Ultimately, only a democratic system will allow for long term prosperity and economic growth, as well as national and personal security.  (my thought ???)

Regional Economics: A Regional System

The concept of a regional economy involves the step-by-step establishment of a community of nations, much like the European Community.

The problems of this region of the world cannot be solved by individual nations, or even on a bi-lateral or muti-lateral plane. Regional organisation is the key to peace and security, and will promote democratization, economic development, national growth and individual prosperity. War does not solve any problems; PEACE IS the solution. And peace will only come about as a result of COMPROMISE. By compromising – minimum concessions and maximum justice on both sides – we will live to see the day when nations are free of the sorrow of war, including our own nation as well.

The solution to breaking this vicious cycle is clear: crush the barriers of hatred. Decide like Israel and Egypt did: NO MORE WAR, no more bloodshed. Instead of visions of blood and tears, there will rise visions of happiness and beauty, life and peace. We are at a historic crossroads. Do we choose the path of the tongues of fire, billowing smoke, and rivers of blood, or of blooming deserts, restored wastelands, progress, growth, justice and freedom?”

The words of Shimon Peres* (in 1993!)

Shared by Craig Lock

‘just an ordinary person, layman economist and writer trying to do something’ small (“rather impulsively and passionately”) through the power of words and the amazing power of the ‘net’…

as all I can do about it, the situation is write

“We can begin today by taking the first steps across the bridge of mutual co-operation and understanding among Middle East peoples. The journey ahead will be long, but the way is open. We need brave travellers.”

- Shimon Peres, former Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs

* Shimon Peres is the ninth President of the State of Israel. Peres served twice as Prime Minister of Israel and once as Acting Prime Minister, and has been a member of 12 cabinets in a political career spanning over 66 years. Peres was elected to the Knesset in November 1959 and, except for a three-month-long hiatus in early 2006, served continuously until 2007, when he became President. He is also a former winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 * info from Wikipaedia) *

*

Sadly, things have got a lot worse in the Middle East since those “hope filled” days of 1993. The dream was not fulfilled, the vision had not become a reality… because there was not the moral WILL by all parties!

“Let us not negotiate out of fear, but let us not fear to negotiate.”

- John F Kennedy

“There can be no peace without reconciliation and there can be no reconciliation. without justice.”

- Corazin Aquino (former Prime Minister of the Phillipines)

“If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness.”

- Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919, Twenty-Sixth President of the United States of America from 1901-1909, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize

PS: “Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”

- inspirational words from John F Kennedy on the occasion of his inaugeration as President

“A just peace includes not only civil and political rights – it must encompass economic security and opportunity. For true peace is not just freedom from fear, but freedom from want. The vital ingredients to nurture it are: ‘Agreements among nations. Strong institutions. Support for human rights. Investments in development.’ And something more, the continued expansion of our moral imagination; an insistence that there is something irreducible that we all share.

Let us reach for the world that ought to be, that spark of the divine, that still stirs within each one of us.”
- the words of Barack Obama in accepting his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway

About the submitter:

In his various writings, Craig strives to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through trying to plant ‘tiny seeds of hope’ through sharing ideas and principles. He believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share is way more important than what divides us.

Craig’s new work ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: To attempt to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, tubulent and uncertain world. “A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.”

Craig is currently writing true stories of life in the Middle East. And as he writes, is posting extracts on his new blog

at http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22

and craiglock.wordpress.com

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at www.lulu.com/craiglock and http://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html

“Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace. Let our leaders look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become.”

“When people’s hearts are filled with love, the world is full of hope”

- craig

“Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tide and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”

- Teilhard De Chardin

“Peacemakers who sow in peace, will heap a harvest of righteousness.”

- James 2:18

“The peace of the brave is within reach. We are still reaching.”
- Bill Clinton (at the signing of the peace agreement between Israel’s Prime Minister, Yatzik Rabin and Yasser Arafat, leader  of the PLO on the lawn of the White House in 1993)

“Wars are poor chisels for carving out a peaceful tomorrow.”
- Martin Luther King, Jnr

“Peace is the greatest weapon for development, that any people can have.”
- Nelson Mandela

“Let us reach for the world that ought to be, that spark of the divine, that still stirs within each one of us.”
- the words of Barack Obama in accepting his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway

A Book “Review”: The ‘New Middle East’ by Shimon Peres (Part Two)

Article Title: A Book “Review”: The ‘New Middle East’ by Shimon Peres (Part Two)

Submitted by: Craig Lock

Key Words: Shimon Peres, Middle East, Israel, books, leadership, politics, world, peace, possibilities for peace

Craig’s new blog is at craiglock.wordpress.com and
http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22
Other Articles are available at:

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and
http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:

This article may be freely published with acknowledgment to Element Books Ltd .Thank you. All my other articles may be freely published electronically or in print.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

*

THE NEW MIDDLE EAST by Shimon Peres with Arye Naor Published in Great Britain by Element Books Ltd 1993

Submitter’s Note:

I am currently reading and researching a fascinating book, ‘THE NEW MIDDLE EAST’ by former Israeli Prime Minister and current President, Shimon Peres (with Arye Naor), especially in the light of current world events. So am sharing some thoughts and ideas of Mr Peres directly sourced from this book (the first three chapters). I’m sharing in the “spirit of just trying to plant tiny seeds of ideas of peace in a current ‘hot-spot’ of the world, a tinderbox.” Hopefully! Whether you agree with the words of Mr Peres written in 1993 or not, I hope you may find these points and notes as revealing and illuminating as I do in attempting to understand this highly complex and volatile region.

*

A BOOK “REVIEW: ‘THE NEW MIDDLE EAST’ by Shimon Peres (with Arye Nao) – PART TWO

“We can begin today by taking the first steps across the bridge of mutual co-operation and understanding among Middle East peoples. The journey ahead will be long, but the way is open. We need brave travellers.”

- Shimon Peres, former Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs

“WAR HATH NO VICTORS”:

THE DAWN OF PEACE

Rethink strategies and form new conceptions. We must all acknowledge the futility of war: the Arabs cannot defeat Israel on the battlefield; Israel cannot dictate the conditions of peace to the Arabs.

It seems that the time for all-out war has passed. It is time to seek a different “solution or termination other than victory… in the strictly military sense”.

Although as things stand now, there is little to be gained from war, relations may deteriorate into war without a parallel advance toward peace. Wars don’t always break out, because the tacticians believe they can win. Sometimes they occur, because the status quo becomes intolerable to one side – or at least less tolerable than its disruption with physical force.

The Gaza strip has an area of 365 square kilometers (140 square miles) and it hits world records in population density. The territories are not the problem with which we must deal; but our future relationship with the inhabitants is.

We want to establish a true neighborly relationship with our neighbors.

*

THE REGIONAL SYSTEM

Reconciliation and Arab acceptance of Israel as a nation with equal rights rights and responsibilies will sire a new sort of co-operation – not only between Israel and its neighbors, but also among Arab nations. The problems of this region of the world cannot be solved by individual nations, or even on a bilateral or mutilateral plane. Regional organisation is the key to peace and security, and will promote democratization, economic development, national growth and individual prosperity. Establishing peace and security requires a conceptual revolution, a “revolution in thinking”. “What is needed is a “Conceptual Revolution”, a re-evaluation of thinking. Peace will only come about as a result of compromise.

War does not solve any problems; PEACE IS the solution. By compromising – minimum concessions and maximum justice on both sides – we will live to see the day when nations are free of the sorrow of war, including our own nation as well.”

The words of Shimon Peres* (in 1993!)

* Shimon Peres is the ninth President of the State of Israel. Peres served twice as Prime Minister of Israel and once as Acting Prime Minister, and has been a member of 12 cabinets in a political career spanning over 66 years. Peres was elected to the Knesset in November 1959 and, except for a three-month-long hiatus in early 2006, served continuously until 2007, when he became President. He is also a former winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 * info from Wikipaedia)

(Shared by Craig Lock)

‘just an ordinary person and writer trying to do something’ small (“rather impulsively and passionately”) through the power of words and the amazing power of the ‘net’…

as all I can do about it, the situation is write!

Sadly, things have got a lot worse in the Middle East since those “hope filled” days of 1993. The dream was not fulfilled, the vision had not become a reality… because there was not the moral WILL by all parties!

“Let us not negotiate out of fear, but let us not fear to negotiate.”

- John F Kennedy

“There can be no peace without reconciliation and there can be no reconciliation. without justice.”

- Corazin Aquino (former Prime Minister of the Phillipines)

PS: “Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”

- inspirational words from John F Kennedy on the occasion of his inaugeration as President

About the submitter:

In his various writings, Craig strives to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through trying to plant ‘tiny seeds of hope’ through sharing ideas and principles. He believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share is way more important than what divides us.

Craig’s new work ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: To attempt to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, tubulent and uncertain world. “A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.”

Craig is currently writing true stories of life in the Middle East. And as he writes, is posting extracts on his new blog

at craiglock.wordpress.com and
http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at www.lulu.com/craiglock and http://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html

“Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace. Let our leaders look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become.” “When people’s hearts are filled with love, the world is full of hope”

- craig

“Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tide and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”

- Teilhard De Chardin

“Peacemakers who sow in peace, will heap a harvest of righteousness.”

- James 2:18

“The peace of the brave is within reach. We are still reaching.”
- Bill Clinton (at the signing of the peace agreement between Israel’s Prime Minister, Yatzik Rabin and Yasser Arafat, leader  of the PLO on the lawn of the White House in 1993)

“A just peace includes not only civil and political rights – it must encompass economic security and opportunity. For true peace is not just freedom from fear, but freedom from want. The vital ingredients to nurture it are: ‘Agreements among nations. Strong institutions. Support for human rights. Investments in development.’ And something more, the continued expansion of our moral imagination; an insistence that there is something irreducible that we all share. Let us reach for the world that ought to be, that spark of the divine, that still stirs within each one of us.”
- the words of Barack Obama in accepting his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway

A Book “Review: The ‘New Middle East’ by Shimon Peres (Part Three)

Article Title: A Book “Review: The ‘New Middle East’ by Shimon Peres (Part Three)

Submitted by: Craig Lock

Key Words (Tags): Shimon Peres, Middle East, Israel, books, leadership

Craig’s new blog is at craiglock.wordpress.com and
http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22
Other Articles are available at:

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and
http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:

This article may be published with acknowledgment to Element Books Ltd .Thank you. All my other articles may be freely published electronically or in print.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

*

THE NEW MIDDLE EAST by Shimon Peres with Arye Naor Published in Great Britain by Element Books Ltd 1993

“When you do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.”

- George Washington Carver (1864-1943)

Submitter’s Note:

I am currently reading and researching a fascinating book, ‘THE NEW MIDDLE EAST’ by former Israeli Prime Minister and current President, Shimon Peres (with Arye Naor), especially in the light of current world events. So am sharing some thoughts and ideas of Mr Peres directly sourced from this book (the first three chapters). In “my little way” I’m sharing in the “spirit of just trying to plant tiny seeds, ideas of hope and peace in a current ‘hot-spot’ of the world, a tinderbox.” Hopefully! Whether you agree with the words of Mr Peres written in 1993 or not, I hope you may find these points and notes as revealing and illuminating as I do in attempting to understand this highly complex and volatile region.

*

A BOOK “REVIEW: ‘THE NEW MIDDLE EAST’ by Shimon Peres (with Arye Nao – Part Three)

“We can begin today by taking the first steps across the bridge of mutual co-operation and understanding among Middle East peoples. The journey ahead will be long, but the way is open. We need brave travellers.”

- Shimon Peres, former Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs

The problems of this region of the world cannot be solved by individual nations, or even on a bilateral or multilateral plane. Regional organization is the key to peace and security and will promote democratization, economic development, national growth and individual prosperity. Establishing peace and security requires a conceptual revolution. Our ultimate goal is a regional community of nations with a common market.

Political stabilty: Introduce a new framework for the region that will provide the potential for economic and social growth, extinguishing the fire of religious extremism and cooling the hot winds of revolution.

Economics:

A higher standard of living is a pre-condition for mitigating the tensions among Middle Easten countries. As long as there is a gap betwen people’s expectations and the opportunities within the socio-political system, there will be space for fundamentalism to develop.

Only a practical regional approach can fully exploit the potential for tourism and public communications in this rich area of the world, making the region prosperous for its people. Democratization Democracy is not only a process that guarantees personal and civil freedom, but is also a watchdog for peace, working to dispel the factors that underlie fundamentalist agitation. Ultimately only a democratic system will allow for long-term prosperity and economic growth, as well as national and personal security. There needs to be a predetermined two-phase peace process. Security – the prevention of war and the establishment of a secure, bilateral order – will be the dominant issue in the first, or transitory, phase. The process should be based on a timetable. I’ve heard it said that a pier is a frustrated bridge. Until now there was an Israeli pier and a Palestinian pier. We intend to build a bridge of time, a bridge of five years, that will connect the two piers and put an end to the frustration. Thus, the main aim of this first phase of the peace process is to decrease friction and eliminate the sources of hostility by establishing mutual trust and a willingness to consider the future. It is a transitory stage – a passage from one step to the next – in a journey with a clear destination. The principal goal is to establish a stable system of good neighborly relations.

Spinoza once said: “Peace is not the absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice.”

*

REGIONAL ECONOMICS

The concept of a regional economy involves the step-by-step establishment of a community of nations, much like the European community. However, these European nations did not negate their neighbor’s right to exist.

The Middle East today needs courage and forethought, imagination and insight – novel ideas and creative concepts in building a brave new world.

David Ben-Gurion, first Prime Minister of the State of Israel said that all experts are experts on what already was. We need experts on what will be.

In the Middle East we have a common enemy: poverty. And as the ‘father of fundamentalism’, poverty is a threat to progress, development, freedom and prosperity. And we have so much to gain, if only we know how to bridge the abyss of blood and tears – if we look forward in hope, not back in anger.

We can start by defining the ultimate goal and then work backward, establishing interim goals and allocating the proper tools to reacgh them. Open new horizons for people of the region. Strive for prosperiy, development and human rights.

The key issues are as follows:

1. disarmament

2 water

3 biotechnology

4 transportation and communication

and

5 tourism

Moving from a strategy of military superiority to one of economic cooperation will help us choose the correct path, and future generations will thank us.

*

CHAPTER 5.

THE BASIS FOR SECURITY: A NEW WAY OF THINKING

Breaking that psychological barrier is the precondition for success in our quest for peace and prosperity in the Middle East. The two sides must learn to see each other as people to understand each other’s desires and doubts, hopes and fears. This is not an easy task; but is essential for harmony and security.

There is no military answer to radical terorism. We live in a world of new problems and old strategies. It is simpler to fight an enemy than solve problems. Moving from a strategy of military superiority to one of economic cooperation will help us choose the correct path, and future generations will thank us!”

The words of Shimon Peres* (in 1993!)

* Shimon Peres is the ninth President of the State of Israel. Peres served twice as Prime Minister of Israel and once as Acting Prime Minister, and has been a member of 12 cabinets in a political career spanning over 66 years. Peres was elected to the Knesset in November 1959 and, except for a three-month-long hiatus in early 2006, served continuously until 2007, when he became President. He is also a former winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 * info from Wikipaedia)

“The peace of the brave is within us; but we are sill reaching.”

- Former US President Bill Clinton at the peace signing ceremony between Israeli Prime Minister Yatzhik Rabin and PLO leader Yasser Arafat on the lawn of the White House in 1993.

Sadly, things have got a lot worse in the Middle East since those “hope filled” days of 1993. The “prophecy”, the vision, the dream has not come to pass… YET!

Still..

KEEP REACHING, BE BRAVE

Shared by “an arm-chair warrior just writing for peace” *

* or at least a more peaceful world

‘just an ordinary person and writer trying to do something’ (“rather impulsively and passionately”) through the power of words and using the amazing technology of the ‘net’.

“Let us not negotiate out of fear, but let us not fear to negotiate.”
- John F Kennedy

“There can be no peace without reconciliation and there can be no reconciliation. without justice.”
- Corazin Aquino (former Prime Minister of the Phillipines)

“If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness.”- Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919, Twenty-Sixth President of the United States of America from 1901-1909, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize

“Wars are poor chisels for carving out a peaceful tomorrow.”
- Martin Luther King, Jnr

“Peace is the greatest weapon for development, that any people can have.”
- Nelson Mandela

PS:
“Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”
- inspirational words from John F Kennedy on the occasion of his inaugeration as President

“Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace. Let our leaders look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become.”

“When people’s hearts are filled with love, the world is overflowing with hope”
- craig

“Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tide and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”

– Teilhard De Chardin

About the submitter:
In his various writings, Craig strives to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through trying to plant ‘tiny seeds of hope’ through sharing ideas and principles. He believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share is way more important than what divides us.

Craig’s new work ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: To attempt to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, tubulent and uncertain world. “A passionate story (and stories) of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.”

Craig is currently writing true stories of life in the Middle East. And as he writes, is posting extracts on his new blog

at craiglock.wordpress.com and
http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at www.lulu.com/craiglock and http://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html

“Peacemakers who sow in peace, will heap a harvest of righteousness.”

- James 2:18

“The peace of the brave is within reach. We are still reaching.”
- Bill Clinton (at the signing of the peace agreement between Israel’s Prime Minister, Yatzik Rabin and Yasser Arafat, leader  of the PLO on the lawn of the White House in 1993)

“Let us reach for the world that ought to be, that spark of the divine, that still stirs within each one of us.”
- the words of Barack Obama in accepting his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway

A Book “Review: The ‘New Middle East’ by Shimon Peres (Part One)

Article Title: A Book “Review: The ‘New Middle East’ by Shimon Peres (Part One)
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Key Words: Shimon Peres, Middle East, Israel, books, politics, world, peace, possibilities for peace
Craig’s new blog is at craiglock.wordpress.com and
http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22
Other Articles are available at:

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and
http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:
This article may be published with acknowledgment to Element Books Ltd .Thank you. All my other articles may be freely published electronically or in print.
*

THE NEW MIDDLE EAST by Shimon Peres with Arye Naor Published in Great Britain by Element Books Ltd 1993

Submitter’s Note:
I am currently reading and researching a fascinating book, ‘THE NEW MIDDLE EAST’ by former Israeli Prime Minister and current President, Shimon Peres (with Arye Naor), especially in the light of current world events. So am sharing some thoughts and ideas of Mr Peres directly sourced from this book (the first three chapters). In “my little way” I’m sharing in the “spirit of just trying to plant tiny seeds, ideas of hope and peace in a current ‘hot-spot’ of the world, a tinderbox.” Hopefully! Whether you agree with the words of Mr Peres written in 1993 or not, I hope you may find these points and notes as revealing and illuminating as I do in attempting to understand this highly complex and volatile region.

*
A BOOK “REVIEW: ‘THE NEW MIDDLE EAST’ by Shimon Peres (with Arye Nao) – PART ONE

THE DAWN OF PEACE

“What is needed is a “Conceptual Revolution”, a re-evaluation of thinking. Peace will only come about as a result of compromise.

We must open our eyes to a new reality, a quantum leap in thinking… and perhaps turn the tide of history. We had to open our eyes to a new reality, to drive away the shadows of the past. But how?

Though we may learn the lessons of history, it is difficult to correct our mistakes. We cannot build a future on the ruins of an old order. We cannot allow the past to shape immutable concepts, that negate our ability to build new roads.

The bilateral negotiations represented hope and focused on reconciliation of past differences: borders, territories, water and land rights, security measures. Don’t let outside countries undermine negotiations. Firstly, we had to get “DOP” = a declaration of principles. Focus on the old views of each side with the aim of settling any differences based on them. Multilateral negotiations looked to the future, seeking to establish a foundation for a new regional framework. Five working groups were set up to cover the following categories: economics, water, refugees, arms control and ecology. Then various steering committees were established to maintain contact among the working groups, especially between meetings. It was an original and constructive approach in the need to reach a declaration of principles (“DOP”).

*

There is NO substitute for negotiation. Arafat would not allow his delegates to retreat from the talks. He also understood that any agreement reached without him would undermine his power and the organisation he headed

Arafat used the declaration of principles to gain the upper hand in the power struggle with his adversaries. Absolute secrecy was a necessity.

But how can we come to an agreement on bilateral recognition, when Hamas denies our very existence?

The dynamics of the negotiations had made them rethink the utility of teror. They too had problems, and they too had to find a happy medium between their goals and their ability to achieve them.

Unlike the West bank, Gaza is not peppered with Israeli settlements. What good is control, if we cannot improve their conditions?

We have to find the spark to ignite the talks, maintain the energy and find a creative solution.

The positions have been clarified. Trust has been generated.

A breakthrough is desperately needed. One that can create a new momentum. We admire a clear vision, a clear vision to the future, we admire your ability to grasp the new in this world… and your genuine ideas that aim at the creation of a new Middle East. We share that with you, in the process of creating a better future for ALL. We are ready to do that, to put our hands in yours to build a stable and flourishing future for your and our future generations.

Sincerely …

*

It was also necessary to clarify the prospects of overall peace in the Middle East, not merely peace between any two of its parties. The Palestinian delegation had demanded that all new Israeli settlements in the teritories be stopped. The PLO was obligated to settle future differences by political negotiation, instead of by violence.

I kept in mind the wise advice of Winston Churchill:
‘It is better to jump across an abyss with one step rather than two.’

‘With the power of power, or with the power of wisdom? Wisdom is better than power. If we all act wisely, the PLO will become a partner in peace instead of an obstacle to it.’

I have always believed that political victories not accompanied by economic benefit stand on very shaky ground. We need to look forward, to construct a framework that holds a potential for happiness for all peoples in the region. It is time to form a new agenda, a stepping-stone from which to leap, higher and further than ever before.

The world has changed… and this change compels us to replace our outdated concepts with an approach tailored to the new reality.

There IS an alternative approach: bilateral and multi-lateral pacts – treaties that cover whole regions. The key to maintaining a safe regional system lies in politics and economics (ie. competitive trade relations, open borders and reliance on science and technology).

Politics should pave the way from pure military strategy to an enriched political and economic repertoire. Leaders need to foster a peaceful environment that creates wealth and goodwill. The scale has tipped in the direction of economics, rather than military might. Economic challenge brings new opportunities created by human intellectual advances. “The ball is in our court.”

*

Our enemies are immersed in religious fundamentalism. Today we are witnessing a renaissance of Islamism, now characterised by opposition to Western values and culture, a retreat from modernism and a call for the use of force to establish an autocratic, suppresive Islamic republic… as a ounter to Western ideology (nationality, socialism, liberalism, economic development, democracy).

The world is at a historic crossroads: one path leads to modernization, individual rights, seperation of church and state, democracy, prosperity; the other leads to messianism, extremism, servitude, totalarianism, irrationality, poverty.

Economic and social development are the criteria for successful democratization of the Middle East. It’s success will open up limitless opportunities in the region. Democratization will put an end to the danger to regional and world peace. But for the democratic process to take hold, we must first overcome poverty and ignorance – the cradle of fundamentalism.

Low income (and GDP), high unemployment, overpopulation and limited production. Diminishing water sources. all give rise to fanaticism, fundamentalism and false messianism The higher the standard of living rises, the lower the level of violence will fall.

The solution to breaking this vicious cycle is clear: crush the barriers of hatred. Decide like Egypt and Israel did years ago: NO MORE WAR, no more bloodshed. Instead of visions of blood and tears, there will rise visions of happiness and beauty, life and peace. We are at a histioric crossroads. Do we choose the path of the tongues of fire, billowing smoke, and rivers of blood, or of blooming deserts, restored wastelands, progress, growth, justice and freedom?

David Ben-Gurion once said that ‘all experts are experts on what already was’. We need experts on what WILL BE.”

The words of Shimon Peres* (in 1993!) Sadly, things have got a lot worse in the Middle East since those “hope filled” days of 1993. The dream was not fulfilled, the vision had not become a reality… because there was not the moral WILL by all parties!

* Shimon Peres is the ninth President of the State of Israel. Peres served twice as Prime Minister of Israel and once as Acting Prime Minister, and has been a member of 12 cabinets in a political career spanning over 66 years. Peres was elected to the Knesset in November 1959 and, except for a three-month-long hiatus in early 2006, served continuously until 2007, when he became President. He is also a former winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 * info from Wikipaedia)

Shared by craig “writing for peace” *

* or at least a more peaceful world

‘just an ordinary person and writer trying to do something’ (“rather impulsively and passionately”) through the power of words and using the amazing technology of the ‘net’.

“Let us not negotiate out of fear, but let us not fear to negotiate.”
- John F Kennedy

“There can be no peace without reconciliation and there can be no reconciliation. without justice.”
- Corazin Aquino (former Prime Minister of the Phillipines)

“If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness.”- Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919, Twenty-Sixth President of the United States of America from 1901-1909, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize

“Wars are poor chisels for carving out a peaceful tomorrow.”
- Martin Luther King, Jnr

“Peace is the greatest weapon for development, that any people can have.”
- Nelson Mandela

PS:
“Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”
- inspirational words from John F Kennedy on the occasion of his inaugeration as President

“Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace. Let our leaders look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become.”

“When people’s hearts are filled with love, the world is overflowing with hope”
- craig

“Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tide and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”

– Teilhard De Chardin

About the submitter:
In his various writings, Craig strives to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through trying to plant ‘tiny seeds of hope’ through sharing ideas and principles. He believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share is way more important than what divides us.

Craig’s new work ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: To attempt to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, tubulent and uncertain world. “A passionate story (and stories) of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.”

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at www.lulu.com/craiglock and http://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html

Craig is currently writing true stories of life in the Middle East. And as he writes, is posting extracts on his new blog

at craiglock.wordpress.com and
http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22

“Peacemakers who sow in peace, will heap a harvest of righteousness.”

- James 2:18

“Let us reach for the world that ought to be, that spark of the divine, that still stirs within each one of us.”
- the words of Barack Obama in accepting his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway

AN INTERVIEW WITH “A WRITER”

AN INTERVIEW WITH “A WRITER”

“I write about the essence of humanity. I also try to impel some kind of action in readers (if that’s possible). So I write about issues that are very important to me. In my stories (true) I try in some small way to break down barriers between people and cultures. We are connected by the shared bond of our common humanity (the African concept of ‘ubuntu’).

I love sport and feel it can be a great way to build bridges  between peoples… and even union between nations. How about a slogan ‘SPORT FOR PEACE’?
(I love this quote from the chairman of the sportwear manufacturer, Adidas: “We are committed to the positive values found in sport: performance, passion, team work and fair play.”

I’m currently writing a sports book, partly autobiographical, which I may call ‘Driven’! I “work” on (I know it’s not really  work) on a number of manuscripts at a time with various subjects and themes. Then I jump from one to the next “as the fancy takes me” (my dear mother always said I had a “butter-fly mind”).

In my stories I include universal themes, ones like justice, freedom and truth… which always overcomes brute power… ultimately.

I believe that religion divides; whereas truth unites.
(ie. unity in truth). God’s greatest gift to us is to find and follow our own truths (ie. the power of choice). I think the way we live is far more important than what each one of us believes (“the principles you live by create the world you, we live in.”)
So I have a passion for mutual tolerance and “moderation”.

*
In my stories I try to show the extra-ordinary in seemingly ‘ordinary’ lives, as revealed by the generous spirits, together with the exceptional strength and courage of so many ordinary people in their daily struggles along the sometimes very hard, yet often so satisfying journey that is called life.

Also my books have themes of forgiveness, love, strving towards  a more peaceful world…and so on.
You don’t have to forget the past in order to move forward.
(“Have forgiveness for the past, strength for today and hope for the future”).

These threads of hope are evident throughout my various books. Perhaps, because I was for a time in my life “drowning in an ocean of despair”). I wanted to bring in that metaphor, somehow).

In the trough of despair, I was inspired by words of upliftment from some great speakers and writers.
“The great lift the human spirit to be more than it is.”

Yes, hope is irresistable. I love writing about the strength of spirit in the human heart, the love of God made manifest. As I believe that everyone has the capacity, the potential to manifest God’s ultimate nature (ie. love).

My latest work, the one I’m currently “writing” is a true story, or rather numerous stories with eternal truths (after 60 years on the planet, you get to learn a bit). It’s a story, or stories of a transformation of heart (and hearts). The redemptive power of love… and a new heart, a new awakened spirit. One that brings hope for a new beginning – one not divided by the past, but with hope for the future.

In the dedication I have already written.

“I love you in the very special way that I’ve written about in these pages.”

“To all who believe love rules…
stand up and let it shine.”

I try to plant tiny seeds of hope. I thought a good title may be: ‘From Seeds of Hope to Endless Possibilities’… or perhaps
‘Endless Possibilities, Far and Great Horizons’. Perhaps I’ll use both… or just write another book.

It was as if I was floating on a cloud of infinite possibilities( how’s that for a metaphor, btw?

Do you have a publisher?

No, I just have faith, that this manuscript will get out to the world… some day. I simply feel Infinite Spirit  is with me (like a “co-creator”) guiding me each step of the journey.  I TRUST… fully!
(“And surrender does not mean quitting!)

“Failure doesn’t mean that I have failed. It just means that I haven’t succeeded… YET!)

To end off (I have another interview scheduled shortly)…

Many small (yet significant) steps by many people will eventually reach their destination, their unique destinies.”

A writer
*
“The peace of the brave is within reach. We are still reaching.”
- Bill Clinton (at the signing of the peace agreement between Israel’s Prime Minister, Yatzik Rabin and Yasser Arafat, leader  of the PLO on the lawn of the White House in 1993)

“Let us reach for the world that ought to be, that spark of the divine that stil stirs in each of our souls.”
- the words of US President Barack Obama in accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo

These are some of my favourite quotations (many from authors unknown), that daily inspire me, so will share…

“Failure doesn’t mean that I have failed. It just means that I haven’t succeeded… YET!)

“Every problem has a spiritual solution.”

We can choose to do the highest good for the greatest number (ALL??) people.”

Mandela freedom quote

“We learn far more from our tears than our laughter.”

“Keep true to the dreams of your youth.”
- Friedrich Schiller, German philosopher and writer

“Try not to become a man* of success, but a person of value”
- Einstein
* I guess he meant both men and women!

“We are committed to the positive values found in sport: performance, passion, team work and fair play.”
- head of Adidas Group

“Beyond success to significance.”

“The principles you live by create the world you live in.”

“Those who stand up for justice will always be on the right side of history.”

“My life is my message.”
- Mahatma Gandhi

“Live simply, so that others may simply live.”
- Mahatma (Mohandas) Gandhi

“We can all be great, because we can all serve.”
- Mother Theresa (and Martin Luther King)

“The great lift the human spirit to be more than it is.”

“If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness.”
- Franklin D Roosevelt

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
- Mahatma Gandhi (and Lance Armstrong)

“Let your spirit shine through these words”

“Embrace the light …within.”

“In the midst of darkness, light exists.”

“A darkness, that we will illuminate with our hearts.”

“The peace of the brave is within reach. We are still reaching.”
- Bill Clinton

“You, your life is the dream.”

“Do your best,
never give up…
and don’t take yourself too seriously.”

SEE A NEW BOOK TAKE SHAPE AND FORM

SEE A NEW BOOK TAKE SHAPE AND FORM

Author’s Note

The “reporter” is presently “working on” (it’s not really “work” for him) his latest novel set in the Middle East. The manuscript comprises various interviews (real, factual) with a “reporter” (“international correspondent”). These “interviews” DID take place and are based on some true and inspiring stories of the indomitable will, together with the unquenchable human spirit of some ‘ordinary’ people put in extra-ordinary situations.. through fate, destiny, or what we may call life *.
* As Woody Allen once famously said, ‘Life is what happens in between making other plans’. Enough jollity and back to your serious point, “Khatieb”…

Most importantly, each interview, each story reveals an unconquerable spirit that lies within each one of us, if “called/drawn upon”, as told against the backdrop of a troubled, yet exciting and vibrant Middle East.

In this “work”, this “labour of love”, I try to show the extraordinary that is ever-present in “apparently ordinary” lives, as revealed by the generous spirits, the exceptional strength and courage of so many ‘ordinary’ people in their daily struggles along the sometimes (and often) very hard, yet amazing and sometimes so satisfying journey, that is called life.

And as the “reporter/international correspondent” writes this manuscript, he is sharing and posting extracts on his WordPress blog. craiglock.wordpress.com and

http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22

Enjoy

“Khatieb, a humble reporter”

*         *

THE CAULDRON THAT IS THE MIDDLE EAST… TODAY. ALWAYS??

A Synopsis (big word)

I write about the essence of humanity. I write to impel some
sort of action in readers.

A true story, a transformation of heart with eternal truths.

Hope for a new beginning – one not divided by the past, but with hope for the future.

I don’t know the direction, how my story will play out… nor the ending. I just write “as I go”.
Perhaps it should be called “The Never Ending Story”

Themes and authors “building blocks”:

# The redemptive power of love – A NEW HEART

# God’s greatest gift to us is to find our own truths.

# Threads of hope – because hope is irresistable.

In short, a story of renewal and transformation.

“Keep true to the dreams of your youth.”
- Friedrich Schiller (German philosopher and writer)

“Try not to become a man of success, but a person of value.”
- Albert Einstein

HEROES OF THE MIDDLE EAST (AND ASIA)

Tags: Heroes,  Middle East, Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Malalai Joya, reporter, “Khalieb”, new book

Author’s Note

The “reporter” is presently “working on” (it’s not really “work” for him) his latest novel set in the Middle East. The manuscript comprises various interviews (real, factual) with a “reporter” (“international correspondent”). These “interviews” DID take place and are based on some true and inspiring stories of the indomitable will, together with the unquenchable human spirit of some ‘ordinary’ people put in extra-ordinary situations.. through fate, destiny, or what we may call life *.
* As Woody Allen once famously said, ‘Life is what happens in between making other plans’. Enough jollity and back to your serious point, “Khatieb”…

Most importantly, each interview, each story reveals an unconquerable spirit that lies within each one of us, if “called/drawn upon”, as told against the backdrop of a troubled, yet exciting and vibrant Middle East.

In this “work”, this “labour of love”, I try to show the extraordinary that is ever-present in “apparently ordinary” lives, as revealed by the generous spirits, the exceptional strength and courage of so many ‘ordinary’ people in their daily struggles along the sometimes (and often) very hard, yet amazing and sometimes so satisfying journey, that is called life.

And as the “reporter/international correspondent” writes this manuscript, he is sharing and posting extracts on his WordPress blog. craiglock.wordpress.com and

http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22

Enjoy

“Khatieb, a humble reporter”

*         *

HEROES OF THE MIDDLE EAST (AND ASIA)

“We learn more from our tears than our laughter.”

AN AFGHAN WOMAN

Malalai Joya, the youngest woman ever to be elected in Afghanistan, and she was swiftly banned from taking her seat, because she kept speaking up for the people who elected her – against the violent fundamentalist warlords our governments have put in charge of the country. They keep trying to murder her, but she said:
“I don’t fear death, I fear remaining silent in the face of injustice… I am ready, wherever and whenever you might strike.”

“You can cut down the flower, but nothing can stop the coming of the spring.”

*    *

ANOTHER “DISSIDENT”

“Though I’m not a Christian I often recall the words of Mother Teresa (in accepting her Nobel Peace Prize).  They give me strength, when I struggle with hope:

‘Lord,
Let me love rather than be loved,
in forgiving we give (to God)…
and in dying we are given eternal life.’”

*
“God doesn’t require us to succeed; he only requires that you try.”
- Mother Teresa

“Lord, make me a channel of thy peace;
that where there is hatred, I may bring love;
that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
that where there is error, I may bring truth;
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
that where there is despair, I may bring hope;
that where there are shadows, I may bring light;
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted;
to understand, than to be understood;
to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds.
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.
It is by dying that one awakens to eternal life.
Amen.”
- St Francis of Assisi
(as well as the full extract of Mother Teresa’s words in accepting her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo)

thanks mom, your spirit lives on… forever

*

A MYANMAR (formerly named Burma) DISSIDENT
(who has been imprisoned and under house arrest for many years)

“If need be, I am prepared to give my life for democracy in my country. But so many people have sacrificed much more than me”, said the softly-spoken attractive middle-aged woman.

All of us people scattered on this planet are connected by a thread – which is the common bond of our shared humanity.

You don’t have to forget the past in order to move forward.   People, both rich and poor, everyone needs hope, because hope is irresistable.

So we need to be able to forgive people, authorities,the regime for the past, the transgressions, injustices, those kind of things. The strength of spirit to do that comes from the human heart, God, a Higher Power. With God’s spirit we then have strength for the present and have hope in the future…

Khalieb, truth ultimately overcomes power…eventually, always.
As Gandhi said, ‘in the midst of darkness, light exists’.

It’s a darkness that we will illuminate with our hearts.”

Many small (yet significant) steps by many people will eventually reach their destination, their destiny.

And on my epitaph, I would like written:
‘Here lies a humanist who tried her very best’.”
*

All these heroes of the Middle East (and Asia) have the conquering, the unconquerable spirit of a champion of life.

* * *

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
- Mahatma Gandhi (and Lance Armstrong)

“Those who stand up for justice, will always be on the right side of history.”
- MLK

“Those whom you seek to change, you must first love.”
- Dr Martin Luther King, Jnr

“Wars are poor chisels for carving out a peaceful tomorrow.”
- MLK

“Let us reach for the world that ought to be, that spark of the divine that still stirs within each of our souls.”
- Barack Obama (in accepting his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway)