And the effect of righteousness will be peace...

This is a catechism adapted from the writings of Adin Ballou, whose work was used by Tolstoy in his The Kingdom of God Is Within You. It takes the form of question-and-answer to explain simply but thoroughly the idea that violence, accompanied by our well reasoned excuses for it, is strictly opposed by Jesus. The writings and example of those who question such a basic part of human civilization as violence serve as an unsettling challenge to us Braveheart and Gladiator fans.

Q: Where does the phrase "non-resistance" come from?
A: From the command, "Do not resist the one who is evil."

HOSPITALity

I was healed, cut, comforted, and visited.
When I was there, I was not feeling well and was tired from pain medication. The last thing I wanted to do was socialize and I wasn't much to talk to when others came. They came though. Lots of people. Mother, Father, sister, wife, Waton & Enslie, David. Will, Robbie, Patrick, Drew, Matt, Brian...
I felt like I needed to be hospitable.
I had nothing to offer. No energy to entertain. I could only receive. I became poor and got to encounter my community and family who love me as weak, poor, embarrassed, and humbled and I realized the strength and presence of God's love in them in a new and powerful way.

Be greatful & share

I was just in the hospital for a stomach ache. I went first to a walk-in doctor on a Saturday morning. I had had three days of stomach pains. On the second night i took laxatives and it flushed me out but the pain was still there. I felt embarrassed going to a doctor for a stomach ache at all. The doctor also acted like it was nothing. "Well, I'll test your blood, since you came in.." She comes back, "Your white count is kinda high. You should go to the ER." I thought to myself, "Sit in the Emergency room with a stomach ache? I'll never get in." So i went to the smallest hospital I could think about. Probably a good idea by the way.

I ended up having appendicitis and had my appendix removed.

This could be a deadly condition if it ruptures inside of you. Mine did and they washed me out.



Many in this world don't get these "inconvenient" doctors visits.... and they die. One of many preventable illnesses that kill 30,000 children every day. Some are more easily preventable....like starvation.