Purpose vs Survival

As I lay in the bath last night I was wondering about the difference between people working to survive and people working to live out their gifts and callings. The second group are definitely the happiest group because money has a very short satisfaction span. When you do that which you love, and you did not delve yourself into debt, you are generally satisfied with having little. The problem comes in when the wordly attractions lure us into buying things that we cannot really afford at the time. Then we need the money to pay and the job, which we love, cannot pay for that and we have to do something we dont really want to do. We sell our birthright to fit into the picture that the consumerist, capitalist, materialist west tells us to. We prostitute ourselves to the cravings of the world. Is it so important to do what you really like doing? Yes, it is such a part of who you are that you cannot ignore the emptiness inside that is created when ignoring the desire to fulfill your creative destiny. There are times when we do other things, not what we want or are gifted to do, but it should be short term and we should plan to get to the place where we pursue that thing which defines us. We all have a thumbprint of God in our life, that one thing that sets you apart from the rest. It is manifest through abilities, passions and interests. Do not ignore these or you will be ignoring the one who created you and you will ignore your own identity. Dont let a false sence of responsibility drive you to make more money or whatever. Be yourself, find the fingerprint of God in your life.

Development = Worldview

I have seen yet again that education and money does not automatically bring development to a nation. I am working in a country where there is good educational institutions, but the development is slow. People's worldview is not always changed by their education or economic status. We as Christians need to bring the biblical worldview to our nations and that would transform our societies. Zimbabwe is the country with the highest educational level in Africa and it is in a poor state, the leaders of the nation are educated, but they cannot develop a nation because their basic assumptions of life, God and reality are flawed. Let us continue to love, inspire and exhort people and see our continent shape into the world leader it is supposed to be.

Bring the Good News

I am again reminded that we are to be the bearers of good news. Development of people is good news and it should always be good news. People who are constantly struggling to survive and who have no chance to pursue their own life calling are not enjoying the good news. The factors hindering development should be dealt with ruthlessly and therefore each of us has the opportunity to remove the stumbling blocks out of the way of those trying to rise up. Forcing integration and empowerment will not have the effect it intends to have, in fact, it will possibly cause more rebellion. Therefore we as a church should be the ones bridging the gap between the poor and the rich, the white man and the black man and all other divides that exists. Christ reconciled us to the Father and we have been given the mandate to take that reconciliation to the whole world. As people respond to God and come to Him they meet each other at the place of peace. If they refuse to be united to others then they still don't know the Father, as His love covers all and unites all. The poor can find inspiration and creative ideas with the Father and He can provide for them and raise them up.

Till later
Skalla

Destiny vs. Materialism

Today we are sitting at a crossroads as humankind. We as a human race have achieved so much through the industrial revolution and the period that followed, but today, are we richer as a people? We have sacrificed individual worth and calling for globalized business systems, we have built business empires at the expense of marriages and children's lives and we have traded community for secluded isolated lives. Is this it? Well, if this is it then I am afraid we have missed the mark. We have missed the plot! You and I, each one of us, need to come to the point where we look at who we are and decide what is more important, earning a secure salary or pursuing the calling of God upon your life. Money and riches follows destiny, but our destiny is not money and riches. They are a product of a fruitful life aligned to the design of God. Look at your life today, are you doing that thing that makes you tick? Are you excited to get up every day and go to work? A small business with lower profits, but with peace and space, is more valuable than a life chasing after riches. Solomon said that a little bread with peace is better than riches that come with trouble. Riches is God's plan, but they are secondary and only a means to an end, they are not the end. Chew on this and respond if you want.

Till later
Skalla

Politics versus Progress

I find it sad to see that the success of our fledgling democracy is balancing on a knife edge and this mainly due to political games being played at top levels of government. Party politics take precedence over the future of the people of the country. This is indeed a sad day in history. Our freedom as a nation, which was won through bloodshed and prayer, is compromised by people in power who only want to advance their own agendas. I suggest that the church arise and take a stand against such blatant disregard for human development. The fact is that the poor and less fortunate people will be the ones taking the biggest knock in it all. Our nation needs to say to the politicians, "kom by of klim uit". This means, either you change your ways or get of the way. There are people with the right motives who can do the job better. Let us keep on seeking a positive solution to our problems and keep working at making our nation "rise".

Being salt and light

This last few weeks I have again realized the intense need, pain and desperation that exists all around us. We as Christians sit with the answers to all of our world's problems, in the bible. Also we have the mind of Christ which means we can get good ideas from Him to change our world. The church should rise up and be counted. We simply cannot leave the task up to government as they are not capable of doing it.

Do they need more money

I look at the developmental challenges that our nation has and I realize that it is so hampered by political games. It is not only here in SA, but in fact a global phenomena. The government, who has the money, is controlled by politicians and not by managers or philanthropists and those who have the power would like to remain in power. The way they can remain in power is by trying to buy favor from the masses with the taxpayers money. So they promise certain things and if the people scream they have to give the people what they want or else there will be violence. People have developed a GIVE ME OR ELSE mentality in our nation and this is so dangerous. It is dangerous because it is not sustainable. People have been brainwashed to have an "entitlement" mentality. If we look at human development and the things that hinders it then entitlement is a major stumbling block to progress. We need to get the politicians to a place where they will listen to the development planners and not just keep the masses quiet. Sometimes you have to offend people in order for them to go forward in life.

Time is here

Friends, this is the time to turn to Jesus with all our hearts. He is waiting for the masses to turn to Him. He paid a high price to redeem the world. Let us do all we can to let people know this. I realize more and more how the world is so lost. People are looking everywhere for answers and the wrong answers are everywhere, just watch the TV for a day. Our nation is desperate for change. People are screaming for blood, but what they need is reconciliation, with God and with mankind. We have the answer to all the questions.

Elections

I believe we as Christians should start making serious effort to daily pray for our government. We need to pray who we should vote for at the next elections and we should pray that the wrong people get out of politics. God is interested in bringing goodness to our communities and those leaders who jeopardizes that ideal should be shown the door. So pray with me for our nation and the government.

White, black - get it out...

The constant focus of white/black etc is a disgrace to this nation. Dedicated people gave all they had to set the nation free from racism and the new government has multiplied it ten times. The people of SA would not be at all race focussed if it was not for our government. It is as if racial classification plays a more prominent role now than before. What went wrong? I would say that we should get new people into government as those who are there are not there for the people, but for themselves. Let us elect officials who care for our cities, provinces and nation. Let them understand that we are fed-up with the racism and we DEMAND that they act in a respectful way towards all people. If you go to nations like Brazil and see how many different people live and interact there you would be amazed. I had some friends from Brazil in our home over December and they said it was so disturbing to see the constant focus on the white/black issue. It is the language of the day. Let us rise up and uproot it.

Justice vs. Forgiveness

Something that I have seen in the last few years is the increase in people demanding justice from the whites. What I find disturbing is the complete inability to see that forgiveness is far more constructive than the demand for justice. Now I agree, people who have committed crimes against other people during apartheid could be placed on trial for their actions and it would have a certain level of healing effect, but I have experienced in life that when you forgive you are set free. If you don't forgive YOU become the slave. Not the one who committed the offense. I definitely don't downplay the atrocities committed during the apartheid years, it was very real and very evil, but for this nation to become a first world leader we would all need to lay down that dark past and move on. We acknowledge the blood and commitment of the freedom fighters who gave all for the cause, thank you to all of them. But I know this, if this nation can rise up en masse and forgive, we will see the most powerful transformation on all levels of society. Let us remember that One went before us and He also endured injustice and He was God. He forgave us, no strings attached, now we can forgive.

Moral Regeneration

This is a word that our government has come up with for this nation, but that has no weight if you look at the lifestyles of those using such language. Just attend any government function and look at the number of ladies (from the streets) get employment for those days, look at the corruption and the things people stand for. IT is actually more of a joke. Like the anti-smoking bill. I don't smoke, don't intend to start either, but why don't they rather outlaw corruption, prostitution murder and so on. It does not make sense. We are majoring on minors and ignoring the real majors.

till later
skalla

Celebrated and Rejected in a few minutes

People are interesting, we are all different and I am so happy. Everywhere I move I meet people who embrace me, from all different race groups, but then in the same day that you were celebrated you could meet this other guy. You see them on a mile, they are just oozing bitterness. In fact they are bitter, their experiences and their past and their social environment makes them bitter and they just go at your neck like a dog in a dogfight. They want to humiliate you just because you are white. Without finding out who you are they label you b4 knowing u. You have the choice how to respond, and the best is love,,, always love.. Many of us are offered the opportunity to go to another country and live their and you don't get the racial card played 10 times a day, but we don't want to,. we are here to make a difference in the country and the continent and we will push to make our voices heard as we have good news to share. There is HOPE for SA.

BEE

I am pro-empowerment, that is my bread and butter and my business, but I do think that a lot of what is portrayed as BEE is not worth much. I've seen too many BEE companies get contracts to do some project out in the Transkei or somewhere and then don't do the work right and the community receiving the service is not benefiting, but the company did. Those people in those villages care less if it is a white man or black man that is building the road or dam, they just want water, toilets or a road. They want to be treated with dignity. It horrifies me to see the way some of these companies have treated the community members. The fact is that we (white people) do have some skills that will benefit the country. The white guys that I work with in my field, engineers, town planners etc are all people who have compassion for the communities they are working in. They invest themselves into those communities and projects and render a high level of service. There are BEE companies who have the same values, many of them, and I grant them the blessing, but there are those who get work based on race classification and not on skill or character.

Human Value

Eish I look at people and am constantly amazed at the awesome design. We have so much going for us! What amazes me also is that we use that amazing ability and genius to enrich ourselves at the expense of others. We are busy filling the atmosphere with CO2 emissions and the list goes on. Our mandate to rule over the earth as documented in Gen 1:26 was to rule over creation and creatures like animals, fish and birds. We were not to rule over people as people should rule over their own lives. We should use our skills and abilities to speak up for that which is good. To uncover the hidden treasures in our neighbors and to invest in things that will give our neighbor a boost fwd. We can shape our own future in such a way that we take other along on our way up, not only look at my own future and ambition, but also care for someone else's future. My challenge, think who you can take upward in life with you. Maybe your employees, friend, cleaning lady, etc. By the way, if your cleaning lady still sweeps after some years you have failed in developing her. Let her start by sweeping and end up managing some part of your business or home. It is rewarding...

Being a Voice that brings change

It is important for me that we as SA'ns speak out against unjust behaviour of our leaders, but we are also warned not to be judgemental. I have seen too many times in life that when we judge others we also do the very same things. We also should not sow words that brings division, but rather speak that which will shed light on darkness and that will point in the right direction. I know we all, especially me, get caught up on the wrong side of these talks and I can get critical, but I have to resist the urge as it will not help. The only thing that bitter talk would accomplish is to make rebelious people more rebelious. We cannot swallow whatever we are fed and be told to be satisfied with what we have been dealt. We are to take authority over our nation, put people in leadership whose characters have showed that they can be there and get the others changed or out. Easy to say,,, how do we do that and remain salt and light. Think on that.

till later
skalla

Dream to rise

I have wondered why it seems like some people are just not interested in developing themselves. They are somehow just satisfied to remain in their current condition, even though they don't like it and complain about it all the time. We are all born to reach a better life and to have what it takes to be fulfilled, healthy and provided for. Having, or not having, a vision for the future is a major key to self improvement. We who do have this understanding should help others to learn to think bigger, better and forward. Help them unpack the rubbish that society has taught them and let them find that unique factor that makes them different from all other people.

till later
skalla

Political games hindrance to development

The very people who profess to want to develop the poor and needy are also one of the major hindrances to development. Politicians with their empty rhetoric on job creation and service delivery has numbed people to the prospect of self determination. They have made promises to masses in order to get votes, but it is not their mandate to provide jobs etc. This causes the condition where people just look at government for their needs and they demand it, right now. They will become the government's biggest opposer in the future because they were deceived by the politicians and the politicians should have followed the advise of their academics that said that people needs to determine their own future and must play the major role in making it happen. Okay, thats a mouthful to think about.

till later
skalla

Governments need prayer

I was just about to post a comment on a blog at our daily newspaper concerning some government issues when I realized that I was planning to criticize the government. I asked myself if that was what Jesus said we should do. I know there are many reasons to criticize and the urge is strong, but it will not help in the long run. What will help is if the church of Jesus stands up and take their divine authority and resist the sick spirit that perverts government. We should not allow this to continue, but we can only really win the battle in the Spirit. So fellow Christians, let us pray for our government to see the truth and turn from darkness.

till later

skalla

The Seed

I am always edified when i read about the seed concept. God placed the seed for all of life's goodness in our life. We each possess something, the X factor, that sets us apart from others. That factor is the fingerprint of God in each one's life. His design and invention. Once we find out we are made in His image, cut from the rock as Isaiah 51:1 says, then we can release the God given ability and authority in this earth and transform it into a garden where The King and His Kingdom rules. Then we experience the design and blessing of the Kings intentions. What is in you, who are you? Release it and see what happens! Be ready for a surprise journey!

till later
skalla

Why are people not interested in development?

I find it so strange that so many people are just aiming for survival when we were created for dominion and rulership. People are more interested in having what everyone else has and they dont take possession of the greater things, such as influence and authority. Godly authority increases in your life as you start finding out that it has always been there, since Genesis 1:26. I experienced the saddest thing the other day,. we are doing a development project in a rural part of SA and we need to train these community members in something that they will earn money for and that is critical for our project to proceed. The people were so demanding that we must give them transport money to get to the training and we must give em food etc. No excitement or self determination to add something from their side. this is a sure recipe for failure. WE ALL need to realize that our progression in life is 100% on our own shoulders, but it is as easy as recognize it and then walking it out with God, who makes ways where there seem to be no way.

till later
skalla

Strike, help, what is going on?

I am curiously watching the news to see what is going to come from the strikes in South Africa. I support the workers who are all just hoping for a better life and rewards for their hard work and efforts, and on the other side you have children who have to write exams and are scared they will not have enough time, and the intimidation and so so many things happening. So many dimensions and everybody only sees the view that affects them. This all in the light of the massive pay increases given to parliamentarians and higher level officials, it is no wonder that people are disillusioned. The only ones paying the price for this is the poor. The top government officials get enough money, the workers lose, but will hopefully gain in the end and the poor lose all the way!

I can see that SA is still in so many ways a place where everyone just wants his own wealth to increase. Freedom fighters fought for many years to be liberated from white oppression and then the new government repeats so many of the patterns of the old. Ensuring that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer and of course the higher level officials with power have to take the cream, because they can.

When will we learn that a nations is only "good" if the poor has access to a better life. We can never make someone get off his jack and work, but we don't have to make it impossible for them to get into the market either. Employment creation is not government's work, and will never be, but a healthy pro-small-person-with-little-money environment makes it easier for someone to try. I am from a middle income environment and I consider myself hard-working and creative, and I am having a battle making a business work and to earn enough to survive in a country where the cost of living rises daily. H0w does a pooooooooor person with no access to capital and that struggles for daily survival just start a business, or get work. Let us be realistic, we are still alive in SA because God is gracious and many people are praying for the country. It is not due to the government efficiency or anything else.

The answer to our Nation lies in the hearts of the people of the country. Those with access to capital and who own businesses should always look at how to increase their staff, pay them better and improve their skills and education. We are constantly helping our cleaning ladies to start businesses or the garden man to do something or our employees to go further. Yes, it costs, as we have to get new people then, but what a pleasure. Meet someone new and give them the same opportunity. Start looking beyond your own survival and own riches and you will see that there is something better than a fat belly, fancy car and expensive shoes - to give of yourself. It is the greatest discovery that you will make. Why did you risk your life to liberate the country, was it to become a parasite or to make a significant impact?

till later....

skalla

The willpower element is key to development

I went to watch my daughter at their dress rehearsal for their ballet on Friday and I noticed a key element, that was not new to me, of developing people. I have pondered about it a lot in the past and about it's value, but it was made so practical to me at this event. The ballet class has about 10 girls of different cultural groups, income groups and various shapes and sizes. My daughter has a perfectly shaped body for this activity and so she can trot and run over the wooden floor with grace and with almost no sound. There were however 2 other girls that caught my attention. The one has Down's Syndrome and the other one is quite bigger (podgy) than the other girls. Her Ballet dress is not so flattering and she looks out compared to the rest of the skinny cats. The things is though that these two girls, with the handicaps, had so much passion for the ballet. They couldn't glide across the floor or do the moves as gracefully as my daughter, but they had heart. They wanted to be there, they had fun. They wanted to do ballet because it was nice for them. I'm glad that they have such a wonderful teacher that has the patience to help and keep saying the same things and always building the girls. The unfair things is that there are also girls, with perfect bodies for the activity, that does not put the same amount of effort into their ballet. They can do the moves okay, but they are only there because mommy said so.
With human development it is the same. Some people have all the opportunities and belong to the right socio-economic group, but they have no interest in going fwd in life or to really develop themselves. They are quite happy to just survive and climb the ladder that society has determined for them. We all need to get to the place where we see the thing that will make us most complete and give us satisfaction and we must pursue that. It will take a price, sometimes a big one, but it is so important. The same with communities. We cannot arrive at a community with a brilliant economic development initiative and then the community just has to take what we wanna give em. They should buy into the idea, conceptualize it and agree that this will lead to their future advancement and realization of personal dreams. Unfortunately many people don't have the urge to develop and that hinders efforts, but i have found that with some "counsel" and encouragement, even those often get a dream.

Anyway, there is another piece of idea to chew on. It is actually a whole lot of ideas combined, but we will unpack it all with time.

till later...

skalla

The Cornerstone of Development

The cornerstone of development is IDENTITY. If a person cannot find his/her identity then they will always be slave to someone or something. I am poor and I need a person with money to help me. Fact is that such a person will not go fwd and develop even if they receive money, or even employment. Unemployment is bad, but it is not the worst of all evils. The giant to attack is the loss of value and identity. The class, social, financial ideological and political systems of our world have classified people in categories. You are from poor class, middle class or whatever and therefore you have a certain amount of respect or authority. Your identity is connected to something external. This will keep you enslaved even if you earn a good income. The rich needs these kinds of employees in order to control productivity and order in the company and so they are not too eager that people find themselves and grow more assertive. Once we find that seed, gift, ability and image that is in us by birth, that natural inclination, and we follow that, we are on the road to freedom and development. We need to find the fingerprint of our Maker in us. Identity is all about knowing origin and purpose for being created. Once that is uncovered, or even just a realization that such a thing exists, it releases energy, passion and zeal to go fwd. Then money is only a means to an end and not the end. Employment is then also seen in a different light. WE ARE NOT ON EARTH TO SURVIVE, BUT TO CO-CREATE.

till later....
skalla

Development Talk

I am passionate about human development and obviously also work in that field. It gives me great pleasure to see a person grow from point a to point b and the discoveries that they make in that process. I am always thinking of new ways of developing and uplifting the poor communities and nations. I see many challenges, but I also know that there are answers. The answers are not always easy to impliment and would take a global effort of selflessness to move the mountains out of the way for the poor to stand up. Our economic views have become greater than our human compassion and that is why I say that it would take a massive turn-about of world affairs to bring significant changes in this respect. Anyway, I am planning to post weekly articles in this Blogspot relating to development and would invite others to join me in the discussions. I dont want to argue with people and have people try and prove me wrong, I would like to see people who have a similar heart to find answers to interact with me.

Greetings till next time..

skalla