"Equality is the public recognition, effectively expressed in institutions and MANNERS, of the principle that an equal degree of attention is due to the needs of all human beings." Simone Weil (emphasis mine)

Equality is something that we all say we are for, but when it comes to displaying it, too often we fall short. Our deficiency shows in the choice of persons we talk to and befriend, pushing through a crowd to secure the best seat for ourselves, or in the way we drive. And in politics, equality is frequently only for those with whom we agree.

Simone Weil has said it well, but the scripture says it better: "Consider others more important than yourselves." That's going a step further and a great challenge. It starts with me.

I have a unique opportunity to visit Russia for two weeks in September. As part of a small team, my participation will include giving workshops on community and family conflict resolution at a university.

Over the last few years, a friend of mine, along with several others, has gone there and given workshops on topics that include English grammar and idioms, U.S. history and civics, and ethics. The intention of teaching in the universities has been to connect with students who are hungry to improve their English skills, then to spend time with them in the evenings getting to know them better by taking them to McDonalds, bowling, or hanging out at the apartment playing games and eating. Peanut butter is a big hit since it’s difficult to purchase there.

On a note to the team, a young man wrote: “Thank you very much for what are you doing! We very appreciate it! We count dsys until you will come…and try to enlarge the time when you are here...”Another student wrote in a letter, “when I close eyelids I felt sunny day when you visit us.” Is it any wonder my friend returns?

The budget for this trip includes transportation, housing, meals, treating the students, and workshop materials, and amounts to approximately $2500. I’m attempting to raise support by contacting anyone who may be interested in a project of this type. Whether or not you’re able to give financially, I would be grateful for your prayers as I prepare for and venture out to this—for me—strange part of the world.

If you desire to contribute toward this opportunity, or would like additional information, I’d be glad to answer your questions if you reply to this post or the email address on my profile page. Thank you.

I just finished listening to Agatha Christie’s “Murder in Mesopotamia” and, as with all her books, I completely enjoyed the ride. The author’s quirky humor through Hercule Poirot is enchanting.

Twice I listened to tape one before going on the second because I always miss many of the clues the first time through. I’m more interested in the plot than the character details. And then the second time, with the story in the background, I focus on the tiny details where the clues are always hidden.

As relationships evolve, I find I do something similar. It’s the big picture that’s at first interesting—appearance, career, family status, etc. Then once those things become familiar and the conversations move to a deeper level, the person’s soul begins to unravel, layer after layer when “knowing” the person actually takes place. Things that were hidden and mysterious at first rise to the surface as each “clue” helps to make sense of the whole picture.

Once in a while when my curiosity gets the better of me, I’ll skip to the last chapter of a book to see how the story ends. It would be helpful if we could do that with people too.

French philosopher Simone Weil said, “All sins are attempts to fill voids.” I’ve been giving that some thought and I suppose it’s true. Pride would be void of self worth, and deceit or dishonesty would indicate a void of a perceived need, whether it’s material or emotional. Lust would be a replacement for love and acceptance.

So often our perceived needs are lies we believe that are really just a substitute for God’s love and recognition. We lack the comfort found in Psalm 23 when “He makes us lie down in green pastures,” the place where we can find comfort and contentment.

Often we run too fast to rest “beside the still waters” of God’s presence where we can realize the basis of our worth, commit our needs to the Lord, and find the unconditional love and acceptance we hunger for.