#May Peace Prevail on Earth

[anime-to-the-t]

[babythegod]

[searching4sarahtonin]

On this, the last night of Chanukah, may we all be a light for each other in dark places. May we treasure one another and live generously. May we embrace the hope that we may endure and persist, and that peace shall prevail on earth. May we all find that the strength within us burns brighter and longer than we ever thought possible. Long may we shine.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

We have forgotten how to pray according to Scripture

by Dustin Benge

Let David teach us the prayers we need to pray in our current world:

“Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.” Psalm 3:7

“Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous.” Psalm 7:9-10

“Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men!” Psalm 9:19-20

“Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till you find none.” Psalm 10:15

“Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword.” Psalm 17:13

“Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it! And let the net that he hid ensnare him; let him fall into it—to his destruction!” Psalm 35:8

“Let death steal over them; let them go down to Sheol alive; for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.” Psalm 55:15

“O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord!” Psalm 58:6

“Consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, that they may know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth.” Psalm 59:13

“Let their own table before them become a snare; and when they are at peace, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see, and make their loins tremble continually. Pour out your indignation upon them, and let your burning anger overtake them. May their camp be a desolation; let no one dwell in their tents. For they persecute him whom you have struck down, and they recount the pain of those you have wounded. Add to them punishment upon punishment; may they have no acquittal from you. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous.” Psalm 69:22-28

[bon2bonn]

I'll Carry Your Throne , My Moon Child . DR³

King!Daniel Ricciardo X Queen!Reader

🗡️���� X 🌑✨👑

Moon warrior/knight!Daniel X Moon Goddess!reader au! .

Words count : 800 .

He was the earth and she was his Moon , his Queen , and his Goddess . destined to be but still far from reach as fate withheld their happiness from flourishing . Still they held on their love and still he remembers his Vow .

*Another WIP that won't see the light of day 💔, I still hope that one day I'll complete it or try to at least.

He kneeled on one knee before her at the gates, fully adorned in his black armour with his band of knights behind him doing the same . The light of dawn peeked upon the castle walls as she stood along with the advisors to see their King and his trusted soldiers off , the situation in the western border was escalating rapidly and they needed to put an end to it , the people were suffering and it's their king's duty to be the hand to ensure that it's dealt with.

The advisors gave their opinions and guidance to affirm the authority of the crown and secure the borders in the face of the avarice of the neighbouring kingdom , so sooner than expected the king and his troops were set to depart to the west ,and much to the Queen's disagreement and reluctant approval they packed and were ready to depart but not before their Queen's blessings . Accustomed to the old traditions before every departure the Queen gives her blessings and a prayer to the Moon to guide and protect her soldiers through their journey until their safe return, just like now where she stood with her hands held over her heart , her eyes closed as she sighed deeply before she blinked her eyes in a beautiful shade of E/C glow that resembled two shining stars adorning her kind face .

Her voice carried over the court and reached the outer walls as she spoke her last prayers " from the light and from the depth of the night, from moon down upon you , my brave warriors, may she guide and guard you path and may she bring you back safe and victor " then she stepped towards her king to place her hand on his cheek as she spoke gently " and may she guide you , my king to prevail and to return stronger, to bring peace and justice upon our land , and to return to me " he held her hand gently, placing a kiss upon her palm while caressing the back of it in a comforting motion , then he got up to his feet taking her other hand in his , holding them close over his heart then leaned his forehead into hers , making her close her eyes and whisper " return to me, my king " he did the same and whispered back " always my Queen . In this life , my love , and in every life , I'll always find my way back to you " sealing his promise with a final kiss upon her forehead, before turning to face his men .

He gave them one final look before beating his fist over his chest twice , making them stand in one motion all moving as one and beat their own armours thrice, shouting in one voice " hail the moon , hail the land , hail our Queen" turning to face the gates . marching to mount their awaiting horses before lining up again waiting for their king who turned to the royal advisors nodding at them " I trust you'll be the wise opine for our Queen when needed" they bowed deeply, hiding their malicious grins as they faced the ground, then raised back up slowly, the head advisor spoke up with his hands clapped before him " we won't disappoint " then bowed his head in salute " your majesty " the king acknowledged with a curt nod then turned to mount his own horse , giving his Queen one last look tapping his heart twice and smiling fondly as she responded with two taps on her own, watching as he turned his horse around and made his way to lead his waiting soldiers , the kingdom flag waving high as they rode through the capital's streets, greeted by the people who stood in awe as their king and his trusted men passed by in a majestic sight .

The head advisor spoke to his two companions as his eyes were fixed on the Queen's back in a glare " we'll start in two nights time , make sure everything is ready , and spread the word " his glare turned into a smirk " the lunar reign is about to end ", she turned her head his way when she felt eyes on her , and he didn't hesitate to bow in respect making her turn back as one of the council members got her attention .

[ainsi-soit-il]

[Placing the prayers under a read more.]

A prayer against apathy

God of empathy and compassion, we are grateful you do not sit idly by without concern for your people. In your deep love for us, you sent your only Son to walk among us, to know what it is to be human, and to suffer on our behalf. O Lord, as your humble servants, give us the ability to look upon others with the same empathy and compassion. Protect us from being so consumed with our own lives that we fail to notice what is happening in the lives of others and the world around us. Move in our hearts, O Lord, giving us eyes to see, ears to hear, and courage to act. We pray in your Son’s name.

A prayer for a Christlike spirit

Holy Spirit, you are the Comforter and Advocate, who was present with disciples even after Jesus ascended to heaven. We pray for an openness to your work in and through us. May we resist the temptation to get caught up in fruitless arguments and defensiveness. Strengthen us to serve and uphold one another and to put the needs and suffering of others ahead of our own. Especially during this divisive election season, we pray for a gentle, loving, and kind spirit—like that of Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit as one God eternally.

A prayer for nonviolence in our country

O Good Shepherd, you who gather us as lambs in your arms, carrying us close to your heart, we long for peace on earth as it is in heaven. In this election season, we ask that you carry our nation close to your heart. Protect us and guide us into the ways of peace. We pray specifically against violence at political rallies, polling places, debates, and other spaces where many are gathered. May we become a nation that turns our weapons into plowshares, taking on your posture of nonviolence. By the power of your Spirit, we ask for safety to prevail and that you would lead us into the ways of your peaceful kingdom. We submit ourselves and this prayer to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

A prayer for the opposing candidates

King of the universe, you who reign over all things, we submit to you our thoughts, feelings, and frustrations about the candidate we disagree with. May we not look at them with contempt, and may we be reminded that they, too, are created in your image. We pray for protection over all political candidates and their families. We humbly ask, O Lord, that you act in mighty ways in our own hearts. Give us the humility that is needed to pray for all people, not just those who think or look like us. Direct, we pray, the next president of the United States with a heart for justice and truth. Deliver us from poverty, prejudice, and oppression. Regardless of who is elected, may your will prevail by the power of your Spirit,. We ask all these things in your holy name.

A prayer for a posture of humility and against defensiveness

God of humility, you humbled yourself to the point of death on the cross. You show us the way of the servant. Rather than being motivated by pride and self-righteousness, may we, as your people, clothe ourselves with kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Manifest in us the ability to hold in tension the disagreement of others and our own convictions with grace. Enlighten us, guide us, and strengthen us so that we may submit to your will through Jesus Christ, our High Priest.

A prayer for the ability to see things from others’ perspectives

Gracious and merciful Jesus, you spent time with those you knew would betray you, along with prostitutes, tax collectors, and others who were outcasts. We come before you, asking for the ability to hear and consider the perspectives of those with whom we disagree. Root us in your Word and cultivate in us the ability to compassionately and clearly articulate our convictions. Remove from us the need to prove our points and defend ourselves, and instead fill us with your overflowing grace. Enable us to look with tenderness upon the entire human family through your eyes, O Jesus.

A prayer for those who are marginalized around us

Christ Incarnate, we uplift those who are marginalized in our nation: the widow, the orphan, the immigrant, the unhoused, racial and ethnic minorities, and those who do not find protection in the laws of this land. You came to proclaim good news to the poor, to restore the sight of the blind, and to set the oppressed free. May those on the margins of our society have a deep and true sense of your love for them. Protect the least, the lost, and the lonely, we pray, as a mother hen protects her chicks. Grant us the ability to love our neighbor and to exercise our right to vote with the interests of the least of these in mind—for we know that what we do for the least among us, we do also for you. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

A prayer for when we feel anxious about the future

God of Shalom, you say, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Today we bring to you our burdens, our uncertainties, and our anxieties. When we cannot sleep, when our minds won’t slow down, on the days when our palms are sweaty and our hearts race—when our imaginations get the best of us and we are full of despondency and anxiety about the future—calm our hearts, O Lord. In you alone, our souls find rest. In this chaotic world, we lay all our burdens at your feet, and we find safety and protection in your kingdom. In Jesus’ name.

A prayer for unity with our neighbors who vote differently than us

O Father, you who hear all our prayers, sanctify us for your good purposes, we pray. Show us how to love our neighbor as ourselves, even those who disagree with us, as you have commanded us. May we be leery of any unity that is used to manipulate and silence others, especially the least of these. When we find ourselves tempted to dismiss others’ thoughts and experiences, create in us the ability to seek understanding rather than to pronounce judgement, as well as the ability to see the humanity in others. Manifest in us the ability to think beyond our own political interests and to consider the interests of those who are different from us. We ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus.

A prayer for the act of voting and the election outcome

Almighty God, prepare our hearts and minds as we head toward voting. We express gratitude for the right to vote, and we lament the brokenness of our democracy and voting system—a system that continues to suffer from inequity. Empower us, O Lord, to make decisions rooted in the ways of Jesus rather than the ways of the world. Give us wisdom and discernment as we cast our votes with a humble spirit, and let our voting be an act of prayer. May we be reminded that the candidates we vote for are not our savior, but you are the bringer of the heavenly kingdom, and our ultimate hope rests in you. We commend this nation to your care, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

[scotianostra]

May 18th 1313 saw Robert the Bruce invade the Isle of Man.

The Isle of man has changed hands many times through the centuries, if you go back to Scotland before King Alexander III died, plunging the country into the Wars of Independence, he had extended his Kingdom to include Man and Berwick, both of which are part of England nowadays.

Scotland’s rule was not welcomed in 1275 an uprising in Man against Scottish rule was brutally suppressed. The chronicles tell us that…..

“ Upon the 7th of October, the Fleet of the King of Scotland put into the port of Ronaldsway. John de Vesci and the King’s nobles immediately landed their forces on the island of St. Michael, the people of Man being prepared for the encounter, along with Godred, the son of Magnus, whom they had made their king but a short time previously. The chiefs and officers of the King of Scotland, however, sent an embassy of peace to Godred and the people of Man, offering them the peace of God and of the King of Scotland on condition of their laying aside their absurd presumption, and of giving themselves up to the King and his nobles. As Godred, however, and some of his perverse counsellors did not agree to the terms of the embassy, on the following day, before sunrise, whilst darkness still covered the earth, … an engagement took place, and the unfortunate people of Man, running away, fell miserably “

If you notice the names of Godred and Magnus, the island was still very influenced by the Scandinavians. Their influence was again noted in 1291 when

” the Noble Lady Maria, Queen of Man" a member of the Scandinavian royal family of Man, did homage to Longshanks at Perth. Two years later in early 1293, Walter de Huntercombe, who held Man for a short time, surrendered the island to John Balliol by Edward’s order, of course Edward had the proviso that Balliol swore him allegiance. The next year Balliol refused to send Scottish soldiers to fight with Edward against the French, the Scottish King entered into the Auld Alliance and also formed a little known Alliance with Norway. Furious Edward marched his army into Scotland and the Wars of Independence raged for several years, during this time little is written about Man, it seems he garrisoned soldiers there and it feel under English rule. Edward I and his son Edward II “gave” the Island to differing lords to administrate until 1313, the chronicles tell us that

“In the year 1313, on the 18th of May, Lord Robert [Bruce], King of Scotland, put in at Ramsay with a large number of ships, and on the following Sunday went to the nunnery at Douglas, where he spent the night, and on Monday laid siege to the Castle of Rushen, which was defended by the Ilord Dungali Mac Dowyle 41 against the said Lord King until the Tuesday after the Feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle (June 21), on which day the said Lord King took the Castle.” On the 20th of December, in the same year, Bruce granted the island to Thomas Randolf, Earl of Moray, “

The defeat of the English at Bannockburn consolidated the Scottish position. It’s a bit vague about what happened but the English seemed to have taken control, under Edward I by 1317, and he had committed the island to the safe keeping of John de Athy and orders him to provide three ships and

” a sufficient armament of warlike men “ to protect ” it against the hostile attacks of our enemies and rebels the Scots.“ But it is a bit confusing as , three months later, Randolf, Earl of Moray, is spoken of as ” being about to set out for the parts of Man,“

Some sort of truce prevailed for some time on the run up to 1328, when the independence of Scotland was formally acknowledged and the King of England gave an undertaking not tc assist any enemies of the Scots to dispossess their of Man,” it is probable that Man had before that date reverted to Scotland. Roll on to 1333 and the English were at it again, with the help of the “disinherited” they helped John Balliol’s son Edward invade Scotland, which brought us to today’s date that year when Edward III gave orders that possession should be taken of Man. He granted the custody of the island to Sir William de Montacute, and, further, on the 9th of August, he gave it to him as his absolute possession-in the words of the grant - he

“ remitted, surrendered, and … assigned peaceful possession of all the rights and claims which we have, have had, or in any way could have in the Isle of Man, … so that neither we, nor our heirs, nor any other in our name shall be able to exact or dispose of any right or claim in the aforesaid Island,” thus not reserving any service to be rendered to himself.“

The Scots again threatened to retake Man in 1337 but it was unsuccessful, the Isle of Man has since been seen as part of England.

[abdullahblogsposts]

Islām is NOT a Religion of Peace.

We see Muslims all over the world especially in India, trying to fit in the secularist and democratic society by using every means to prove their love and loyalty for the nation since the rise of tyrants in the country.

They try to defend Islām against disbelievers by saying "Islām is a religion of Peace". When disbelievers respond by asking how do you say that when the Qur'ān has verses saying to prepare against the disbelievers and fight them?

Muslims appear to be deceiving them and hiding something of their religion. Why? Are we ashamed of our religion?

Our dear brothers and sisters there is nothing to be ashamed of our religion! Rather we have to be clear, have the right understanding of the Qurʼān and Sunnâh and be proud of it.

How do we say "I am a proud Muslim" all over social media when we are ashamed and unaware of the verses of the Book of Allāh?

So do you believe in part of the Scripture and disbelieve in part? (Al-Baqârâh:85) by saying "I am not that Muslim or I'm moderate". Or are we ignorant of the Book of Allāh so we are unaware of what He has ordained upon the believers?

It is unacceptable to define Islām with the phrase "Islam is Peace" like some modern age deviant scholars of the West do and moreover baseless in the light of Quʼrān and Sunnāh.

BUT it is correct to say that "Islam is the religion of Truth and Justice."

These two terms apply to all teachings of Islām, in all its verses all its hâdīths and all its laws. Islām is not a religion of peace. It encourages to wage war in circumstances which cannot be resolved using #peaceful means.

Allāh has ordained ج îhād on the ummāh of Muhammad ﷺ to call mankind to the religion of truth and to protect the lands of the believers. "Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you..." (Al-Bâqârâh: 216)

Had the Prophet ﷺ only made Dāwâh for calling people towards Islām, the light (guidance) of Islām wouldn't shine bright in the darkness of the East and the West of the World.

It was only possible because of جîhād, Allāh gave victory to Muhammad ﷺ and his companions [may Allāh be pleased with them], who made the word of Allāh the highest and established true justice on the face of the Earth.

"When the victory of Allāh has come and the conquest, and you see people entering into the religion of Allāh in multitudes..." (An-Nâsr : 1-2)

It is understood from these verses that Allāh gave victory to the Muslims in جîhād! Not just in Dāwâh, not in a Grand Ijtîmā' or Islāmic Program that made people enter the religion in multitudes.

Just like Islām is not a religion of peace, it is also not a religion of freedom, it is rather the religion of slavery (complete submission) . Slavery of Allāh alone!

This is a very important piece of advice to our brothers and sisters especially in India trying to fit in with the disbelievers and showing loyalty towards them. Remember, O slaves of Allāh! Your loyalty is tied Only to Allāh and His Messenger ﷺ and to those who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgement.

With this do we mean Islām does not achieve peace? No! Rather we say Islām achieves peace for the general public in consequence when it prevails over a land, and it continues waging war against unjust criminals.

Islām redefines peace; the peace of truth and justice that has power that protects it. Not the peace of submission and weakness!!

[reality-detective]

I want everyone to know this 👇

I don't have all the answers, I dig and research a lot every day, I trust my sources but I'm not inclined to know anything from the very few I know serving. When I began seeing all the military movement videos, I reached out to them, only one responded but it confirmed what I was seeing and what I was reading was all copied and pasted under each video.

Do you know what else it confirmed?

Remember Q said, "We are the news now?" These videos are by "We... The News."

I try to post things that make people think and it's not up to me to decide what is true or not... That's your job. My job is to raise awareness. My intuition tells me what the truth is. Do you know what's true? The truth is out there, I know because I löök for it everyday, I spend hours and hours a day searching for the last 15 years. Once you know the truth there is no going back.

Either we all rise together or we all die together. Hence the saying "Where We Go 1 We Go All"

I'll bet many of you thought you would never live to see this day of such historical and biblical proportions?

The world is about to change...

We're all going to have to change with it...

Do not fear... Have faith and patience... Trust the plan... God's plan. 🙏

There are a lot of digital warriors here doing the same thing I am. And I hope they don't mind me speaking for them. 👇

"We are doing what we're doing because we care about humanity as a whole, we care about all the children and we only want what is best for everyone to have a healthy and prosperous life of love and peace."

I got news for you... That's exactly what is coming to Earth. Truth WILL prevail and justice WILL be served. Peace will blanket all lands and we will all live in harmony and that day is coming.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and grant you His peace."

Numbers 6: 24-26

YOU are loved. ✨

✨ 🛡️ 🇳🇱 WWG1WGA 🇺🇸 ⚔️ ✨

[rachelillustrates]

!! Happy International Asexuality Day !!

Hugs and cake and solidarity, my lovely fellow aces, all around the world! 🖤🤍💜

Though it’s taken me a long time to come to terms with who I am, I am proud to be under the asexual umbrella, as much as I am proud I’m queer at all, and as much as I am proud to have gotten through everything that’s happened that got me to this moment. Standing here, writing this post. May we build a world where we can all be free to be who we are, and support each other in love and community, no matter what.

I’ve seen a lot of discourse about aces who had the experience of never thinking that something was wrong with them – thinking that they were the only ones being reasonable about things when A Certain Thing Happened. And whether or not that was the prevailing experience, it wasn’t mine. I absolutely thought something was wrong with me. Maybe part of that is being demisexual, not just asexual, and being (what some would deem) hyper-romantic. But I expected certain things to happen for me, and they kind of do, but apparently on very different terms than what society expects. I feel blessed to know, now, that I am not broken. And I hope that anyone else who’s struggling with the same kind of feelings I did can come to that peace, too (and faster than I did!).

Art above featuring “Tock the Gnome,” as always. Representation matters!! And on that note, in honor of the day, here’s a preview of some bonus story that will be available in full soon:

~

Suddenly she found herself falling backwards – landing flat on her back on the ground, her best friend blinking down at her with his jacket on and a basket at the crook of his arm.

“Tock, by Anosmia’s Keys, WHAT under earth -“

She burst into tears.

To which he looked panicked as ever he had, and reached down to gather her up and get her inside before anyone saw.

“What? What is it?” he demanded – slightly sympathetically, slightly exasperatedly – once he finally had the door shut behind them.

She nursed one newly sore elbow, the tears still flowing, but wouldn’t meet his gaze. “It’s nothing. It’s stupid.”

Sighing again, he put the basket on the nearest countertop, bending to lift the wreath off the floor. “Oh surely. This is beautiful, but not beautiful enough to cry over.”

“You don’t have to give me fearful frights about it,” she snapped.

He glared at her, one eyebrow raised. “That is vulgar. And not fair.”

“FINE. If you must know, it’s over. With Derra.”

“…..Okay.”

“What do you mean, okay?” She turned around in a swirl of bronzey skirts, taking a seat three tables away from him, just to be provoking. “I finally put myself – my heart – out there again, and I couldn’t get crushed over her. I can’t do it. I can’t. Even with Copper, even with Lorna, it took me so much to…. something is WRONG with me.”

“I have heard you don’t have to want to go beyond bundling with every person you set your eyes on, Tock. Maybe it’s just -“

“No, it’s different.” She ran her hands through her hair. “I’m different. It takes me so long to get there, if I ever get there, and that’s not enough for so many people. The legends never talk like this!! In the legends, it’s ALWAYS something fast, that clicks in place, and nobody’s ever confused or waiting.”

He sat down next to her, carefully. The wreath turned a slow circuit in his fingers. “…..You said before, you do not think something is wrong with me, Tock.”

She whirled toward him, aghast. “Of course not!”

“Well – then nothing is wrong with YOU, either. So it takes you a while to make that connection, if you ever do, and that’s all that gets you to the kind of relationship our people seem to expect? So what? It’s YOUR life and YOUR heart.”

He bumped her shoulder with his, putting the wreath back into her lap without looking at her.

“No one gets to tell you how to love.”

~

(And sending so much love, to you all!)

💜

~

Bonus art and stories ~��Prints, comics and more!

[ag-updates-and-archives]

anthonygreen666 Starting today through Sunday, all profit from my merch store will be donated to Planned Parenthood. May peace prevail on earth. anthonygreenmerch.com

posted november 8, 2024

[inafieldofdaisies]

2 in 1 uquizzes

#1: What is your OCs true role in the story?

#2: The "Oh" uquiz

the rising underdog: why hello again dearie, I see you managed to help those frogs those children were kicking, hm? oh how much I can emphasize we are but the ghosts of our childhood passions. and, unsurprising enough, the hero to the trodden little creatures of the earth is now a rising golden savior to the masses. oh love, I said you'd go far, didn't I. for the good always prevail in the end, somehow, they do. you lived a difficult life, I know, but you never let that get you down. you took beatings with a grin, and dished back kindness in return. inequality and injustice made you outaged, and you strove to assist the hurting and abused. oh shining dragon, you are bathed in golden light. please keep being true. you have tasted blood and death, but you refused to force it down the throats of others. and that alone proves there is inchor in your veins, demigod. you will be struggling until the very end, battling for your comrades, your people, and yourself. never lose sight of your goal my dear. sometimes you needn't have one, except see the good, and protect it. that is all my advice can tell you. I implore, protect the goodness in yourself with everything you have, but never refuse to share it also. young hero, you are growing. you are destined for wonders even I may not live long enough to encounter. keep up the good work, and keep your head held high. you are bound to do the impossible, all because you see the truth. there is good in the world, and it deserves to be found.

the kiss: you typically wait until the last second to believe the truth--because it would destroy you to believe it, and then find out it was a lie. you are someone who has never wanted to want, but has rarely been able to do anything else. the idea that you might have to break down your walls for the sake of someone else, someone who could easily decide they don't like what is on the other side, is harrowing. why let people get close enough to be rejected? you are enough for yourself. and you will tell yourself that every time you catch yourself staring at their mouth, smirking at their joke, finding a reason to flick their shoulder. until the kiss. that's when the flood of want, want, want bowls over you and you realize that you are torn between two ways of living. Oh, you think. because despite how complicated you have made it, the moment you kiss, somehow, things seem incredibly simple. they won't be once you start thinking again, but for now, for this moment, you live in the quiet peace of revelation. Oh.

the way both fit her so well... ooof ❤️

the one at the crossroads: questioning yourself again? well it's a hard choice is it not. you always decide you've made your mind but you seem to nevertheless return to this state of uncertainty. are you good or evil? dark or light alas? alas, I am not fit for such details in morality. In my slightly skewed sight of it, neither truly exist. they are but a mindset, but mindset or not, they still give you quite the anxieties hm? you are one who has lived in fear, your heart is hidden, and you don't know who to trust. you doubt you can even trust yourself. the caustic words of poisonous people have corroded into your skull. "you are evil. you are a monster. you are bad." well that is indeed a bunch of poppycock, mind my language, for the only one who may decide that is you. my dear, you are torn between never allowing others to hurt the ways you hurt, and from running away from all who might harm you again, with gnashing teeth. you are a cornered animal who has been kicked by the ones it trusted. you do not know whether to trust again, for your mind is screaming, don't. but if I may, you can be both. it is not the question of whether you are good or evil, it is the question, what do I deserve and how might I reach that? you do not deserve pain, correct? so never chase that, instead kindly decline and flee from those like your past assailants, but trust the ones who you know are good. sometimes you will find people to be a messy combination of both pain and love, but so are you and I. my advice is to simply be kind, but be willing to question. always question, always wonder. do not give away your heart on a silver platter my dear, it is worth far more than the sun himself, but don't fail to allow healing. you deserve good things in life. so as you stand between two roads, walk between the third you just now have noticed. life seems to be made of entirely preposterous choices, but if you look close enough, you'll reveal the right ones that are normally hidden from sight. breathe my dear, things will be well. trust yourself, and carve your own path.

the emergency: something goes wrong. there's urgency. everything gets turned upside down, and you have to grab for the things that matter most-- Oh. suddenly, there's perspective, and at the worst possible moment, the moment when there is so much else going on, you realize that you have been breathless with want for so, so long. you want everyone to be safe, but please, please, you want *them* to be safe. you want everything to be okay so that you can have another chance to get things right. a chance to start over. and everything will be okay, of course, because you've made it through bad moments before, and that foundation of trust is there, even if you've never quite acknowledged it to its full potential. you trust them. you need them. *Oh.*

Fitting as hell, but that "emergency" result gave me chills 💔

the supporter: oh gentle comrade, you know what it takes to make others shine. you live your life assisting others to reach their goals, but many say you are lackluster and unnecessary. but alas, do we need the stars any less for their dim light helps the moon glow brighter! you are warm inside and out, perhaps made of sunshine one might ask? but I can see you are as weary and worn as the hero you so desperately cling to. your purpose is to serve? Is it not? it's those moments of undying loyalty that make your bones ring true with honor. "I am right beside you," you whisper, for unlike the ones who lie through their teeth you will be with your ally through joy, through heart ache, through death. it is a difficult thing to gain your trust back if one has shattered it though, you are forgiving yes? you give many chances, but alas, one can only look away from a wrong doing so long. you can't exactly turn your other cheek as once wrings a blade through your middle. you are made of a steadfast heartbeat and a tired, knowing smile. you bring solace to the aching, and comfort to the wronged. but what happens when your protagonist loses? what happens when your valiant heroes fail you? will you pick up a sword and vanquish their enemy or will you wait patiently for yet another savior to appear and save the day? one must live long enough to see their heroes die. but are you brave enough to take their place? the only strings that bind you to your oaths of subservience are your own doubts. "am I good enough?" they whisper in your ears. you answer that yourself love. for the only difference between the paladin and the stable boy are mettle. it is not the question of can you be a hero. it is simply, will you be?

the late-night talk: Oh. you figure it out when you realize just how vulnerable they are willing to be with you. it isn't everybody who could or would stay up talking into the night with you, not with such affection or easy familiarity. it isn't everybody who is so understanding of you. it isn't everybody who could bare their soul to you in return. that kind of intimacy... it means deep foundations. it means comfort. it means trust. maybe it's a secret, maybe it's a story, maybe it's something you just never thought of before -- but they say something, late at night, and you realize all at once how remarkable they are, and how special it is to exist in the same time and space as them. "oh" indeed.

My boy getting the "supporter", ah, man. But also, the late-night talk result is so fitting for his ship.

the supporter: oh gentle comrade, you know what it takes to make others shine. you live your life assisting others to reach their goals, but many say you are lackluster and unnecessary. but alas, do we need the stars any less for their dim light helps the moon glow brighter! you are warm inside and out, perhaps made of sunshine one might ask? but I can see you are as weary and worn as the hero you so desperately cling to. your purpose is to serve? Is it not? it's those moments of undying loyalty that make your bones ring true with honor. "I am right beside you," you whisper, for unlike the ones who lie through their teeth you will be with your ally through joy, through heart ache, through death. it is a difficult thing to gain your trust back if one has shattered it though, you are forgiving yes? you give many chances, but alas, one can only look away from a wrong doing so long. you can't exactly turn your other cheek as once wrings a blade through your middle. you are made of a steadfast heartbeat and a tired, knowing smile. you bring solace to the aching, and comfort to the wronged. but what happens when your protagonist loses? what happens when your valiant heroes fail you? will you pick up a sword and vanquish their enemy or will you wait patiently for yet another savior to appear and save the day? one must live long enough to see their heroes die. but are you brave enough to take their place? the only strings that bind you to your oaths of subservience are your own doubts. "am I good enough?" they whisper in your ears. you answer that yourself love. for the only difference between the paladin and the stable boy are mettle. it is not the question of can you be a hero. it is simply, will you be?

the first meeting: life is normal. it's scripted. it's functional. then one day, you meet them, and... Oh. you fix your posture, you're a little nervous, and it's totally possible you're just projecting -- but this could be something. and the only thing that makes this different from the hundreds of other times you had that exact same thought only to be disappointed is... this is the time that counts. things change. you were looking for someone whose very existence re-contextualized yours. which is not to say that you were incomplete, but... aren't we all? isn't that the essence of being a being who changes? and what completes us if not the love of something or someone beyond us? sure it's still new, and anything could happen from here, but there's something in your shared brain chemistry that makes it feel like good things are in motion. how exciting!

Les is nothing if a supporter :D The first meeting? Hmmm. 👀

Tagging, @socially-awkward-skeleton @jillvalentinesday @direwombat @josephseedismyfather @corvosattano @chazz-anova @josephslittledeputy @g0dspeeed @cassietrn @nightbloodbix @madparadoxum @aceghosts @theelderhazelnut @voidika @strangefable @adelaidedrubman @clicheantagonist @purplehairsecretlair @poisonedtruth @henbased @florbelles and anyone that would like to do the tag ❤️

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Here is My Chosen Servant

1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my elect, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth justice to the Gentiles.

2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.

3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth justice unto truth.

4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he has established justice in the earth: and the coastlands shall wait for his law.

5 Thus says God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which comes out of it; he that gives breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk in it:

6 I the LORD have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and give you for a covenant to the people, for a light to the Gentiles;

7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

A New Song of Praise

10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the ends of the earth, you that go down to the sea, and all that is in it; the coastlands, and its inhabitants.

11 Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar does inhabit: let the inhabitants of Sela sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.

12 Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the coastlands.

13 The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, shout aloud; he shall prevail against his enemies.

14 I have long time held my peace; I have been still, and restrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.

15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills, and dry up all their vegetation; and I will turn the rivers into islands, and I will dry up the pools.

16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

17 They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, you are our gods.

Israel is Deaf and Blind

18 Hear, you deaf; and look, you blind, that you may see.

19 Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger whom I sent? who is blind as he who is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?

20 Seeing many things, but you observe not; opening the ears, but he hears not.

21 The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honorable.

22 But this is a people robbed and plundered; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivers; for a spoil, and none says, Restore.

23 Who among you will give ear to this? who will hearken and hear for the time to come?

24 Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the LORD, he against whom we have sinned? for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law.

25 Therefore he has poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it has set him on fire all around, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart. — Isaiah 42 | King James 2000 Bible (KJB2K) The King James 2000 Bible, copyright © Doctor of Theology Robert A. Couric 2000, 2003. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 49:10; Exodus 3:15; Exodus 15:3; 1 Samuel 6:5; Job 40:11; Psalm 50:21; Psalm 81:13; Psalm 97:7; Psalm 107:33; Psalm 138:2; Isaiah 5:29; Isaiah 12:5; Isaiah 29:18; Isaiah 41:23; Jeremiah 9:12; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 12:19-20; Matthew 13:13; Luke 1:78-79; Luke 2:32; John 9:7; Acts 17:24-25; Romans 2:21; Revelation 5:9

[translations2]

무제시 3과 4, 자카리아 모하메드

Untitled Poems III & IV

- Zakaria Mohammed

- Translated by Lena Tuffaha

III.

People are asses. I hang bells from their necks so they can sing to me while I recline on a rock.

People are fools. I’ll hang them up in the wardrobe like winter clothes.

May’s barley is about to ripen. Each stalk has lined up its seeds in orderly fashion so they can stand at the gate of heaven.

I can line up words without meaning.

I can create meaning from nothingness.

I tie a horse near the barley and meaning overflows.

Meaning is orderliness.

Meaning is coincidence.

Meaning is a beast of burden hauling watermelons.

If only I could line things up like a stalk of barley does.

Barley takes its own life in May, and wheat opens its mute mouth in June.

My time is the end of August.

At the end of August, my trigger snaps.

Oh, if only I could live in a glass of water; my roots white, my hair green, and the sun my only god.

I have one song I keep repeating. I have one great lie I’ve attached to the ceiling with tape, so that the flies of truth will stick to it.

My head is huge like a balloon. My hand is a destitute star, the knife is a painful simplicity I do not possess, and when I arrive at meaning, it is lost to me.

                                     —from Alanda

IV.

He was crying, so I took his hand to steady him and to wipe away his tears.

I told him as sorrow choked me: I promise you that justice

will prevail in the end, and that peace will come soon.

I was lying to him, of course. I know that justice won’t prevail

and peace won’t come soon, but I had to stop his tears.

I had this false notion that says, if we can, by some sleight of hand, stop

the river of tears, everything would proceed in a reasonable manner.

Then, things would be accepted as they are. Cruelty and justice would graze

together in the field, god would be satan’s brother, and the victim would be

his killer’s beloved.

But there is no way to stop the tears. They constantly pour out like a flood

and ruin the lying ceremony of peace.

And for this, for tears’ bitter obstinance, let the eye be consecrated as the truest saint

on the face of the earth.

It is not poetry’s job to wipe away tears.

Poetry should dig a trench where they can overflow and drown the universe.

                                     —from A Date for the Crow

_

무제시 3과 4

- 자카리아 모하메드

- 레나 투파하 아랍어에서 영어로 옮김

III.

사람들은 멍청하다. 그들 목에 종을 달아 내가 바위에 기대어 쉬는 동안 나를 위한 노래를 부르도록 한다.

사람들은 바보다. 그들을 겨울옷 걸듯 옷장에 걸 것이다.

오월의 보리가 다 익어간다. 보리는 천국의 문 앞에 서기 위해 보릿대마다 씨앗을 가지런히 세워두었다.

나는 의미 없는 말들을 가지런히 세울 수 있다.

나는 무로부터 의미를 창조할 수 있다.

말을 보리 옆에 묶으면 의미가 흘러넘친다.

의미는 정연함.

의미는 우연.

의미는 수박을 나르는 수레를 끄는 짐승.

보릿대처럼 가지런히 할 수만 있었으면.

보리는 오월이면 스스로 목숨을 끊고, 밀은 유월에 침묵하던 입을 연다.

나의 시절은 팔월말.

팔월말이 되면 나의 도화선이 끊어진다.

오, 물잔 속에 살 수만 있다면; 하얀 뿌리와 초록 머리를 갖고, 태양만을 나의 신으로 섬기며.

부르고 또 부르는 노래가 있다. 진실의 파리들이 붙도록 천장에 걸어놓은 대단한 거짓말이 있다.

나의 머리는 풍선처럼 거대하다. 나의 손은 궁핍한 별, 칼은 내가 갖지 못한 고통스러운 소박함, 그리고 의미에 도달할 때, 나는 의미를 잃는다.

                                     — <알란다> 중

IV.

그가 울고 있어, 나는 그의 손을 들어 그를 진정시키고 그의 눈물을 닦아 내었다.

슬픔이 나의 목을 조르는데 말했다: 약속할게

마침내 정의가 이길 것이고, 곧 평화가 올거야.

물론, 나는 거짓말을 하고 있었다. 정의가 이기지 못할 것이라는 것도

곧 평화가 오지 않는다는 것도 알지만, 그의 눈물을 멈춰야했다.

나는 잘못 생각하고 있었던 것이다, 만약 우리가 교묘한 손짓으로, 강물 같은 눈물을

멈출 수 있다면, 모든 일이 합리적으로 흘러갈 것이라고.

그럼 모든 것이 있는 그대로 받아들여질 것이라고. 잔인함과 정의가 밭에서

함께 풀을 뜯을 것이고, 신은 사탄의 형제가 될 것이고, 피해자는

자기 살인자의 연인일 것이라고.

허나 눈물을 멈출 방법이 없다. 홍수처럼 흐르고 또 흘러

거짓말 뿐인 평화의식을 망친다.

그것을 보아, 눈물의 이 쓰디쓴 고집을보아, 눈을 지구상 가장 진실된

성자로 축성하라.

눈물을 닦아내는 건 시가 할 일이 아니다.

시가 해야할 일은 눈물이 흘러넘쳐 온 우주를 잠기게 할 도랑을 파내는 일이다.

                                     — <까마귀를 위한 야자열매> 중

[leonbloder]

The Truth About The Beatitudes

Recently, I came across a quote from an essay in 2004 by the late Kurt Vonnegut that resonated with me, so I thought I would share it and reflect on it a bit: 

For some reason, the most vocal Christians among us never mention the Beatitudes. But, often with tears in their eyes, they demand that the Ten Commandments be posted in public buildings. And of course that’s Moses, not Jesus. I haven’t heard one of them demand that the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, be posted anywhere.  “Blessed are the merciful” in a courtroom? ​“Blessed are the peacemakers” in the Pentagon? Give me a break!

Twenty years ago, Vonnegut spotlighted a severe problem of American Christianity, which has since become a tragedy.  

What constitutes mainstream Christianity in America right now seems absolutely devoid of Jesus' teachings, and even when Jesus is mentioned, the Jesus that is depicted, described, and lifted up doesn't resemble the Jesus of the Gospels in the least.  

The Jesus that far too many Christians seem to imagine is not only white but is absolutely jacked and wearing jeans, ready to take down anyone who disagrees with him.  Kind of like this: 

Or maybe negotiating a business transaction like this: 

The above painting has always intrigued me. What is the businessman on the right saying? "I'd like you to meet my COO, Jesus. He'll take over the nuts and bolts of this multi-million dollar acquisition from here."  

Look, I'm not trying to say that I believe Jesus was a kind of hippie guru, creating a cult following full of people with flowers in their hair and folk songs on their lips.  

But he probably would have had more in common with Pete Seeger than Kid Rock. 

Kurt Vonnegut nailed it perfectly. The Beatitudes from Matthew chapter 5 begin what is known as the Sermon on the Mount and are some of Jesus's most daring and radical teachings during his three-year ministry. 

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,     for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn,     for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek,     for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,     for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful,     for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart,     for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers,     for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,     for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

I'm with Vonnegut.  Can you imagine having these words on display in public places?  Can you imagine Christians doing their best to place these words in government buildings to remind those who walk the hallowed halls of justice, power, etc., of what true religion is really all about? 

These are the forgotten, glossed-over, and explained-away words of the One whom so many Christians claim to follow. The seemingly pervasive belief in mainstream American Christianity is that the Beatitudes belong on Hallmark cards or tiny motivational signs in the kitchen.  

Because it's not cool to be poor in spirit. 

It's not strong to be meek.  

It's better to hunger and thirst for power than righteousness (justice).   

Mercy is for the weak. 

Peacemakers never win.  

This highlights a startling truth about Christianity: Following Jesus is not easy.  

It's not easy to resist the prevailing winds of triumphalism and Christian nationalism in our current culture and embrace Jesus' teachings about losing yourself to discover the kingdom of God. It's difficult to wade into conflict to make peace instead of a point. It's not easy to be merciful when mercy seems to take a back seat to retribution.  

But if we are to be followers of Jesus and adherents to his teaching, we must engage in the difficult task of actually believing what he taught and doing what he would have us do.  

May it be so.  And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.  

[haladriel]

A Shadow Shared: Sauron, the Southlands and the struggle against darkness

So! This follows my earlier post theorising that a certain melody may be Sauron and Galadriel's. 

In his latest blog, Bear McCreary has included a version of this melody! It’s referenced as the development motif in The Halbrand Theme, as follows, from 'D7/F#' to 'Cm':

There are some small differences in the intervals, but the shape is the same.

This supports the theory that this particular leitmotif is tied primarily to Halbrand, and by extension, to Sauron. And all of the themes associated with Halbrand/'Sauron in Halbrand form' are shared with the Southlanders. But that's not to say that while it’s busy deepening the narrative connection between Sauron and Southlands, it can’t also link, and become linked to, Sauron and Galadriel.

(It’s worth noting that there is as yet no mention of 'Halbrand as Sauron' in Bear’s blog yet. He promises to explain more of his thinking on why he used the same theme for Halbrand and the Southlands at a later date.)

In an episode cannily called ‘A Shadow of the Past’, in the establishing shots for the village, this version of the theme crops up introducing the Southlanders' community and evoking their struggles – powerless against the prevailing forces around them (the visible cold, the damp earth, the recent inclement weather), against the prejudice of the elves (visible in-shot), and against the dark, thousand year history of their people. A bunch of intriguing narrative parallels when drawn up by these melodies against a troubled, peace-seeking Sauron.

If the main part of the Halbrand/Southlanders theme introduces a rustic, folkloric character, reflected in the briefly emotional, mid-theme motif is the tragedy and inescapability of the Southlanders' darkness-shadowed fate.

(soundtrack to Episode One: A Shadow of the Past, The Southlands, 00:34-00:46) McCreary highlights that in his writing for Rings of Power, a ‘shared theme implies […] a ‘head of state’ character, like King Durin, or Sadoc Burrows, supporting the revelation that Halbrand might be descended from a line of kings’.

Or, indeed, from a line of Morgoth’s supporters who can’t escape their past. 

Although I haven’t gone through the rest of the score in detail (yet, watch this space for a possible future master post), the motif seems to be at its most prominent and potent during the scenes with Galadriel and Sauron; this is why I noticed it there, with them, first. In their scenes we are presented with a more complex and emotionally infused rendition of the fatalistic melody first introduced in the Southlands. The intervals are wider, more yearning; the harmonies more complex; the orchestrations deeper. These are moments of angst, despair, indecision, and the tension between possible futures – particularly for Sauron, who's continually speaking in riddles and double tongues – but they are also moments of hope.

Thus, precisely where this motif is used specifically in the context of Sauron and Galadriel is worth keeping an eye out for, because it indicates a narrative peak in his tragic, antiheroic struggles. So far, it’s been used twice in key moments in their relationship that are also turning points in their choice-making: deep, revelatory scenes, both packed full of double-meaning.

Assuming the reading that, in The Rings of Power, Sauron is in his repentance era (and perhaps more of an opportunistic Annatar than a consistently devious one), in the context of its parallel use for the troubled Southlands, this theme seems to speak specifically to Halbrand/Sauron’s internal struggles: to find peace, to escape from the darkness of his past, and to handle the inner conflict as he weighs the alternative futures Galadriel offers him – whether it’s her meddling returning him involuntarily to Middle-earth (disrupting his peace and facilitating his return to darkness) or her encouragement to stay and fight by her side (binding him to the light).

The leitmotif being ‘Halbrand’s’ by name, and most enticingly, Sauron’s by meta, does not stop it from becoming shared with Galadriel, the intradiegetic kindling and foil for his angst, close by his side through his moments of vulnerability, and he to hers. In the Second Age, each of Sauron’s struggles with his fate and darkness involves Galadriel, just as her strife against darkness (both his, and her own) is inextricably bound to his. It’s impossible to separate them, so tightly are they bound.

Sauron and Galadriel’s Rings of Power story and the scenes that punctuate it are centred around their tragic partnership. Any motif signalling his turbulence may becomes theirs. Their struggles are inseparable, and like the doomed lands and people of the Southlands, their ship is destined to fare poorly on the tides of fate.