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May this country become a light at top of hill unto all nations of this world (but especially in "dark" neglected continent of Africa): so that our country will be a beacon of goodness, tolerance of differences, freedom, peace and especially hope. (Because human condition has far more in common, than our cultural, ethnic and racial differences) May violence and darkness be cast out of our midst. May hatred no longer find fertile ground in which to grow here. May all of us feel God's, Ultimate Source of Life's immeasurable mercy, infinite Grace and Love upon each one of us.
Dear God, please, please ignite in our hearts, in depths of our souls spark of Your light, spirit of truth. May our newborn nation be given a new light: one of justice and rightiousness that will be seared into our hearts, sacred fire of freedom, democracy, spirit of reconciliation and Your forgiveness for past transgressions: So that flame of 'ubuntu', generosity of spirit burns brightly in heart of all New South Africans. A new light of Love that will shine so brightly right across this vast land as a beacon of hope for future - from Atlantic to Indian Ocean, from Limpopo in north to Cape of Storms at southern tip of Africa. May we be forgiven - each one of us. May our children be blessed. May we be renewed. May each one of us be filled with spirit of Almighty, Divine. In our lives may "Rainbow Children of Beloved Country" manifest glory of God, that lies within every one of us.
Dear God, please bless South Africa.
Amen
Craig Lock (1994) Madiba (President Mandela), I hope you like it. With best wishes and utmost admiration for your immense generosity of spirit throughout your life. * Doesn't world need a leader like Nelson Mandela today? "Cometh hour, cometh man." The problems of world today cannot be solved by thinking at same level that created them. Jesus Christ challenged conventional thinking of day over 2000 years ago. PPS: Why can't world now try a radically different approach to South Africa's "largely forgotten" neighbour, Zimbabwe in "darkest Africa". Even though it's not a strategic country, like Iraq!
Like South Africa in past decade, let world NOW show how immense problems under a brutal and repressive government can also be solved PEACEFULLY through "constructive engagement and negotiation in a show of peaceful unity with FIRM LEADERSHIP". Time to show some effective leadership and to act decisively on Zimbabwe now, President Thabo Mbeki (you can immediately make lives of thousands of Zimbabweans far better by firmly condemning brutal repression of its citizens by Robert Mugabe! Let's not wait for ten years idly passing by (as in Iraq!). It is now time to "raise bar" - what and what we will not accept in global community, as 'acceptable behaviour' what world expects now as acceptable (and decent) standards of behaviour in community of nations. A radically different approach is needed with problem of Zimbabwe to that imposed on Iraq; yet with same "force and passion" as US military have shown. Now it's time for world to stand up and be counted. To show peaceful, yet FIRM way to resolving seemingly insurmountable problems and bring a more "democratic" form of government to that beleagured country. To at last show some effective leadership and shower people of that beautiful, yet blighted land under Southern skies with humanitarian aid in form of desperately needed food, health supplies and education. That is "pressure", which will raise standards of what citizens of Zimbabwe will and will not tolerate from their brutal dictator. Pressure from within AND without, as with Apartheid South Africa. A more educated, well-fed and healthy population will bring about change naturally and according to will of people.... so that eventually "the people will govern". It is not up to us to forcibly impose our values (Western and "superior") on other cultures. (Sanctions incidentally isolate people, build borders and entrench attitudes. Even when people radically disagree with other countries internal regimes, things can change far more easily through dialogue (even with one's enemies) and without devastating long-term consequences of violence in countries, when co-operation, friendship and help is offered in a spirit of tolerance, love and generosity. Those leaders, who ignore lessons of world history are doomed to repeat them. Let's fight "war for peace" with passion and with all of our energies. In "WAR FOR PEACE" everyone then benefits (a "win/win" situation). I believe, that is only true way to lasting world peace in living with and acceptance of each other... And so helps make a better world. Craig Lock P.S: I am reminded of something Mahatma Gandhi's said not long before he was assassinated: "When I despair, I remember that all through history way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible; but in end, they always fall. Think of it, ALWAYS." "Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. And now abide faith, hope, love; but greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13 "When world is filled with love, people are overflowing with hope." Let world of nations immediately lift sanctions on beleagured people of Iraq and sent as much humanitarian resolve to help rebuild that devasted country. "Let us take courage. The years are passing. The time for decision is now." Craig Lock (Eagle Productions) http://www.craiglockbooks.com "The greatness of a nation consists not so much in number of it's people or extent of it's territory as in extent and justice of it's compassion."
- Inscription at Horse Memorial in Port Elizabeth, for horses killed in Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902 'The New Rainbow' is available at: http://www.craiglock.com/books.html or to order contact Craig at clock@paradise.net.nz
Craig's other novels on South Africa that he "felt inspired to write" are available at: http://www.bridgeniche.com/southern-african-experience/index.html THIS PIECE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED
Craig is an "infopreneur", who loves to encourage people to follow their wildest dreams.