navwin » Archives » Spiritual Journeys » food for thought
Spiritual Journeys
Post A Reply Post New Topic food for thought Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
mirjam
Member
since 1999-11-24
Posts 246
Auckland, New Zealand

0 posted 2000-03-09 01:58 AM


This poem was written by a student following the slaying of a teacher and students at Columbine School in the USA by two students. (Contributed by Hillary Simpson.)

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers;

wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints;

we spend more but have less; we buy more but enjoy it less;

we have bigger houses and smaller families;
more conveniences, but less time;

we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge but less judgement; more experts, but more problems; more medicine but less wellness.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.

We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life;
we've added years to life, not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbour.

We've conquered outer space, but not inner space;
we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul;
we've split the atom, but not our prejudice.

We have higher incomes, but lower morals;
we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.

These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun;
more kinds of food, but less nutrition.

These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.

It is a time when there is much in the shop window and nothing in the stockroom;
a time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to make a difference....
or just hit 'DELETE.'

© Copyright 2000 mirjam - All Rights Reserved
deleeme
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 1766
NEW ENGLAND, USA
1 posted 2000-03-09 05:03 AM


Wow, Mirjam this a powerfully thought-provoking piece.  Just how is it that we get so off course in our lives and become blinded to the important realities? Why do we put so much emphasise on the physical, the material, and go starving spirutally?
Why is it we only keep God on retainer, for when all else fails--and then expect Him to perfectly patch up and fix the great mess we've made of our lives?  Like I said, this piece which you lovingly shared with us does provoke much needed thought and needs to be followed by much prayerful repentance, renewal and revival.  Thank you,  David
< !signature-->

 "Our Creativity points to a Higher Creator--we couldn't have just happened, and for what ability we may possess--to God be the glory." -dlw-




[This message has been edited by deleeme (edited 03-09-2000).]

ellie LeJeune
Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156
King of Prussia, PA USA
2 posted 2000-03-09 06:29 AM


Dear Mirjam: Chilling truth! Ther is a true story that a very wealthy man went to Calcutta to help Mother Theresa, She told him to go back to the United States, because the spitual povert there was much worse than the povert you see here! I hope many check and read what we all write here and we are alleviating some of that poverty. Do we fully comprehend how blessed we all are to know and love the Lord?  Love, Ellie

 02



Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
3 posted 2000-03-09 06:37 AM


There's a bitter truth to all of this.  Very eye opening, mirjam.  Thanks for sharing.


Michael

rwood
Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee
4 posted 2000-03-09 07:05 AM


I'm so glad you shared this. Written by  students that we can all learn from. Out of the mouth of babes...This should tell us all something! Our youth are made examples of even as we adults provide the material for them to do so. Truth is and it hurts...Our spirituallity doesn't spread as fast as bad rumors do...We must all consider the source..And pray hard.  Thank you!
Sincerely,
Rwood

sandgrain
Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662
Sycamore, IL, USA
5 posted 2000-03-09 10:11 AM


A real eyeopener and moreso since a student wrote it!  These were thoughts I was having composing 'Warning, Warm Warter', but this says it so much better.  Thanks so much for sharing.
WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
6 posted 2000-03-09 10:28 AM


Thank you for sharing this. Though I am wondering if it was actually written then. I have seen this one come across my email quite a few times. Though it's very truthful indeed, and I couldn't actually pin point it's timing, but I thought I would let you know. It may have actually been and whoever forwarded it, didn't bother to leave the credit in whom it belonged to.

These words will surely make you stop and think about the world today! Thank you for posting this!

mirjam
Member
since 1999-11-24
Posts 246
Auckland, New Zealand
7 posted 2000-03-10 12:45 PM


ISn't it just? (an eyeopener etc) we definitely need to look at our ways more critically and yes, repent and pray about them for any change to occur. Thanks for reading everyone!

Wtdove - you could be right, i'm not actually 100% on when it was written, i picked up a photocopy of this at a chapel in the university, and just copied everything that was written on it onto this forum. Who knows, but either way it's worth reading and taking on board. I'm glad that it's been circulating around email wise too, that's great!  

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Spiritual Journeys » food for thought

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary