A journalist is born...-Final

As we come to the close of a semester and the end of 2008, it impossible to not look backwards at all that has taken place. So many amazing and insane things have taken place in my own life that it is hard to not see how God's hand was so evident every step of the way.

The other day, in order to keep from studying for my finals, I decided to start writing my families Christmas newsletter. I pulled up the 2007 letter and took a look. It was laid out in a classic newspaper fashion with columns, photos, info boxes and headlines. I chuckled in delight as I read what I had written. "As writer and editor for this year's letter, I have chosen to document our family's year in a journalistic style. I interviewed each member of the family by simply asking, "If you could describe this year in what word, what would it be?"" I went on to say that my college career path and future were relatively uncertain.

Looking at this letter and many other instances along the way, I realized that I have always had a journalism inclination all along. I have an inquisitive mind. I love to ask questions! "What do you think about? What do you mean by? What do you think about?" Questions like these have been elemental to my life and repertoire for years now.

When I decided to come to California Baptist, I was originally a communications major. However, in looking at the class schedules I decided that I would rather write than take many more speech classes. So, I became a journalism major. I love the written word. It is clear and concise. I can paint pictures or destroy hopes and dream. I can inform and persuade. I can question and I can answer. This semester I have learned what it means to be a journalist. I realized that God has given me a talent for writing and a joy to do it (although not all the time). I look forward to being able to probe and question the thoughts and lives of the people around me next semester as well as offer some of my own insights.

I guess I just needed to see myself for what I really was...a journalist all along.

Mocha Club- Extra

“I need Africa more than Africa needs me.” At the first mention of this saying I couldn't help but find myself relatively perplexed. It seems that often we are encouraged to think about the needs of others less fortunate than ourselves. And act and think in such a way as to charitably benefit them. We hear the stories of the starving children in Africa and of the poverty, see the commercials and yet we do nothing. We know of those who live in a state lowlier than ours; we become emotional but remain motionless.

Yet, from where I write in America, we are blessed beyond measure, however it seems a rare thing to find anything resembling real joy.

We live in constant comfort. We have everything and yet many have nothing constituting real substance. We rely on the abilities of the credit card to get us the things we want, when we want them. We have cars so we don't have to walk. We have caffeine to keep us awake and be more "productive" and yet we accomplish less. We rely on our dailies coffees for energy and comfort. Energy to sit at computer desks, to type reports, to talk on cell phones. Comfort from coffee that can come and should from real human fellowship, interaction, relationships, and...in my opinion...salvation in Jesus Christ.

Yet there are many others less fortunate than those of us here in America, and yet they live lives that are happy, simple, but happy. Lives based in the pursuit of dignity, honor and trust. They know how to work hard and provide for their families. Unfortunately, most people in Africa do not even have the necessity of clean fresh water, education or sometimes even food.

But what if we were to act? What if we were willing to give up a slice of our comfort? What if we gave up something we don’t need so that others could have something that they do? What difference would it make?

I think the first difference is rather obvious. If we were able to provide food, water and even education for the lives of those who need it most, we would be able to impact the quality of their lives. A meal to eat, water to drink and a chance at a better future. But what about the difference on the heart attitude of the giver? What is the point of a sacrifice? While others might have varying answers, I would say that one of the biggest effects of a sacrifice is in the heart of the one giving up something precious to them. It is a readjustment of priorities for the sake of something better. It is a matter of saying to one’s self, “There is more at stake here than my happiness.” I think that is exactly the change of mind and change of heart that America, especially the Christian’s in America need. By giving up a simple coffee (which is overpriced anyway), a person can begin to not only help but learn from others what is really important in life. A change of my heart towards the needs of others will last longer than any Venti mocha ever will. I need Africa more than Africa needs me.

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said it is more blessed to give than to receive.”- Acts 20:35