The Three Paths of Life

There are in essence, three paths in life that a person can follow. Each one holding a different outcome in terms of success, personal fulfillment and integration of ones hopes and dreams. Those paths are;

1. Accountability 

2. Excuses 

3. Entitlement

The question that we need to ask ourselves is; Which path is the correct one to follow?

The hint to my answer, can be found in the following quote;

“In reality, we all have our lives, and the accountability for achievement of our dreams and goals falls strictly on our shoulders.” (Thomas Matt)

In other words, accountability! For it leads to  fields of infinite possibilities of fulfillment and success in life. This due to the fact that self accountability lends itself to growth and adaptability. Thereby, driving us forward with each new experience. On  the other hand, the two others (excuses and entitlement) lead us only into the minefields of failure and stagnation. For, making excuses leads to the acceptance of failure and a self medicating stupor of not getting up off the floor. Furthermore, feelings of entitlement don’t even allow us to take the first step towards living a responsible and independent life. For, it’s always “someone else’s” responsibility to provide for our wants. Thereby, the lack of a need to even try anything on our own.

Let us be accountable for our lives, for that is where adulthood resides. 

For the love of Texas!

Pulitzer Prize winning author, John  Steinbeck, wrote about Texas the following, “Like most passionate nations, Texas has its own history based on, but not limited by, facts.” In other words, the cowboy culture of the Lone Star State is made up of, both fact, and fable. Ultimately, the two often blend together as one. Thus, the word “Texan” means something different to each person who hears it. However, for all of us who live here, it always implies pride.

If we are talking about multiple meanings and interpretations, the fact of the matter is, personal interpretation is that which guides our lives.  For example, the stories, legends and events found within the Torah/Bible are interpreted by each individual, denomination and religion differently. However, they all point to our essential covenant with God and the upholding of His commandments. The important points being, that the combination of belief and behavior equates to holiness in our own individual and communal lives.

What becomes truly important, here in the Bible Belt, and I would hope around the world, is the  combination of belief in God and pride in our states/country and how we blend the two together. For, when we combine belief, patriotism and action as one, the combination offers us a roadmap towards successful lives and futures. I hope that we will all follow this roadmap.

Conviction of Derek Chauvin

The lessons that the Torah (Bible) can teach us from the death of George Floyd and the conviction of Derek Chauvin!

In this weeks double Torah Parsha reading, Aharei Mot and Kedoshim, we can find one of the most famous and timely verses in the entirety of religion. That verse being, “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2)  The timeliness of this first could not be more stark in light of yesterday‘s verdict in the George Floyd case. 

While there were many tragedies and travesties in the death of George Floyd, the conviction of ex Police Officer, Derek Chauvin, shows us that no one is above the law and that all lives are holy. This being the central lesson that the verse from this weeks Torah reading in Leviticus, which I quoted above teaches us. Not only were the specific actions taken by Derek Chauvin deadly and deplorable, they were also the antithesis, to all that we as a moralistic and monotheistic society believe in. Thereby, Chauvin’s actions and crimes were perpetrated not only against George Floyd but also against God. For, there was no holiness in his actions on that May 25th of last year. George Floyd would still be alive had Chauvin remembered Leviticus 19:2, instead of his actions which he perpetuated in the darkness of evil.

Consequently, not only has Chauvin been convicted for his actions, but we as a society must finally be convinced to change our attitudes and behaviors towards each other. For, no individual deserves any less than to be seen as a fellow creation, born in God’s holy light. The final lesson being, that of the jury, whereby they reminded us in their conviction of Chauvin and his behavior that “all men are created equal” (Declaration of Independence). Thus, deserving to be treated as such, not only in the eyes of the law, but also in the eyes of each other.

Freedom!

Freedom!

There seems to be an ongoing argument throughout history as to what freedom means. Presently, here in the United States, and within many democracies throughout the world we are now witnessing a debate over freedom of choice, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom to hold a contrary opinion. While the fact, that we can have these discussions is positive, the reality our voices are being shut down due to peer pressure, and this is not a positive path to take. One of the most direct quotes in terms of freedom, comes from C. Wright. Mills. Mills, was a professor at Columbia University between 1946-1962 and he said, “Freedom is not merely the opportunity to do as one pleases; neither is it merely the opportunity to choose between set alternatives. Freedom is, first of all, the chance to formulate the available choices, to argue over them -- and then, the opportunity to choose.”

Personally, we consider Mill’s definition to boil down to, the freedom of thought. The Psalmist, writes about the same principle when he said,  “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (Psalm 119:45) Here, the Psalmist’s quote refers to choosing God and His path, however what is important, is the freedom to choose and then, engage. The question for us is, are we following the same path today?

It is essential that we do, for our futures as independent thinkers and individuals are based upon it. While not all our choices have been, or may be positive, we also have the freedom to correct them. Thereby, our growth is always in front of us. Consequently, freedom equates to “life” and we must ensure religiously, philosophically, personally and in practice that this remains. While, the work may be difficult, the outcome is paramount to our and future generations freedom!

On Top of the World

Who doesn’t like to be the best or “on top of the world?” However, nobody does begin at the top,even King’s were born as Prince’s and then eventually became the king. The lesson being, that we all have it within us to be the best we can. While we might not be an actual king or queen, we can be the kings and queens of our own capabilities.

Olympic Gold Medallist Gabby Douglas, said it best when she said that, “Every champion was once a contender that didn’t give up." Religiously speaking, we can find success through our covenant with God. For, as we are taught, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:) 

We have now seen how we can succeed both personally and religiously. Now imagine how much better we can be if we combine both of them together. For, is there a better partnership in the world than a confident person of faith and an Omnipotent God? Absolutely not! Thereby, let us strengthen ourselves and our belief, for when we do this, we will definitely be champions in life.

Courage

We are living in a time whereby we must be courageous, for to remain positive in today’s environment is an effort. Thereby, in order to find strength in the midst of the cognitive dissonance of today, we must discover our inner courage. However, when speaking of courage, I am not referring to the definition that automatically pops up into our minds, rather I am referring to the definition of a man whose positivity helped democracy survive WW2, and he is, William Churchill.

Churchill wrote that, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” In other words, courage is allowing others voices to be heard, while simultaneously listening to those voices, even if we disagree with them. Thereby, courage takes both inner and outer fortitude, belief and patience.

As we begin this week, we need to courageously listen to each other. While we don’t have to abdicate our personal opinions or change our minds, we should be open to listening one to another. For reconciliation as a democracy demands a plurality of positions and a safe forum for debate. While, listening to others who we don’t agree with, often makes us feel uneasy, we must find the courage to hear each other. For when this happens, there will be “Peace be within thy walls, And prosperity within thy palaces.” (Psalm 122:7)

Freedoms

Freedoms are the backbone of all moral societies. This doesn’t make every free decision or uttered word correct, however if there is anything that we can learn from the Torah (Bible) that is; God has given us the Freedom to choose both in language and in action. Yes, there are consequences for choosing either to perform mitzvoth or sin, however, God never took the free choices of life away from man. This freedom began with Adam and Eve’s choice to eat from the Tree of Knowledge and continued throughout the rest of the Torah. Mankind has both prospered and suffered, due to our freedom to choose, however overall, the choices of individuals like Abraham, Moses, and many others have put us on a path towards dynamic creation and the betterment of mankind.

The problem with silencing free speech is not that it squelches that which is already known, rather it aborts the future and that which hasn’t been written. Author, Judy Blume, whose books have inspired thousands, if not more of our youth, once wrote: “It’s not just books under fire now that worry me. It is the books that will never be written. The books that will never be read. And all due to the fear of censorship. As always, young readers will be the real losers.” My question is; are we ruining the future by trying to “protect” the present?

In order to answer this question, I look towards our sources. The Psalmist wrote, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14) If we were to dissect this verse, we could understand that not all words that come out of our mouths are acceptable (i.e., positive), therefore the conditional words, “be acceptable.” We can conclude from this, that the path towards a better life is not by restricting the words/voices of individuals, but rather shifting attitudes, acceptability and thereby verbiage.

In the end, it is the freedoms to both fall and rise that authors in the next generations greatest books and thinkers. We as people of belief, courage and morality, must have more faith in God and ourselves if we are to prosper. We should not prohibit freedoms, rather we should promote them. For imagine, where we would be today, if past generations had succeeded, as they tried, in banishing the Bible, Shakespeare, Galileo and so many more. We must reinforce God’s light, and this means safeguarding the Freedoms that He gave us.

It’s All In Our Attitude

In this ongoing time of winter ailments, shorter/darker days alongside the seasonal depression that follow the holidays and increases after the New Year, I believe that it is important for us all to remember that, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it.” (Helen Keller) Accordingly, as Helen Keller herself represents, we can overcome life’s hardships with the right attitude. The question being; what is the right attitude?

The beginning point to having a right attitude in my view , begins with God. For as the Psalmist taught us,  “I have set the Lord always before me. Because He (God) is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8) In other words, with God standing by us, His strength is also ours. I can think of no other being, including world class bodybuilders, who have more strength.

“From above, we can surmise that “ He (God) gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” (Isaiah 40:29) Consequently, if God gives His strength to the powerless, there in essence no one who remains permanently powerless. Taking this into account, we can conclude that believing in God will allow us to live with, and have, a positive attitude.

Hardships and Riches

As we face hardships in our own lives and see them around us, we must also remember our riches. Those riches begin with relationships. Relationships between ourselves and God, for He created us and between ourselves and others, such as family, friends and “the stranger among us.” However, what is the way whereby we can do this?

The path to helping others according to Benjamin Disraeli can be found in the following quote; “The greatest good you can do for another, is not to share your own riches, but to reveal to him, his own.” In other words, we need to highlight the blessings that each person has. This should be our true mission in the upcoming year, for such actions are truly another type of vaccine that our society needs.

Announcing an Important Statement of Belief and Principles!

Self interests are often the driving force behind an individual or groups actions. Paths forwards and alliances are often formed when people’s interests intersect one with another. Unfortunately, ones inner beliefs are often left behind in order to move one’s own interests or position in life forward.

British philosopher, John Stuart Mill, found this fact very problematic, thereby putting forward the philosophy that a person’s belief and not his self interest was the most important factor in a person’s character. In this vain, Mill’s wrote, “One person with a belief is equal to ninety-nine who have only interests.” In essence Mill’s was pointing out the truth that while interests change according to circumstances, beliefs remain true to one’s character. For a person’s foundational building blocks are their beliefs and value systems.

Thus, as we walk through life we need to look for people who hold inherent beliefs and not sliding positions based solely upon one’s own self interests. For it is with those whose foundations are solid that society is built. Let us all forge ahead based upon our beliefs and not merely rely on what expedites our own self interests.

Discourse and Rancor in Society! Whose to Blame?

Do we mimic our leaders or do our leaders mimic our own behavior? Why are we surprised by our leaders (political , communal and grass roots) behaviors while we do the same,

if not worse, on Facebook and other social media platforms. Do we not all know individuals (including ourselves) who block, denigrate and publicly ridicule those who don’t agree with us? Of course we do, and we see this everyday. Thus, we shouldn’t be surprised at what happens around us, for we are part of the problem. In essence, we’re to blame.

The Jewish prayer for Peace, prays for all “leaders and advisors” of our nation and not just those we agree with. Additionally, the misheberach (prayer) for the sick, prays for “all those who are in need of healing.” It doesn’t differentiate between people we like or dislike and it definitely doesn’t wish anyone ill. It goes even further, by praying for “physical, emotional and spiritual” healing, thereby expanding the reach of prayer instead of narrowing it. I think, that we all need to take a step back, meditate on these prayers and gain some perspective, for this would definitely help our own personal and national healing at this time.

Biblically speaking, King David serves as a example for us all. For didn’t he pray in Psalm 35: 13-14, “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.” In other words, King David’s character is praised by biblical commentators for his praying on behalf of his enemies instead of celebrating their death. Shouldn’t we as people of belief (irrespective of our individual beliefs) follow David’s example instead of mirroring the behaviors we say are so disgraceful? I believe, that as people of faith the answer should be obvious. While we don’t have to agree, we do have to uphold basic standards of decency and acceptance. 

In the end, let me ask; Would we let our children behave like this in school or on the playground? Of course not, so why do we complain about one thing and act in that same awful manner?! We shouldn’t! Let us always remember, especially now, that “a soft answers turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) It’s time for us to stop acting like children who are throwing a tantrum and take responsibility as adults. For our future depends upon this.

Resting in Peace and Living in Peace

Resting in Peace!

There is a famous Israeli Poet, Yehuda Amichai (1924-2000) who wrote a stark poem on “resting in peace.” While we usually use this phrase after a person dies (may he Rest In Peace) Amichai wrote about resting in peace during one’s life. In other words, resting in the shadow of personal and communal peace. This sort of peace is something that we could all use about now. It is in this hope, that I pray that Amichai’s poem will inspire us all to find, and help others live in peace.

Yehuda Amichai
I, may I rest in peace – I, who am still living, say,
May I have peace in the rest of my life.
I want peace right now while I'm still alive.
I don't want to wait like that pious man who wished for one leg
of the golden chair of Paradise, I want a four-legged chair
right here, a plain wooden chair. I want the rest of my peace now.
I have lived out my life in wars of every kind: battles without
and within, close combat, face-to-face, the faces always
my own, my lover-face, my enemy-face.
Wars with the old weapons—sticks and stones, blunt axe, words,
dull ripping knife, love and hate,
and wars with newfangled weapons—machine gun, missile,
words, land mines exploding, love and hate.
I don't want to fulfill my parents' prophecy that life is war.
I want peace with all my body and all my soul.
Rest me in peace.

The Cowtown Clergy wish to all, that we find this peace in the light of God and in the sunshine of mutual friendship.

Upon the Conduct of Each Depends the Fate of All!

Are we spiders or lions?

There is an Ethiopian Proverb that says, “When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion.” Metaphorically speaking, the lion in today’s story is hate, and we as individuals are the spiders. In other words, when we come together united in the principle of peace and “loving thy neighbor” then we have the ability to tie down the kings of evil. Those kings being, prejudice and baseless hate.

It is easy to think, hope and pray that someone else will slay the lion, however we must “remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all.” (Alexander the Great) Thereby, we must understand that none of us can escape being a spider in this fight against the deadly lion of hate. The path, whereby each of us can take action is individual and unique to our own circumstances, however nobody should be sitting out this existential battle. For, “so powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.” (Baha’U’Llah-Founder of the Baha’i Faith)

Consequently, it is time that each of us rededicate ourselves to illuminating our communities. For as we know, “a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” (Anne Frank) Let us defy the darkness of trouble and travail with the light of friendship and mutual support. Thus, defining ourselves by standing in the light of God and bringing the radiance of His light to the battle against the darkness of bigotry. This can only be done when we act in the spirit of two central values. Those values being, Shalom/Peace /acting peacefully and with honor towards each other.

Trivialization, Marginalization or Inclusiveness?

While looking through some of my papers and books the other day in preparation for a talk on equality, poverty and Judaism that I would like to give, I came across the following quote. The quote itself deals with social poverty, and it says; “If the cause of poverty is marginalization, the cure is inclusion.” (Richard John Neuhaus) In essence, the solution according to the author was not first and foremost monetary, rather it dealt with the developing a mindset of inclusiveness.

While this quote relates to economics, I also believe it can relate to the world we live in today. Undoubtedly, we live in a fractured society due to many reasons. Among those reasons we find, race, religion, sexuality, politics and so much more as dividing points and points of contention. Compounding this, we often marginalize and trivialize those who do not agree with us, thereby widening the gap within our communities. The result being, a far less stable society.

In order to countermand this trend we could apply the lessons of social economic theory from above into societal acceptance and inclusiveness within our communities today. Thereby, creating a more united society. Something, that we desperately need in today’s fractured atmosphere. In the end, the cure to the issues we face, all lay within our inner perception of life. As it changes, so will our lives.

Our Thoughts on Freedom of Speech!

“I am offended” and “You can’t say that as it offends my feelings.” “We must silence them.”

We hear these statements often and out of them grows an ever-growing censorship both in self and in public. Is this healthy? Voltaire once wrote that, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death, your right to say it.” In other words, democracy and freedom are not based on agreement of opinion, but democracy is based upon the consensus of each person being able to hold and express their own opinions.

Let us recall the warning from Henry Gates Jr. who said, “Censorship is to art as lynching is to justice.” Thereby, instead of this censorship, let us remember that God told Moses at Sinai, “You heard the sound of words, but saw no image; there was only a voice.” (Deuteronomy 4:12) In other words, it is hearing the words and listening to the voice which is central to belief. If this is true with God, how much more so should we listen to all voices (even those we disagree with) around us.

In the end, we must remember that life is not an echo chamber and we shouldn’t try and create one either. This is something that needs to be reinforced in our universities and public forums ASAP, thereby ensuring that democracy for generations to come continues to be represented by freedom of thought and expression. Currently, we are at the tipping point, whereby this echo chamber is becoming the dogma and demanded, and it is our belief that we must go back to the biblical principles that paved the path for both our freedom of beliefs and our ability to express those beliefs at the same time.

It's Time for US to Stand up and be Warriors

The biblical story of Gideon is one that offers us hope. Gideon was facing a tremendously difficult defeat at the hand of the Midianites. We know from the biblical account that he doubted God was even with him. In fact, when the angel showed up, he was threshing his wheat in the pit of a winepress, not up on a hilltop where this was usually done. Gideon was in essence hiding from reality, and all of a sudden an angel of God appeared before him and said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." (Judges 6:12)

Within the verse above are 5 of the most powerful words ever spoken to any human being. Those words are, “The Lord is with you.” Imagine, the impact that these 5 words can have on a person during their moments of doubt. Ultimately, Gideon lead the Israelites to a resounding victory over the numerically superior Midianites. Why was Gideon victorious? We could argue over military tactics, geographical advantages or any other military factor that we could think of, however in our minds it was those 5 words that spurred Gideon on to victory.

Undoubtedly, in today’s world both before and during our present hardships (COVID, the Cancel Culture, Attacks against Symbols of Faith, Riots, Disrespect for Police First Respondents, defunding of local government services and Economic Hardships etc.) many of us have doubted ourselves at one point or other. Imagine how different things would be if an angel of God appeared in front of us and spoke those same 5 words. It would make a huge difference to us all, both in how we act and how we speak with one another. We (the Cowtown Clergy) truly believe that God has spoken those words about each of us at the moment of our birth. For we were created in His image and thus He (God) must inherently trust us to carry on His image.

Thereby, it is now up to ourselves to bring those words to fruition by how we live our lives. Therefore, let us embrace the last two words of that verse, “mighty warrior” and become the greatest warriors in pursuit of fulfilling our potential and thereby bringing God’s 5 powerful words to life. For with trust in God, and with an inner moral guide and respect for those who live and defend God's light, we can be victorious over many of the hardships mentioned above and thus bring peace to society as a whole.

Prayer for Police and Law Enforcement

May it be Your will, God of heaven and earth, that You lead us toward peace, and make us reach our desired destination in life, gladness, and peace.

May you rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush, and wickedness along the way.

May you grant us the discernment to protect our neighbors from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to earth and bring harm to our communities.

May you send blessing in our every handiwork, and grant us grace, kindness, and a loving heart in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us.

May you grant us the opportunity to save, serve, bring peace and justice to the world.

May you also grant us the strength to protect our neighbors, for as we are taught, “to save one life it is if we have saved the whole world.”

May you hear our supplication because You are God who hears prayers.

Beloved are You, Lord our God, who grants us life and shadows us in your loving presence.

Shouting, Violence, Coercion, Group Think and Loss of Freedom

The loudest voices in any room or conversation are usually the ones who lead a group into agreeing on a position. The problem with this is, loud does not automatically equate to being right. For belief should not bend a knee to loudness, rather it should bend only to God.

Abba Eban, the former diplomat and Israeli Statesman once said, “ A consensus means that everyone agrees to say collectively what no one believes individually.” We believe that in many instances he is correct, and undoubtedly he is correct when it comes to politics. For “consensus” is being pushed upon us even though it may not be the best for all of us.

Unfortunately, we are seeing this play out today throughout our communities. Eban, was correct when he made his statement, and it holds true today as well. Thus, let us listen, debate and within context compromise instead of consenting to that which we may not believe. For in the end, once you abdicate your belief, you are abdicating your freedom.

#God’s Love Matters