Living in a world of injustice

I admit that I have been neglectful about posting these last couple of days but vow that my commitment to fulfilling my goal has not faltered. In spite of a bit of nasty weather and a very busy schedule this week, I am still running and on track to finish my 100 miles by the end of the month.

I watched the movie Blood Diamond for the first time in a few years a couple of nights back and thought that it would be good to post some of my thoughts following the viewing. First, if you haven't seen the movie, I strongly recommend it. It can be very difficult to watch but provides a relatively quick preview of several of the major problems regularly facing people in a number of African countries - child abductions, child soldiers, child sexual exploitation, government corruption, forced labor, genocide (by government and anti-government forces) and what is essentially the isolation and captivity of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in relocation camps, to name a few. Honestly, and even though I have seen the movie before, it left me feeling incredibly discouraged about our ability to effect positive change in the face of such immense injustice and outright evil. The truth is that we live in a world of injustice where darkness intertwines the fabric of our societies and lives, where too often this darkness masquerades as good and can easily mislead even those with the best intentions. Somehow the value and promise that is inherent to every person has been subordinated to worldly things - material goods, power and the basest elements of human depravity. I sometimes wonder how I, we, can make a difference when the problems seem so vast.

In such times of discouragement, I am reminded of a quote from Gary Haugen's (founder of IJM) book, The Good News About Injustice, that reads, "Who stands fast? Only the man whose final standard is not his reason, his principles, his conscience, his freedom or his virutue, but who is ready to sacrifice all this when he is called to obedient and responsible action in faith and in exclusive allegiance to God - the responsible man who tries to make his whole life an answer to the question and call of God." It helps me remember that when I, we, focus on developing and exhibiting those outstanding characteristics of the human spirit - love, faithfulness, selflessness, sacrifice, obedience, responsibility and so many more, take your pick - and, by dying to the our worldly desires, make service to God our goal that we are empowered to make the change that this world so desperately needs. We are called to be light in the darkness and I encourage you to shine your light by taking action today - give of yourself through prayer, offer your resources (time, money, talents), become informed about social injustice in your community and others, and/or participate in events that raise awareness and support programs that battle injustice.

Finally, check out the Love146 and Love146 Denver Taskforce webpages to see what this great organization and its Denver volunteer arm are doing to combat human trafficking and child sexual exploitation internationally and here in Colorado. As always, thank you for your support.


Monday's miles: 4
Today's miles: 6.3
Month-to-date miles: 47.9
Remaining miles: 52.1