Brother John's Amen Corner

Yes, Brother John is just full of surprises, which probably explains why he has such a faithful group of insightful readers who wouldn't think of missing even one of his columns.

At times, you will laugh, and, at others, you will reflect on what he has said long after you have left this website. But always, you will be entertained and enlightened, as we have.

So, learn a little, and laugh a little; it's good for the soul!

"Happiness comes from harmony, not wealth and fame." - Lao Tzu

In this saying, Lao Tzu captures the Taoist attitude towards money and status. While most people aspire to such goals, imagining them to be a source of happiness, the Taoist masters dismiss them as at best irrelevant and at worst an impediment to well-being.

Yang Tzu teaches, "Four desires disturb our peace: The desires for a long life, fame, social prestige and wealth. Those without these things are given no rest by their dissatisfaction and those with these things live in constant fear of losing them. It's the opposite with those who trust their lives to destiny."

Happiness, contentment, significance, even self worth are decisions we make ourselves, not a state of living we attain when we have enough "stuff." We make these choices at any time and under any circumstances, and we can even unmake them if we want.

Ghandi died owning only eyeglasses and a bit of yarn, yet his life mattered in the deepest ways. He was famous because of who he chose to be and what he chose to do, not because he sought that. His relationships with others, particularly with those who persecuted him and his people, were manifestations of God showing Himself through his life.

He embodied Christ without being a Christian church member. He actively and consistently loved his enemies, and returned good for evil time and time again. He refused to lower himself to doing what bad people did in revenge for their evil.

He was content with himself and his chosen mission in life though it brought him hardship and a violent death. But because of him, people were shown what's important in this life and given the chance to choose the same for themselves.

Jesus says seek first His kingdom, then all else will be added. His kingdom of those who choose to love as God loves, not only our friends and likeminded people, but those who are evil and do evil things to us or others. No matter how hard it is, no matter how naive and stupid it seems to us or others.

Happiness, contentment, satisfaction, success, self worth comes from choosing to become the individuals God created us to become and living our mission of loving as He loves as fully as we can. All these come from living in harmony with God's purpose for us as the fully human beings He wants us to be at every stage of our lives.

Take Care,