I stumbled across this piece of art today that was put together inspired by Mumford and Sons song, After the Storm.

Whenever we get an opportunity to see as brave and living and human, those who are regularly dehumanized, let's take it!

Just needed to include this video on this site... too perfect.

Here is a simple and succinct look at why, across the wealthy world, people are taking to the streets to demand change. There is not always a clear goal, but one theme that unites those who have chosen to occupy cities in their countries to demand change; something better is possible.

A good friend of mine sent me a link to this story and wrote; "no need for words, just watch it."

Recently I was speaking at a Gr. 9 retreat, an event geared towards giving them an enthusiastic and positive start to their high school experience. I did the 20 dollar bill exercise with them (which you can find here) and commented, “We, as a society, have done a better job of recognizing the value of money than we have at recognizing the value of the people around us.” Much to my surprise one young man in the group reacted immediately with a loud, “So?!” that could be heard throughout the room.

“I'd like to quit thinking of the present, like right now, as some minor, insignificant preamble to something else.” – Cynthia (Dazed and Confused)

The other day my wife and I were having a conversation about whether or not we were ‘done’ having kids. I found this conversation unsettling for some reason. I determined that my discomfort was coming from the fact that this whole thing about being done having kids is rooted in the future.

I've had the song "Because of the Shame" by Against Me! in my head over the weekend. Particularly because it really connects with the last couple blog posts.

The chorus goes;

Because of the shame I associate with vulnerability
I am numbing myself completely.
Can you hear me right now?

One of the first questions I often get asked after talking to a group of youth is, “What does it say on your knuckles?” From time to time I have dismayed having my knuckles tattooed; simply for the fact that instead of something profound, instead of some deep personal question that perhaps my talk has ignited in someone’s heart, I am getting asked, yet again, what is written on my fingers. Despite my disappointment that I have not ignited a passionate discourse I slip off my wedding ring and present my fists for inspection. “Hold fast?...

We sat around the drop-in sharing stories and laughter, remembering the life of a young man who had brought smiles to the faces of his friends countless times. At the same time there was a weight in the room, a sorrow that is unavoidable when a life comes to a close at such a young age. For some reason though, it felt like no one wanted to acknowledge it. There were tears, but it was like grief and sorrow were being ignored; pretending that we were shutting the door to them, when they were already in the room. “He would hate us being sad,” someone shared... and perhaps...

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world. - Jack Layton