Fire truck in Hole

I remember hearing about this on the news. It was seriously just a few blocks from our apartment. My only question is: Does he really think that if that fire truck begins to fall down he'll be able to stop it from crushing him?

Naked at the airport?

Okay, so by now we all know that a guy tried to blow up a plane going to Detroit. Now there are even more security checks happening. That is just going to cause longer lines and more irritation to travellers. I don't really care because I'd rather be safe. I was thinking about it the other day though and I remembered hearing about these advanced X-ray machines that could basically see through clothing. And I then wondered why we don't have these in all the airports to keep us safe. Here is an article answering that question. Apparently people don't like it because it's too invasive and embarrasing. They don't want someone to see the shape of their body. A member of the ACLU (an organization that I don't think too kindly about) said that it's like performing a "virtual strip search". Well, wouldn't you rather it be virtual than real? Seriously, I don't like my body either, but I'd rather do that and make sure everyone else on my plane is going to be safe rather than worry about the x-ray operator seeing my roles of fat. Seriously, are we so vain that even our own lives aren't as valuable as looking good and not being embarrassed?

Is it okay to shoplift? One priest thinks so!

I saw an article on MSN today saying that a UK priest was preaching shoplifting. At first sight I was disgusted. How could someone who considers themself a man of God recommend such illegal behavior? However, as I read more I started to agree more with him than everyone else. He was specifically recommending it to those who had nothing or had been left without options to feed themselves or their families. He would rather them steal a can of ravioli than turn to prostition or more violent crimes. If we as a people choose to ignore charities or the most vulnerable around us, then we deserve to pay the consequences. He only recommended stealing from chain stores because the cost of stolen food would just be past down to the rest of us.

I'm still completely against theft of any kind, but I agree with the idea of it all. We shouldn't be ignoring the people who are really in need. We need to take care of each other and do more to help those in need. We can donate to charities. Find individuals in our lives that need our help.

I love that his sermon was so provocative because it reached me clear on the other side of the "pond" and got me thinking. This is a good and healthy dialogue and hopefully it stretches us all to do a little bit more for someone else.

I do not believe God will bless those who do not bless the lives of his other children.