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A Mary T. Hoffman Commentary from All-Creatures.org

 

"Joyful Curmudgeon" An oxymoron?
No! I see all the beauty of God's creation and I'm joyful.  At the same time, I see all the suffering and corruption going on in the world, and feel called to help expose and end it so that we may have true peace and compassion.

 


No Guts, No Glory – 29 April 2008
By Mary T. Hoffman

This poem I wrote expresses my observation that actively trying to bring positive change in this world oftentimes requires more bravery or “guts” than any physical endeavor. As Theodore H. White, an American political writer (1915-1986) said, “To go against the dominant thinking of your friends, of most of the people you see every day, is perhaps the most difficult act of heroism you can have.”

No Guts, No Glory
By Mary T. Hoffman

“No Guts, No Glory,” our instructor said;
“No Guts, No Glory,” our badges read.
Urged to ski our very best –
Over steep and icy crest –
That’s how I learned to conquer fear,
Earning two medals for that year.
Racing down a snowy slope,
Replacing fear with fervent hope,
Senior citizens’ ski club taught me
More than simply how to snow ski.

Now, that advice works for animal rights,
A struggle on which I’ve set my sights.
Creation groans to be set free – *
All those whose home is land or sea:
The monkey, rabbit, hen, and cow
Sea creature, bird, mouse, or sow
Deserve to live in God’s intent, **
Free from humans who are bent
On choosing evil over good:
To turn God’s creatures into food.
It takes real guts to face the facts:
True glory follows only acts
Based on goodness, truth and peace.
Human-created strife must cease.
All creatures deserve a life
Free from fear, pain, and strife.

* Romans 8:18 and following.
** Genesis 1:20–31.

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Go on to: Dolphin Collision – 30 April 2008
Return to: Bad Advice and Contradictions – 28 April 2008
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