Lovely yet pointless sentiment
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti faith. I don’t believe in any religion, but I have a great deal of faith. It’s been well tested over my half a century, but I still have it.
But, I feel faith is pointless, without practical purpose. Especially if it involves spending money sending thoughts and prayers, instead of donating to worthy, desperate causes, such as the cyclone relief funds, that are so sorely needed at the moment.
I just took a stamped, posted, envelope out of my letterbox, with a lovely, handwritten letter, offering me “comforting thought from the scriptures”, and I wonder how much money did that kind person spend to send me, a complete stranger (envelope addressed “To The Resident”) and however many others these missives.
At $1.70 postage, per letter, plus the envelope and paper, and printed flyer, that’s potentially a lot of “thoughts” that could have put food on tables or bedrolls under bodies. Would that not have been a better option, than randomly sending people quotes from the scriptures?
My priest, growing up Catholic, would tell us every Wednesday at bible practice “turn your hands to practical matters and your hearts to spiritual”. And he’d follow that up with the simple explanation “Do something useful”.
So, dear people, rather than preach about how the big G cares about us, show you care about others, and live your faith, practically. If you can’t physically help, don’t waste money preaching, use it to help. Don’t be the preacher on the cliff who let the boy fall, because God loved him. Turn your hands to practical matters, and your hearts to faith!
And if your church is footing the bill, there’s better things they can do with the money too.
Keep the faith, but, please, do something practical. I don’t need saving, but thousands really do.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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75.8% Yes
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22.8% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
CAROLS ON THE GREEN
Sunday 1 December, 4-6.30pm, on H N Village Green. Koha sausage sizzle, Santa, Bay Cities's Symphonic Band, Dianne Abraham, Men in Black, Hukarere Girls' College, carol singing. Bring your chairs and a picnic basket and join the festivities. If inclement weather, we'll move into the church.
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