Thang Nguyen 555

We all are. Existentially self-evident.

Yet we posture and pose. When millions are watching, we ask “intelligent questions” to show the questioner is smarter than the one being asked.

I had a college friend who wanted to do a PhD research on how people are behaving differently when the camera is turned on and aimed at them. Their close-up moment.

How about the Maker of the Universe is watching you.

Would you behave or act up. How about just assume we’re being watched at all times, like driving past a school-speed sign.

Mindful and aware that we live in a human world, along with others: kids, old folks and enemies.

Been a month into an avoidable war. The Soviet Dream revived. Cold War reheated.

Mr Putin! Tear down the wall.

And while at it, displace roughly 7 million. No hot coffeee, no warm fireplaces and no milk today.

World Health Organisation has been busy. UNHCR super busy. And our attention is stretched to its limits.

Suddenly we’re called to be little Madeleine (Albright), to stare down world dictators, to stand tall 4ft 11.

To be pre-dead people. Behave like one. Stand tall and unwavering like one. After all, size doesn’t matter.

Big purse does not equate to big heart.

The world can see your yatch bought on impulse but not your pulse when you see suffering and homelessness.

Here in Austin, people still live by the side of and under the freeway.

Breaks my heart every time.

In Ukraine tanks roll from across the borders, in the US muscle cars cruise by makeshift tents.

Mother Theresa once hailed as a saint, living among the lepers of Calcutta.

Lepers made in the Imago Dei (image of God). Pre-sanctified and pre-dead. They demand our attention and care. Just like the 100,000 incoming refugees from Ukraine who will be joining the rank and file of Melania and Madeleine. Once somewhere else. Now here. Joining the journey, albeit pre-dead. Might as well enjoy the ride. And while at it, toss a buck, or a Billion (as the case of Mackenzie Scott) for fellow pre-dead.

This blog is in honour of those two heroic ladies, former First Lady not included. Hail to Albright and Scott. Glad to have shared the journey with those two big hearts (and in MacKenzie case, big purse does equate with big heart, a very rare instance).