[NOTE: Originally written on February 8, 2011]
I have been watching things in Egypt unfold with a mix of hope, fear, and frustration. Hope that in the end all will work out well, fear that it may not or that worse things may rise from the ashes, and frustration that in some way, however so tangential, I have a hand in the troubles these Egyptians are seeking to cast off because of some of the actions my government has taken over the past 30 years.
Then I hear about men like Wael Ghonim. Wael Ghonim, a 30 year old Egyptian living in the United Arab Emirates who was instrumental in the internet tidal wave that preceded the events of the last few weeks. Wael Ghonim, who took a leave of absence from his work (yes, under false pretense--he claimed it was a family emergency), absence from work as the Head of Marketing of Google Middle East and North Africa, to join a peaceful protest in the streets of his home country. Wael Ghonim, who for 12 days was "disappeared" by his government, and who was released less than 48 hours ago. I commend his story to you and encourage you to listen to it--more accurately read it as it is in Arabic with English subtitles. I cannot imagine that you will not be moved.
It is men such as this--brimming with honesty, humility, determined action in the face of danger, and a commitment to peace even in the midst of turmoil--that give me hope that Egypt and the broader world itself can indeed one day be a better place. And even if that may dream not be, that maybe, just maybe, I can be a better man myself.
http://egypt.alive.in/2011/02/
http://egypt.alive.in/2011/02/
http://egypt.alive.in/2011/02/
http://egypt.alive.in/2011/02/
http://egypt.alive.in/2011/02/
I did not like the 5th and final segment, as it seems to be a classic journo-cinematic emotional ploy (US media does not have a monopoly on this market it appears). It would be completely embarrassing were it not for the fact that it was a selection was made by the interviewer, not Ghonim himself, and that it was completely unable to taint in any way the noble spirit portrayed by this man.
May we have the clarity to see the true greatness of the nation we possess in the liberties and freedoms she still affords. May we have the courage to stand in defense of the same. May we have the conviction to make the world a better place for every man, when and where we can. And may we have the strength to point that world to the God who proved the value of every man by the price that he paid for us all.
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." 2 Cor 9:15
I have been watching things in Egypt unfold with a mix of hope, fear, and frustration. Hope that in the end all will work out well, fear that it may not or that worse things may rise from the ashes, and frustration that in some way, however so tangential, I have a hand in the troubles these Egyptians are seeking to cast off because of some of the actions my government has taken over the past 30 years.
Then I hear about men like Wael Ghonim. Wael Ghonim, a 30 year old Egyptian living in the United Arab Emirates who was instrumental in the internet tidal wave that preceded the events of the last few weeks. Wael Ghonim, who took a leave of absence from his work (yes, under false pretense--he claimed it was a family emergency), absence from work as the Head of Marketing of Google Middle East and North Africa, to join a peaceful protest in the streets of his home country. Wael Ghonim, who for 12 days was "disappeared" by his government, and who was released less than 48 hours ago. I commend his story to you and encourage you to listen to it--more accurately read it as it is in Arabic with English subtitles. I cannot imagine that you will not be moved.
It is men such as this--brimming with honesty, humility, determined action in the face of danger, and a commitment to peace even in the midst of turmoil--that give me hope that Egypt and the broader world itself can indeed one day be a better place. And even if that may dream not be, that maybe, just maybe, I can be a better man myself.
http://egypt.alive.in/2011/02/
http://egypt.alive.in/2011/02/
http://egypt.alive.in/2011/02/
http://egypt.alive.in/2011/02/
http://egypt.alive.in/2011/02/
I did not like the 5th and final segment, as it seems to be a classic journo-cinematic emotional ploy (US media does not have a monopoly on this market it appears). It would be completely embarrassing were it not for the fact that it was a selection was made by the interviewer, not Ghonim himself, and that it was completely unable to taint in any way the noble spirit portrayed by this man.
May we have the clarity to see the true greatness of the nation we possess in the liberties and freedoms she still affords. May we have the courage to stand in defense of the same. May we have the conviction to make the world a better place for every man, when and where we can. And may we have the strength to point that world to the God who proved the value of every man by the price that he paid for us all.
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." 2 Cor 9:15
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