Take no pleasure

Perhaps you've noticed I am sporting a new blog name. 'Take No Pleasure' was the brilliant suggestion of long-time friend, high school classmate, and occasional commenter, Patti (go Illini!). Many thanks, and I promise never to make you bring me water again (she was manager of my h.s. football team). :)

The phrase comes from a verse in the Bible in the book of Ezekiel (33:11)...

"I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, but rather in his conversion, that he may be saved."

I think the beauty of the name is, at first glance it seems to describe my sarcastically pessimistic bent toward life. Sometimes it probably seems like I am never happy. But that is not at all true if you really know me. In digging a little deeper you will find that I have great joy, peace, and contentment. But I am seriously distressed by certain injustices in the world - not the least of which involves people being judged unredeemable or having no value. That has always been my passion, and I believe is my calling in life: sticking up for the underdog, bringing hope to the hopeless, and that sort of thing. So there could perhaps be no more perfect name for my little blog. It's almost like it's a new day.

I take no pleasure in living just to die...

I take no pleasure in the judgment of anyone as unfit or disqualified...

I take no pleasure in politics, economic systems or the religions of man...

I believe in God the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord:
who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Peace out; and in.