Sacred Exchange Between Saint Francis and Lady Poverty

THE SACRED EXCHANGE BETWEEN SAINT FRANCIS AND LADY privation INTRODUCTION The Franciscan invest has been saddled with the controversy on the issue of the observation of distress. During the lifetime of enshrine Francis of Assisi, there were al constitute factions in the aim the faction that were in favour of financial support the Franciscan charism in a new di mension be c in whole tolded the lenient and the sharp-witted, and those who ar in favour of keeping to the original expression of living the Franciscan Charism, be lots c solelyed the companions we who were with him.After the death of Francis, the controversy became more intense between the friars of the Community, who sought to live the Rule and destitution of the Franciscan life in t takes and cities with the frenzy of the founder, and the spirituals that sought to live the echt observance of Rule with a more austere adherence. This controversy on the issue of the observance of mendicancy prompted so umpteen an(prenominal) friars from both factions to publish books in defense of the observance of want. Examples of books published include tabu Exchange between St Francis of Assisi and noblewoman penury by an unknown origin, The invention of the Three Companions by Br.Leo, Br. Rufino and Br. Angelo, The Tree of the Crucified Life of Jesus the Nazargonne by Ubertino Da Casale, The Tribulations of the Order of Lesser Ones by Angelo Clarino, the Little flowers of St Francis etcetera In this essay, I will be explaining in details the information that the indite is trying to pass across from some of the subthemes of the book entitled, The Sacred Exchange between St Francis of Assisi and maam pauperisation, that is specificall(a)y written in defense of the literal observance of poverty, indicating where the designer is writing from, the year of composition and the aim of the power and the society of his time.The Sacred Exchange in early(a) haggling, called the holy comme rce between St Francis and Lady meagreness was written or composed between 1237 and 1239, few years afterward(prenominal) the death of St Francis of Assisi. It was written this time beca character there were already lapses in the observance of poverty just few years after the death of the founder. Also during these years, pope Gregory IX, a close friend of Francis and the first Cardinal protector of the Order, issued a papal decree entitled Quo elongati addressed to the Friars egarding the observance of the Rule and Testament of canonize Francis. Furthermore, Br. Elias was elected as the Minister General of the Order and a massive Church was cosmos built in honour of St Francis in the city of Assisi. each(prenominal) these development encourage the relaxation of the literal observance of poverty, thus creating more division within the Order. Consequently, this book was composed with rich allegory flavoured with so many scriptural references to defend, encourage and to remind t he friars of the importance of the literal observance of poverty in the Order.AUTHOR Up to this day, the originator of this book is still unknown, but there argon suggestions that the causality could be St Anthony of Padua, Blessed John of Parma or Caesar of Speyer, because there ar similarities in their writing style with that of Sacred Exchange. It is certain that this was composed by a lenient Franciscan Friar who is well versed and acquainted with what was going on in the Order at that time.His talented gift surfaced in the way he personified Poverty as a Lady, because the word dame means a young admirable and respectful woman that knows her worth and does not taste after men rather men eer examine after her and she responds with shaft and kindness to the true man who wants her. EXPLANATIONS ON THE SUB-THEMES BLESSED FRANCIS ASKS ABOUT exiguity Here, the author presents the Lady poverty as a fine, beautiful maiden whom Francis is eagerly desire with great enthusiasm an d caution. In his quest to finding her, he came across some sight on the streets of the towns and cities and enquired of the whereabouts of Lady Poverty.The author in this section, tried to portray the throng living in the cities as those friars who were living in the cities and thus, because they live in the cities, they could not understand what Francis is verbalise. According to the author, the friars that live in the towns and cities cannot bring out the literal observance of poverty, because they are living in the arealy get of the world and so it will be difficult for them to live out the literal observance of poverty. That is why they could not understand what Francis was enquiring from them and they t sr. Francis to speak in their own words or what Francis is saying is foreign to them. The people in the towns and cities are more prone to worldly demands and activities to the extent that poverty is run inton as a inquisitive and accursed thing not to be admired or ac companyd. I will go to the best and the wise According to the author, Francis thought that if he went to the wise and the lenient, they would help him find Lady Poverty, but as soon as he got to the wise and enquired, they rebuked him that he should not amount to them regarding anything dealing with poverty that they are happy with their merriments and extravagance.Here the author tried to portray the friars living in the cities and those engaged in studies as the lenient and the wise that Francis met. That is why the author, in his defense of the companions and their topic of the literal observance poverty, put these statement in the mouth of Francis that he marveled and bless divinity fudge for hiding these things to the lenient and the wise (that is the friars in the cities), and revealing them to the pocket-size ones (that is Friars in the hermitages) that are sheep pen to the observance of poverty.After he left the city, he quickly came to a certain field from afar, he saw twain senile men wasted away from great sorrow Here Francis left the city where the worldly, lenient and wise are (Friars in cities) and went to certain field and met with two old men clad in sorrow (Friars in hermitages). Here the author is contributeing a message that those that seek to get word the literal observance of poverty are not found in cities but rather in rural, and remote readys handle the fields, or the hermitages.In early(a) words the author is saying that these are the Friars who are faithful to the observance of poverty, for they live far away from cities and their dwellings are at the hermitages which of course are found in the remote areas. Whom shall I respect except the one who is short(p) and contrite in spirit and the one who trembles at my words Here the author is conveying a message that the literal observance of poverty is more valuable than loyalty to the authorities, for the Rule is the Gospel and the Gospel is Christ Jesus who is God, the hig hest authority.We brought nothing into this world the other give tongue to and without doubt we take nothing out of it, but having food and whatever covers us, we are content with these The author is saying that a true Friar that observe poverty will be content with the basic things of life which are food and whatever covers them this is in total contrast to those friars in towns and cities seeking for self-sufficiency and companionship. This alike shows how profound and wise the friars in the hermitages are in their serious observance of poverty. (Sacred Exchange, p. 530, n. 6 & 8) HE ASKS TO BE SHOWN WHERE POVERTY LIVESFrancis involves the two old men tell me I beg you, where does Lady Poverty dwell? Where does she eat? Where does she rest at noon? For I languish in love of her Comparing the manner in which Francis asked the two old Men (I beg you), and the manner he asked the lenient and those on the streets of towns and cities, you will notice that the author deliberately pu t the statement (I beg you), to point out the fact that Francis saw the old men as one of the atomic ones, to whom God has revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of God and, because of this, they could give him clue as to how to find Lady Poverty.Furthermore, the author deliberately put the ternion questions, which in Hebrew numbering system, three things, symbolizes substantial and serious. That means Francis questions are substantial and of serious matter because he is really serious to meet Lady Poverty. Francis enthusiasm, restlessness, undying desire and love for Lady Poverty, shows that poverty is indeed worthwhile to be observed literally and not to be deserted. Good Brother The old men called Francis undecomposed brother because they also see Francis as a likeminded person, that is they and Francis are seeking to observe poverty.Furthermore, it is conveying a message that those that observe poverty without gloss, are the good brothers, that is, the faithful lesser brother s. We concur sat here for a time and for times and half a time Here the author is trying to portray the fact that these old Men have made the field (that is, the deserted place) as their new abode where they are living. They fled the cities to the remote place to faithfully and properly observe lady poverty. They told Francis that many search for her and when they find her, they accompanied her for a while, but they will leave her alone by herself.The author is conveying a message that at the beginning, the virtue of poverty is longed for and faithfully observed by people, and religious in particular, but after a while they can become lukewarm in the observance of poverty due to the allurement of the worldly possessions and then gradually abandoning. The children of my mother have fought against me Meaning that those that sought to have and to observe her (i. e. Lady Poverty) after a while, have abandoned her, she cried out.But the old Men will say to Lady Poverty that the upright love her meaning that exactly the upright ones that are determine to live spiritually and renounce the world and his allurements, by living in the deserted places like the hermitage are the ones that truly love her. In separate ten, the author tried to defend the fact that poverty is the highest form of all virtue and that the mandates or commands to observe this virtue comes from God and should be observed with the highest fear in the first place any other.It is for this reason that the author wrote she is dwelling in the sacred mountains because God loved her above all the tabernacles of Jacob (i. e. , poverty is place higher than other virtues just as Joseph son of Jacob is exulted above his brothers). Since poverty is the highest virtue, only the humble, not even the giants and the eagles (pride of strength and knowledge), can touch the footprints and shoulder.Again this says that no amount of worldly knowledge and possessions can take one to attain the highest virtue of pove rty and the rewards of the faithful observance of poverty are only for the religious who perseveres to the end. Furthermore, Lady Poverty is mysterious from the eyes of the self sufficient, worldly comforted, lenient and wise religious friars, because they fly so swiftly in worldly knowledge and wisdom that like the birds of the deliver that fly so high they are proud.Paragraph eleven contains the conditions for those who wish to climb high to produce the place where Lady Poverty dwells. The author wrote that the old men said to Francis to give up all possessions, like books, knowledge, fine garb etc. before he can climb the mountain successfully to reach and attain the highest virtue of poverty. The author is telling the friars to do away with worldly affairs like possessions, books, knowledge, for such things are obstacles that keep them from observing poverty.The author went on to say that poverty is kind and will be seen and found by those who seek her with sincerity and lov e. Finally the author is saying to the friars that if they truly love to observe poverty, they will be willing to give up all their worldly possessions for her. To think about her brother, is perfect understanding, and whoever keeps vigil for her will easily be secured From this statement, the author is telling the friars that observing poverty is the way to perfect knowledge and security.In other words the author is saying to the friars that they should seek first the kingdom of God which is unnoticeable in the observance of poverty then all other things like knowledge, goods, securities etc, will be given them, re-echoing the statement of Christ in the Gospel. Take faithful companions with you so that during the mountain ascent, you will have their advice and be strengthen by their help Here it is obvious that there are already factions in the Order which are often called the Companions who are different from the wise and lenient.It also shows that Francis felt at home with the C ompanions because he saw in them genuine zeal of the observance of the Rule and poverty and so he entrusted his care to these Companions and also sought advice from them alone. The author is saying that those that seek advice to live the Minorite life more perfectly should seek the counsels of the faithful friars because they observe the Rule and poverty as Francis did. (Sacred Exchange, pp. 531-532, n. 9, 10, & 11) BLESSED FRANCIS ENCOURAGES HIS BROTHERSHere we are told that Francis received the advice and counsel of the old men in a deserted place (hermitage), unlike his rejection of the counsel of the wise and lenient and those he met on the streets of the towns and cities. Also, in carve up 12, the author reemphasizes Francis choice of the faithful companions. The aim of this emphasis is to pass a message that only those friars who are faithful to the literal observance of poverty are truly faithful and they are the friars that Francis extols in this section.Furthermore, the id ea of the author to use the words old men (not young men) in the field and the people in the town and city, is a deliberate and selective statement use specifically to convey a message that the old men stand for the faithful members of the Order that still keep to the literal observance of poverty, while the people in the cities and towns are the majority of the members of the Order who are unfaithful because they do not observe poverty literally due to the allurements of the world.From the statement, come let us climb the mountain of the Lord and the dwelling of Lady Poverty, that she may teach us her ways and we might walk in her paths The author is saying that Francis sees poverty as the only way through which all holiness and knowledge are achieved, thus telling the friars to see the observance of poverty as their anteriority and that they should give their all to knowing how to attain this highest virtue.The author, in order to properly defend his notion that only the few that live in hermitages can observe the literal observance of poverty faithfully, puts this question on the lips of the companions who can climb this mountain and who can reach its summits? The author indicates that Francis answers the question (by putting the answers on the lips of Francis) by saying that the road is difficult and the gate is narrow, only the few can find it, again emphasizing that the few who keep the observance of poverty in fields and hermitages (not the majority in the convents of the cities) are the ones who can attain its summits.Furthermore, in order to defend those friars who are keen on observing the Rule and poverty of the Order literally, who are in obedience to Christ (authors defense of the obedience of the hermitage friars as opposed to the friars of the Community who are keen on obedience to the Church), the author wrote that the friars in hermitage are in obedience to Christ because if they are observing the Rule and poverty which is the Gospel they are , therefore, obeying Christ who is the Gospel and God himself the highest lordly existence to be obeyed before any other authority. Authority here means the Church or the minister general of the Order). The author in his advance defense said that Francis said to the Friars The Spirit is before your face, Christ the Lord, who draws you to the heights of the mountain in bonds of love. Finally in this section, the author wrote After he said these things, they all began to follow the holy Francis Here the author is saying that the faithful friars will constantly see Christ in Francis, because he is holy and, being a perfect imitator of Christ, (alter Christus) the friars should keep to his teachings and ideals, thus making them holy as well. Sacred Exchange, pp. 532-533, n. 12 & 13) POVERTY MARVELS AT THE EASE OF THEIR ASCENT As the theme of this section is titled, the author tries to shed more light on the importance of detachment as the sole criterion to attain the highest virtue of all virtues Lady Poverty. To defend this notion he wrote She (Lady Poverty) was greatly astonished at seeing these men climbing so ably, al around flying. Also, the author wrote that Lady Poverty was astonished at their pace.In addition, to point out the zeal of the faithful friars towards attaining the virtue most ripe to them, Lady Poverty exclaimed who are these men, she asked, who fly like clouds and like doves to their windows? To express the delight and joy of Lady Poverty at the zeal, detachment, pace and uniqueness of these faithful friars, the author wrote She (Lady Poverty) said it has been a long time since I have seen such people or gazed upon those so unencumbered, all their burden set aside (i. e. Lady Poverty admiring their detachment).Furthermore, to prove that many faithful have been led astray by distractions of the abyss (i. e. worldly affairs) by seeking worldly knowledge, merriments, living luxuriously, thereby making them to forget and then finally abandon the observance of Lady Poverty, the author wrote Therefore I (Lady Poverty) will speak to them (the truly faithful friars) about what engages my heart so that, when they are staring kill the abyss (distractions or worldly allurements) they do not like the others (i. e. the derailed friars) have second thoughts about such a climb.The author also wrote that Lady Poverty said There will be a reward for me before my heavenly Father if I give them saving advice. This statement of Lady Poverty re-emphasizes the fact that poverty is from God and since it is Gods plan that we should observe it, then that mandate must be obeyed else we are going contrary to his commandments since He is the almighty to whom all must obey before any human or religious authorities. In paragraph fifteen, and elsewhere in this book, the author always describes Lady Poverty as being naked.For instance, he wrote in this section And so Lady Poverty resting on a throne in her nakedness. By this statement, the author tries to convey a message that Lady Poverty can only be clothed with our willingness to embrace and to observe her with faithfulness and detachment. But when those that are faithful were derailed and misguided by the allurements of the world, they abandoned the observance of poverty, thus making her naked. And be give birth a voice was heard fear not daughter of Zion, because these men are the seed whom the Lord has blessed in unfeigned love.The author, through this statement, is trying to present the faithful friars to be like Christ at his baptism at River Jordan, when a voice is heard from the cloud saying behold this is my beloved son in whom am well pleased listen to him. Here the author is saying that God is pleased with their literal observance of the poverty and that they should not lose hope or despair, rather they should be faithful to the end. Welcome them with blessings and sweetness. disunite me brothers Here the author is saying that Lady Poverty will always be ready to lavish her blessings and rewards on those (i. . the faithful brothers) who keep to the observance of poverty thus opening more doors to Gods blessings and divine providence. Are you perhaps, looking for me whom as you can see I am forgetful little one tossed about by storms and without consolation? Here the author tries to present the attitude and approaches that the friars had towards Lady Poverty and how they abandoned the observance of poverty. (Sacred Exchange, pp. 533-534, n. 14, & 15) BLESSED FRANCIS PRAISES POVERTY In paragraph sixteen, we see Lady Poverty being praised, acknowledged and honoured by the brothers.They begged poverty to be their business leader for they have seen above all from their experience that she is from the most high God and that it is through her (poverty) that Christ came to this world and undertook all aspects of his mission. The brothers also acknowledged that since the Most High employ her (poverty) to accomplish his mission on earth, so the y begged her to accept them, so that through her, they will also overcome the world and its allurements. They also see poverty as the key or gate to all other virtues, once again reaffirming povertys uniqueness and her esteemed position where God has placed her.The brothers knew that unless they are accepted by Lady Poverty, the queen of all virtues, they will be confused. In summary, the brothers see poverty as the only medium which Christ used to come to this world, live among us, eat with us, hold penance and the Kingdom, be scourged, crucified and die on the Cross to redeem us. Therefore, it is inevitable that Man can conquer the world and its allurements only through embrace of the equal virtue. In paragraph seventeen, the author, tries to present poverty as being preferred and cherished by Christ to even the host of angels and other principalities and powers of Heaven.And it is evident in his incarnation when he left his royalty and pitched his tent among us to embrace pove rty. This is also proof of the highest dignity that she (i. e. poverty) has in the eyes of Christ. But it is often hard for man to see it that way due to his blindness and ignorance caused by worldly affairs, thus abandoning the greatest treasure and going after worthless and self-conceited things that cannot lead him or her to eternal home but only to destruction. Furthermore, the author wrote that Francis, after his reflective praises of Lady Poverty, begged her to have pity on them and to accept them, for it is only those that are ignorant (i. . those blinded by worldly affairs) that will not be longing to have her (i. e. poverty) whom the Most High God cherished and honoured before everything else. Finally, to show the zeal of Francis and his faithful companions the author wrote that They begged Lady Poverty to consider them for the sake of Christ with whom she abides and without whom no one will be saved. Here the author is saying that the virtue of poverty is from God, and he established that we observe it and thus we called to obey God before any authority (here, the author is defending poverty against the Churchs notion of the observance of poverty). Sacred Exchange, pp. 534-535, n. 16, 17) DIGNITY OF POVERTY AND HER RESPONSE The author tries to present the important role that the virtue of poverty play in the coming of Christ into this world. First, to prove the need and importance of the observance of poverty, the author narrated how God used poverty to prepare the Blessed Mother, a poor and humble lady, and made her womb to be the first dwelling place of our Lord Jesus Christ. Also when it was time to be born, he preferred to be born in a poor place, a manger where animals are kept.Again the first people that received the news of the birth of Christ are the poor shepherds, he had nowhere to lay his head (i. e. from the scriptures foxes have holes but the son of man has no place to lay his head). The creator of the creatures has no place as his own here, showing his special love and bond for lady poverty. In paragraph twenty-one, even when Christ is being mocked, spat on, betrayed by his very dear apostles, insulted, slapped, the only consolation he got is from Lady Poverty because she is always faithful.The author is encouraging the friars not to forget this virtue of all virtues. Here in paragraph twenty-three, the author tries to show that Lady Poverty will always respond with joy and delight towards those that are zealous in her observance. She (poverty) always sees such people as her own. Little wonders why the author put the phrase Brothers and very dear friends here to show the level or degree of love she has towards those that seek her genuinely. (Sacred Exchange, pp. 535-537, n. 19, 21 & 23)A RECOLLECTION OF POVERTY IN PARADISE In this section, we see the author, in his gifted ability to perfectly connect words and scriptural scenarios together, equal the joy that Adam and Eve experienced in paradise and the loss of that joy as a result of their unfaithfulness and disobedience with the peace and calm experiences that the some friars had when they were faithful to the observance of poverty and the woes and flaws that others experienced because of their rejection of the literal observance of poverty.In a nutshell, the author is conveying a message, that just as man lost paradise by the cunning of the serpent, which consequently led to disobedience, so the friars will lose their holiness and spiritual esteem by the allurements of worldly possessions (i. e. books, fine clothes comfortable houses and living in towns and cities) leading to their rejection of poverty.Furthermore, just as man tried to give excuses for his deeds instead of asking for Gods gentleness and forgiveness and thus incurred His wrath, so it would be for the friars, if they continue to defend their reasons for trying to mitigate the literal observance of poverty. Finally in this section, the author is encouraging the friars to come affirm to the primitive observance of poverty and if they do come back to it, God will replenish them with all the mildnesss they have lost and thus taste Gods divine providence which the world cannot give.He tried to liken the glory and honour that the friars would experience again, with the redemptive or salvific victory that Christ won for us when he reconciled mankind to God once again by his blood. (Sacred Exchange, pp. 537-539, n. 25-30. ) THE COVENANT OF CHRIST In this section, we can see the general point of the author and his reason for agitating for the friars return to the literal observance of poverty. He said that Lady Poverty is a concordat or will which Christ specifically left to his disciples and thus the friars.The author is encouraging the friars to trust in divine providence and that they should not worry about what to wear, what to eat etc. , that all these will be provided for only if they observe poverty. (Sacred Exchange, p. 539, n. 31) THE APOSTLE S Here the author is saying that even the apostles observe the virtue of poverty both in their words and actions and, thereby won so many souls for Christ. They never said anything of their own word, but what Christ asked them to say.They contributed according to their ability and shared according to needs of the club entrusted to them. The writer said it is because of the great impact of the lifestyle of early Christian community of which the apostles were the guide. (Sacred Exchange, pp. 539-540, n. 32) THE PEACE CONTRARY TO POVERTY The author tries to tell the friars that not all that glitters is gold that at times when all is going well, they should be very cautious because there can be evil disguised as good just to derail them from the observance of poverty.He likened the movement of the Orders clericalization and into cities (urbanization), which was taking the Order away from the original observance of poverty, with the peace pact and legitimization of Christianity as the authorised religion of the Roman Empire, which according to the author did more harm than good, because from the time of the pact zeal for the Lord and His kingdom, expressed in persecution and martyrdom, had waned. (Sacred Exchange, pp. 541-532, n. 34-35) THE PRAISE OF THE GOOD misfortunate The author in this section tried to be more specific about the two factions already emerging in the Franciscan Order. i. e. , the community and the companions) discover paragraph thirty-seven After a while, some began to breathe and willingly to walk the right path which for some time they had walked out of necessity. From the statement the author is saying that some of the friars (i. e. the companions) realize that things were not going well with the Order, for many have all failed to observe poverty, so they struggled hard to restore a more pristine observance of poverty often, however, they were opposed by the other friars (i. . the community). (Sacred Exchange, p. 542, n. 37) The author fu rther called the companions men of virtue delight and blameless before God which, in other words, means that the friars should not be dismayed by the antagonism and criticism they receive from the community rather they should be happy for they are pleasing and acceptable to God and, thus, he listed a great litany of virtues, attributing them solely to the companions (Sacred Exchange, p. 542, n. 38) POVERTY WARNS FALSE RELIGIOUSIn encouraging the faithful friars, (i. e. , the companions) Lady Poverty urged them to be steadfast and hold their heads high they should be persistent in their pursuit of her embrace and that they should be conscious of the dangers of worldly enticements so that they will not be derailed like the others because if they are not careful, their fate would be worse. For under the guise of piety, they withdraw from that which was given them by a holy commandment. (Sacred Exchange, p. 543, n. 40) POVERTY SPEAKS ABOUT GOOD RELIGOUSIn this section, the author tries to convey a message that those friars who are faithful to the observance of poverty are not easily entangled or seduced by worldly desires, for they are always praying with all humility and joy. Also, the author calls them Israel, which means that they are the chosen people of God and they are always blessed and favoured by Him since He had made covenant with them and for this reason they will be honour by many people furthermore, they will be a light for all to see. (Sacred Exchange, p. 44, n. 42) POVERTY WARNS THEM TO RETURN In this section, the author is trying to persuade the friars to return to the original charism of the observance of Poverty. He wrote Return you children who are withdrawing and I will heal your aversion. The author here used some scriptural words that the prophets in the Old Testament used in order to call the Israelites to repentance lest they perish. He asked them to listen to their heart and that they should not be stubborn else they might lose their soul s to worldly possessions.Furthermore, he tries to explain how miserable the lives of those friars will be who refuse to repent and that the punishment that awaits those that disobeyed Christs commands will be more severe than the punishment that the Israelites got simply because they violate the rule that Moses gave them, for the Son of Man is greater than Moses and all the prophets and saints. (Sacred Exchange, p. 548, n. 51) THE LORD SPEAKS TO LADY POVERTY With these words They have departed and gone away for they have not rejected you (Lady Poverty) but me (i. . , God), the author is saying that the observance of poverty means the word sense and obedience of Gods commands which supersedes all other authority therefore, whoever refuse to observe poverty is rejecting God. (Sacred Exchange, p. 548, n. 52) LADY POVERTY ADMONISHES BLESSED FRANCIS ABOUT PROGRESS AND degeneration IN RELIGIOUS LIFE. The author is saying to the friars not to look back for those that have put their hands on the plough and look back are not fit for the kingdom of God.He reminded the friars to always remember what happened to Lots wife whenever they are being tempted by the snare of evil thoughts to go against the literal observance of poverty. Furthermore, he urged those who are faithful to the observance of poverty to keep up their heroic work and that they are seen as the trusted friends of God therefore, they are not far from the kingdom of heaven because they have decided to take the path of ascent where only few can go. Finally, he said to the friars to see Christ as the only model and guide and that they should be careful not to fall into the trap of seeking vain worldly knowledge, wealth etc. hich leads to greed, pride and sloth, for if they happen to fall to this snares, it will be very difficult to recover from such a pit because it is not easy to come back to perfectly observe poverty due to the snares of the worldly riches. (Sacred Exchange, pp. 549-550, n. 53-55) BLESSED FRANCIS TOGHETHER WITH HIS BROTHERS RESPOND TO LADY POVERTY Here the author tries to prove that Francis and his brothers love and desire to observe poverty as they consecrate themselves totally to the observance of poverty.Francis and his brothers blest poverty, because through her many people are blest and have won Gods favours. They said that although they were hearing bad rumors about her, they have come to see and experience what she (Lady Poverty) perfectly means and is and they begged her not to give them little of herself for they are ready to observe her more fervently like never before and always be her spouse. (Sacred Exchange, p. 550, n. 56-58) THE CONSENT OF POVERTY The author said that poverty consented to the pleas of Francis and his brothers as she embraced them with all her graces and blessings.The author said that Francis was so happy for the love of Lady Poverty that he continued to praise God with all his strength, for she has finally accepted them to be her spou se. (Sacred Exchange, p. 551, n. 58) THE BANQUET OF POVERTY WITH THE BROTHERS Here in this section, the author compare the dwellings of the friars in the city (i. e. the community friars) with their luxurious houses and settings, kitchen, assorted meals, rooms, condiments and dining room, etc. ith the poor dwellings of the companions with stones for their pillows, net and water as their assorted food, cracked bowls as their water bowl, their teeth as their knife, their habit as their hand towel and the whole world as their enclosure, thus showing that the friars in hermitages are the faithful ones with the observance of poverty and thats why she is so happy with them always. (Sacred Exchange, pp. 551-552, n. 59-63) LADY POVERTY BLESSES THE BROTHERS AND URGES THEM TO run WITH THE GRACE THEY HAVE RECEIVED Therefore, I (i. . , Lady Poverty) beg you brothers(the faithful ones who keep to the literal observance of poverty), through the mercy of God which has made you so poor, do that f or which you have come, that for which you have risen up from the waters of Babylon The author is urging the friars to continue in their observance of poverty because Gods blessings and grace is already bestowed upon them and, for through them, so many souls will be won their prayers always rise like incense of sweet smell before the Trinity.Finally, the author is saying that the faithful friars will forever be honoured, for they have made the angels in heaven rejoice continually, the whole company of heaven, saints, martyrs, virgins, blessed etc, are all celebrating for their devotedness and love their exemplary lives, though full of struggle, are not in vain. (Sacred Exchange, pp. 553-554, n. 64-69) CONCLUSION Following our analysis of the Sacred Exchange it is apparent that the author is full of bias and prejudice towards the friars that sought to live the observance of poverty in a modified way in towns and cities.Nevertheless, one may ask if someone wants to take what is cheris hed and valued away from another, would that one be happy? Would he/she not try everything in his/her power to protect it from being taken away? The writer of this precious document, and those who shared his perspective on events of the early brotherhood, was not writing to cause division in the Order, rather, it would seem that he was defending something so precious and necessary to the charism of the Order. The writer was attempting to safeguard something he considered a fundamental value he was writing for what he perceived to be a just cause.Though Franciscans of today know they cannot observe poverty in the same way the early friars due to the absolutely clear differences in the social and cultural settings of their time and ours, still there many of things we can shape from their zeal, their spirituality and their faithfulness in keeping alive this aspect of our Franciscan heritage which we have inherited and must pass on to generations of friars yet to come. Finally, let u s cherish all their efforts by appreciating their writings and studying them well, for if we study them, we learn from their spirituality, their intellectuality, and also from their mistakes.Then we can apply them to our age. For in their writings, we could find answers to some of the problems that we face today, and in doing so, we are keeping the eight hundred years old Franciscan tradition alive for the friar yet to be born. BIBLIOGRAPHY Francis of Assisi, Sacred Exchange between Saint Francis of Assisi and Lady Poverty in Regis J. Armstrong Et al. Francis of Assisi Early Documents, VOL. I The Saint (London New City Press, 1999), pp. 529-554.

Travelling For Education

Due to the miserable situations of Lebanese savants and their long years of suffering from the bad educating services and cod to the absence of responsibility toward university students and the difficulty of finding jobs. The researcher in this paper shows the attention to this problem. Traveling For Education It was become a fashion trend that more and more people choose to go abroad to field of force. Some people intend it is great experience while on the country , some others think it is non good at allDespite of the importance of perusal abroad and the presence of scientist that afford raised Lebanons name abroad , there argon still oppositions to the views of this idea that prefer to stay in Lebanon despite of all its problems that they suffer from . Students in Lebanon should study outside for many reasons. General atmosphere is not suitable to study in Lebanon on all levels. The lack of raw materials in Lebanon led to the weakness of electricity and this case does no t fit college student who needs a convenient means for study and research. In addition to the electricity obstacle wenotice the non-existence of laboratories, libraries and research centers, the state does not give an tolerable attention to this deficiency, which leads for big effort toward the college student.For example , there is only one public library that opened new in Nabtieh centre de lecture et danimation culturelle beside the loss cross and it does not have the media support to be a know place to come to it. In addition to all problems that Lebanese students face we have an initial problem by students that is the lack of comfort in government universities , and when they resortto private universities that are more comfortable with all they need for studying they will be shocked by the high cost that they fecest afford which lead them to depression , and we will not forget the non-support for the best students that government must appreciate and have a look for them. Going abroad to study means far more than learning. The book Intercultural journeys from study to residence abroad ( capital of Mississippi , 1954) talk about this issue.This book focuses on the actual experiences of college students who travelled from their homes to foreign lands, the author explores the linkage between intercultural awareness and sensitivity, language development , and identity reconstruction in young adult college learners. Generally, the first thing you need to do is to survive in a foreign nation. Where to find a place to live on? How to deal with transportation? How to cook food? All these are the things you have to think and depend on yourself.Students who study abroad have to take fright of themselves, and these questions are used the Lebanese students who dont want to travel abroad. Without parents, you can learn how to arrange theirown issues and do everything by yourself better. This is what we call independent awareness. Studying abroad cultivate yo ur independent awareness and capability of taking care yourself. It is always a tough time when living in a country that is altogether new to you and facing all kinds problems. One you overcome them , you get the ability to live on your own. This is great, when the people of your age still enjoying their lives under the protection of their families, you bring down to experience life.We take this factor as the most important advantage as it teaches you the basic ability to live your life. No one but yourself can teach you this Everyone needs to be enriched with more experience and be more mature. Studying abroad means you set yourself into a circumstance that is totally opposite to you. You can enjoy a new culture all by yourself peoples thoughts and behaviors and the way people live are the first-hand to you , is not this great ? Cultural differences are more than just differences in language, food, appearances, culture and personal habits.A persons reflects very deep perceptions , beliefs, and values that influence his or her way of life and the way that he or she views the world. Students who experience cultural differences personally can come to truly understand where other cultures are coming from.You can greatly increase your adaptability to what we call the ball-shaped Village in your potential career ( Dixon , 2009 ) . Only knowing cultural difference is not enough, studying abroad has a lot more to explore seeing the beautiful sceneries of a nation, volunteering in social work and communicating with local people are all up to you. By studying abroad you know more about the world, no matter academically or physically. Knowing more a and experiencing more help you think rationally and pack maturely. The things above are the most important and valuable advantages we can think of. And of course there are much more that hat we mentioned , learning and know a new manage or having the chance to travel may also be the advantages that attract you. Do not hesitate, going abroad to study do offer you great improvement

Motivation and Empowerment Paper Essay

IntroductionThe criminal arbitrator field is angiotensin converting enzyme that centers on pauperization and say-so amongst employees. These are concepts that not only withdraw, however withal maintain constructive behaviors. Motivation and empowerment are that force every professional ineluctably to preserve their goals and ambitions. This cover forget provide tercet academic theories of want including an explanation on each theory. It will also define empowerment and its components. Next, it will compare and course motivation and empowerment. In this paper there will also be an evaluation on the implications of empowerment and missionary work in a criminal justice organization. Lastly this paper will outline the theory of Transformational Leadership and contrast the roles of motivation and empowerment in attractership style. Define and state at least three (3) academic theories of motivation In any organization the key role of managers is the motivation of their som eonenel. This can be done in many different ways.This section will wrangle three academic theories on how to properly motivate employees. The first theory is Abraham Maslows hierarchy of needs theory. This theory states that certain needs have to be met before an individual will figure towards fulfilling other needs. The first set of needs that need to be met our survival needs they intromit things such as food water and air. Until these needs are met an individual cannot focus on anything else the second set of needs would include safety and security. After these two sets of needs are met a person will lick towards being accepted by their peers. Once a person has met these first three levels they can then concentrate on obtaining power and status. After person has gained some level of status they can then work towards self-fulfillment and doing things that make them feel complete. The following theory on motivation was developed by Douglas McGregor.His theory X and theory Y g ive two different ideas on how management deals with cause employees. Theory X has a dismal idea that humans dislike work and will work hard to avoid if possible. A manager victimization this theory will use coercion of punishment in fix to ensure that tasks are completed in a timely manner and properly. It makes the presumptuousness that the vast majorities of people are self-centered and lazy and have to be micromanaged. They rely takes more positive approach to motivating employees. Under this theory it is assumed that work and accomplishment can be satisfying in and of themselves. It assumes that people wish to be successful and are willing to work for that success. No one theory will work for motivating every person.A quality manager will look at all three of these theories and apply them to individuals as needed. In practice a manager needs to know what level of the hierarchy of needs an employee is at. Once the manager knows where the employee falls in this hierarchy he c an work to help the employee to achieve the next level. Employees that fall under the X theory are poison in any organization. If an employee does not want work and dislikes workers they are not going to get any fulfillment from their work and will generally drag everyone else down with them. Having employees that are motivated to succeed, as described in the Y theory are essential for the success of any organization. Work is not just about meeting our basic needs, drift organization be truly successful they must have employees that are passionate about their work and rewarded for their accomplishments.Define empowerment and its components empowerment can be viewed differently by all. It is what allows us as individuals to take charge of our lives. This refers not only to our personal lives, but also in the work place, school, emotionally, healthy wise, etc authorisation focuses on gaining not only power, but also knowledge and understanding. In the work place empowerment can incr ease productivity and efficiency. According to Whisenand and McCain, printing that we are empowered, that we are masters of our fate at work, is one of the strongest drives of career well-being and performance (p.2). In the workplace empowerment involves the opening of external command-and-controls to include a persons internal locus of control.Compare and contrast motivation and empowermentMotivation is predicated upon many different factors for different reasons. According to Spaulding (1995). community are motivated to do things predicated upon their personal wants and needs while this motivation can result in thembecoming emboldened and empowered if they achieve what their motivations were predicated upon. internal and external forces are what motivate people as they are aroused and become enthusiastic about certain motivations that cause them to engage in assiduity and endure whatever is necessary to achieve their goals (Spaulding, 1995). The first part of motivation is a n eed, which is a desire to attain something such as money, friendship, recognition, achievement, etc. (Spaulding, 1995). The person is motivated to engage in behavior that will satisfy their needs, which cause them to become motivated to conduct whatever actions are necessitated to ensure that they are sufficient to attain what they were motivated to attain.This gives the personal internal satisfactions once they have attained their goals as they may be rewarded with either intrinsic rewards or extrinsic rewards. natural rewards are personal rewards that the person gives themselves while extrinsic rewards are those that are provided by outside sources such as promotions, pay increases, or other forms of cite from others for the person attaining their motivational goals (Spaulding, 1995). In reference to empowerment, there are elements of empowerment that ensure that the person feels empowered. This entails a person feeling empowered by reading a tonic skill, that will assist the m in gaining their job, relationship, or other ventures that the person is attempting to attain (Spaulding, 1995). The knowledge and skills that a person receives, empowers them in regard to attaining their objectives. authorisation is predicated upon the ability to understand the meaning and impact of their purpose, and subsequently apply this meaning and purpose toward their lives to become empowered to achieve their goals and objectives (Spaulding, 1995).Competence or ability, especially a personal belief in ones own competence is at the heart of accepted definitions of both empowerment and motivation (Spaulding, 1995). Analyze the implications of empowerment and delegation in a criminal justice organization. The criminal justice system law enforcement officer have a tremendous responsibility and work more independently away from direct supervisors. They have to use their discretion daily. According to Grove, independent decision making. Similarly, the potential consequences-inc luding liability-of police-citizen encounters necessitate careful accountability (Grove, 2007). mandate is defined as a way of activating an enabling decision making in others. Empowerment is currently apopular concept with well-nigh police managers and supervisors but sometimes they are rather fearful of allowing employees to have completely open decision-making ability (Whisenand, 2014).Law enforcement officers have to be educated in many subjects and often will come from many different backgrounds which helps promote diversity. Because of the independent work that the law enforcement officers do they are groomed to make decisions on their own. If law enforcement officers were not given the opportunity to make these independent decisions they would lose their sense of self-worth and lose their motivation (Grove, 2007). Proper delegation in the criminal justice system results in better performing law enforcement officers in which benefits the community overall. With a better cali ber of law enforcement officers available to a departments disposal there will be more respect and yield from the community.With the support of the community law enforcement officers will have a stronger commitment to their work and what they represent. Delegation allows for a police departments to build a stronger commitment, higher trust for the overall team, higher job skills and knowledge, and an improved timeline for prioritizing important tasks. The team overall benefits from delegation because they remain engaged in work, increased professional growth goals, better competency, higher self-confidence, and better top-notch officers retention (Whisenand, 2014). Define and describe the theory of Transformational Leadership and contrast the roles of motivation and empowerment in that style of leadership.According to Buisnessdictionary.com (2015), transformational leadership means the style of leadership in which the leader identifies the needed change, creates a vision to guide t he change through inspiration, and executes the change with the commitment of the members of the group. Transformational leadership can be found at every level of an organization. According to Management Study pass away (2013), transformational leaders are ones that are daring, thoughtful thinkers, visionary, and inspiring. These types of people have a charismatic appeal. However charisma cannot alone change how an organization operates. In order for transformational leaders to make major changes, they must exhibit the following four factors.Transformational leaders must first exhibit inspirational motivation. Thistype of person promotes ordered vision, mission, as well as a set of values to their staff members (Management Study Guide, 2013). A person with this type of vision knows what they want from every interaction, as well as the ability to provide staff members with meaning and challenge. They are also enthusiastic and optimistic regarding teamwork as well as commitment. Tran sformational leaders also exhibit intellectual stimulation. This type of leader will encourage others to be creative and innovative (Management Study Guide, 2013). This type of leader also encourages others to form new ideas and will never criticize them in front of other people. Intellectual stimulation leader focuses more on the what in problems instead of focusing on whos to blame (Management Study Guide, 2013).Transformational leaders also exhibit idealized influence. Idealized influence leaders believes that they should practice what they preach (Management Study Guide, 2013). This type of leader acts as a role model, they also will put their followers needs over theirs, they will sacrifice their personal gains for their followers, and they will demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct (Management Study Guide, 2013). Transformational leaders also exhibit individualized consideration. This type of leader will act as a wise man to others and will most often reward them for their innovation as well as their creativity (Management Study Guide, 2013). Employees or followers are treated concord to their knowledge as well as their talents. Leaders who fit into this group are usually empowered to make decisions as well as provided with the support that is needed to implement these decisions (Management Study Guide, 2013).ConclusionEmployees who are motivated are the most important factor for the success of any business. Empowerment impacts motivation and motivation leads to better performance. To truly motivate employees to perform at their best, one must first provide a working environment that enables employees to have recognition, achievement, advancement, growth, and meaningful work.ReferencesGove, T. G., M.P.A. (2007). Empowerment and accountability Tools for lawenforcement leaders. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, 76(9), 8-13. Retrieved from http//search.proquest.com/docview/204149069?accountid=35812 Management Study Guide. (2013). Transformational Lead ership Theory. Retrieved from http//managementstudyguide.com/transformational-leadership.htm Peak, K. J. (2012). Justice administration Police, courts, and corrections management (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ Pearson Prentice abidance Spaulding, C. (1995). Motivation or empowerment What is the difference? Language Arts, 72(7), 489. Retrieved from http//search.proquest.com/docview/196844465?accountid=35812 Transformational Leadership. (2015). In BuisnessDictionary.com. Retrieved from http//www.businessdictionary.com/definition/transformational-leadership.html Whisenand, P. M., & Ferguson, R. F. (2014). Managing police organizations (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ Prentice Hall.

Maternal and Paternal Inheritances Essay

Our very existence in this world begins from both maternal and paternal inheritance. both(prenominal) be very similar in characteristics provided the real difference is only in the gender. The rendering of both communicates as originates either from the overprotect or the fathers side, m differently or father want bonds, received or inherited from ones mother or father, every one of us besides has mortal in their lives who shows these characteristics but are of no relation.The majority of women bugger off maternal instincts which is passed down from mother to daughter. It originates from your mothers side and will be continued to be passed down in generations to come however if a women was not to have children the can still pass on their maternal instincts on to their nieces and nephews, an choose child, step children, and even their champions children. Maternal refers to the mother and child bonds, these bonds can form at any clock in life. They can last for many years b ut can also be distressed very quickly.Motherly is a description of maternal, which can mean caring, accepting, embracing, comforting and this is the tip of the iceberg of characteristics that could be mentioned. Its not only traits that a mother can pass down its teachings like cooking and sewing. Paternal originates from you dads side of the family and can be passed down. Not even man will have children but he can still pass on his paternal instincts to the crookers on the team that they couch, their nephews, and their friends children.The instincts that they can pass on are different than the ones from a female figure. Paternal is also recognized as fatherly. Fatherly can be the knowledge on sports begin passed on and how to play them, and being there for the players. The bond of a father and child is simpler for the son because it can be with watching football(a) every Sunday night, or playing catch in the backyard. On the other hand with the father and daughter bond it may b e a bit more complex because of the different interests between daughters and their fathers.There are many things that you can receive from paternal such as traits like hair color, eye color, body build. They can also pass on their knowledge, wisdom, and their drive to succeed. We all know someone whos in our life by choice not by force. These quite a little are the non-maternal and non-paternal friends that arent related to you in any way but still show and fall flat the maternal and paternal characteristics.These are the people, which may be closer than actual family and that you may relay on the most during the good and bad situations in life. We deal everyday with maternal and paternal situations that have helped us become the person we are today. These may originate from the mothers or the fathers side, including bonding with either mothers or fathers and we can receive or inherit traits from both sides of the family. There are also many non-family relationships that give us the same traits and characteristics.

The Hunters: Moonsong Chapter Ten

The pub where Elena and Damon ended up was lively and ful of people, unless of sort Damon do sure they didnt fix to wait for a table. He lounged across one side of the booth, flavour as arrogant and relaxed as a big gorgeous cat, and listened peaceably as Elena talked. Elena pitch in herself gaily chatting away, fil ing him in on al the minutia of her campus life so far, from finding out that Professor Campbel knew her parents to the personalities of the different students shed met in her classes.The elevator was real y crowded, and slow, and my lab partners pricker was against the buttons. Somehow she accidental y pushed the dread button, and the alarm started outlet off. Elena took a sip of her soda. Suddenly, a voice came out of nowhere and asked, Do you curb an parking brake? And she give tongue to, No, it was an accident, and the voice said, What? I cant hear you. It went on like that, back and forth, until she started shouting AccidentAccidentDamon stop tracing pa tterns in the condensation on his glass with one finger and glanced up at her through with(predicate) his lashes, his lips twitching into a grinning.When the doors opened on the ground floor, there were four security men stand there with a medical kit, Elena finished. We didnt know what to do, so we unless walked past them. When we got out of the building, we started to run. It was so embarrassing, but we couldnt stop laughing. Damon let his slight smile expand into a smiling not his usual cool off twist of the lips or his brief, bril iant, and enigmatic there- past-gone smile, but an honest-to-God cheek-puffing, eye-squinching grin. I like you like this, he said suddenly.Like what? Elena asked.Relaxed, I suppose. Ever since we met, youve been in the middle of some crisis or another. He raised his collapse and brushed a curl away from her locution, gently hint her cheek.Elena was vaguely aware of the waiter stand by the booth, waiting for them to have a bun in the oven up, as she answered with just a touch of flirtation, Oh, and I suppose you had energy to do with that?I wouldnt say I am the one whos been most to blame, no, Damon said cool y, his grin fading. He looked up, his eye sharp and knowing. Hel o, Stefan. Elena froze in surprise. Not the waiter, then. Stefan. One look at him, and she winced, her stomach dropping. His face could have been carved from stone. He was looking at Damons hand, stil stretched across the table toward Elena.Hey, she said tentatively. How was your study pigeonholing? Stefan stared at her. Elena, Ive been looking everywhere for you. Why didnt you answer your phone? Pul ing out her phone, Elena saw that there were some(prenominal) meanings and texts from Stefan. Oh, no, Im so sorry, she said. I didnt hear it ring.We were supposed to meet, Stefan said stiffly. I came to your room and you were just gone. Elena, people have been disappearing al over campus. He had been scared, afraid that something terrible had happe ned to her. His eyes were stil anxious. She started to r apiece out to quilt him. The fact that shed lost the Power shed had so briefly was hard for Stefan to accept, she knew. He thought her mortality made her fragile, and he was afraid hed lose her. She should have thought it through, should have left him more of a message than a quick text saying she would reward soon.Before she could touch him, Stefans gaze turned to Damon. Whats personnel casualty on? he asked his brother, his voice ful of frustration. Is this why you fol owed us to col ege? To zero in on Elena?The look of hurt that crossed Damons face was only a subtle shadow and was gone so apace that Elena wasnt entirely sure she had actual y seen it. His features settled into an expression of lazy disdain, and Elena tensed. The peace in the midst of the brothers was so fragile she knew that and yet she had let Damon flirt with her. Shed been so stupid.Someone should be keeping her safe, Stefan, Damon drawled. Youre t oo agile playing human again, arent you?Study groups. He lifted an eyebrow scornful y. Im surprised youve even notice that theres something going on around this campus. Would you rather have Elena alone and in danger than have her pass time with me? Tense lines were forming around Stefans mouth.Youre saying you dont have an ulterior motive here? he asked.Damon waved a hand disparagingly. You know what I feel for Elena. Elena knows what I feel for Elena. Even that sports-loving Mutt of yours knows how things are amidst us. except the problem isnt me, little brother its you and your jealousy. Your wanting to be an ordinary human Damon made quote tag with his fingers and stil carry on with Elena, who is hardly ordinary. You want to have your cake and eat it, too. I havent done anything wrong. Elena wouldnt have come with me if she didnt want to. Elena winced again. Was this the way it was always going to be? Was any minor misstep on her part going to set Damon and Stefan at eac h others throats? StefanDamon, she implored, but they ignored her.They were glaring at each other. Stefan stepped closer, flexing his fists, and Damon clenched his jaw, silently daring Stefan to make a melt down. For the first time, Elena saw a resemblance surrounded by them.I cant do this, she said. Her voice sounded smal and soft to her own ears, but both Salvatore brothers heard her and whipped their heads toward her with inhuman speed.I cant do this, she said again, louder and more firmly this time. I cant be Katherine.Damon scowled. Katherine? Believe me, darling, nobody here wants you to be Katherine. Stefan, his face softening, said, Elena, sweetheart Elena interrupted him. Listen to me. She wiped her eyes. Ive been walking on eggshel s, trying to keep this this thing between the triple of us from tearing us apart. If anything good has come out of al the stuff thats happened, its that you found each other, you started being brothers again. I cant She took a deep breath and tried to find a conscious matter-of-fact voice somewhere inside herself. I think we should take a break, she said flatly. Stefan, I love you so much. Youre my soul mate, youre it for me.You know that. She looked up at him pleadingly, silently begging him to understand.Then her eyes travel past him to Damon, who was staring at her with a furrowed brow. And Damon, youre part of me now. I feel for you. She looked back and forth between them, her hands clutching each other. I cant lose either of you. entirely I command to figure out who I am now, after everything thats happened, and I need to do it without worrying or so destroying the relationship between you.And you need to figure out how you can be friends with each other, even if Im in both of your lives. Damon let out a skeptical noise, but Elena kept talking.Il understand she gulped if you cant wait for me. But I wil always, always love you. Both of you. In different ways.But for now, I just cant be with you. Either of you. She was tearing up again, and her hands shook as she wiped her eyes.Damon leaned across the table, a smal twisted smile hovering on his lips. Elena, did you just break up with both of us?The tears dried up instantly. Damon, I never dated you, she said angrily.I know, he replied, and shrugged. But Ive definitely just been dumped. He glanced at Stefan, then quickly away, his expression closed off.Stefan looked devastated. For a moment, his face was so bleak that it wasnt hard to cerebrate he was more than five hundred years old. Whatever you want, Elena, he said. He started to reach for her, then pul ed his own hand back to his side. No matter what, I wil always love you. My feelings arent going to change. Take any(prenominal) time you need.Okay, Elena said. She stood up shakily. She felt like she was going to be sick. Half of her cherished to pul Stefan to her, kiss him until that broken expression on his face went away. But Damon was watching her, his own face inscrutable, a nd touching either of them felt wrong. I need to be by myself for a while, she told them.At any other time, she knew, both of them would have objected to the idea of her walking the campus alone. They would have argued, fol owed her if she wouldnt walk with them anything to keep her safely under their protection.Now, though, Stefan moved aside to let her out of the booth, his head bowed. Damon sat very stil and watched her go, his eyes hooded.Elena didnt look back at them as she crossed to the door of the pub. Her hands were shaking, and her eyes were brimming with tears once more. But she besides felt as if shed carried something very heavy for a while and had final y been able to put it down.This might be the best choice Ive made in a long, long time, she thought.Dear Diary, all time I remember the look on Stefans face when I told him I needed space, my bureau aches. Its like I cant breathe.I never wanted to hurt Stefan. Never. How could I? Were so close, so draped up in each other that hes like a piece of my soul without him, Im not complete.ButI love Damon, too. Hes my friend my dark mirror image the clever, plotting one who will do whatever it takes to get what he wants, but who has a kindness deep inside him that not everybody sees. I cant conjecture living without Damon, either.Stefan wants to hold on to me so tightly. He cares for his brother he does and Damon cares for him, too, and having me between them is messing that up.All three of us have been held so closely together by the crises weve had to deal with recently my death and rebirth, Klauss attack, Damons return from the edge of death, the phantoms attack that every move weve made, every thought weve had, has been wrapped up with the other two. We cant go on like this.I know Ive done the right thing. Without me between them, they can become brothers again.And then I can sort out the tangled threads of my relationships with both of them without having to worry that any move I make wi ll snap the tenuous bond between us.Its the right decision. But still, I feel like Im dying a slow death. How can I live for even a little while without Stefan?All I can do is try to be strong. If I just keep going, Ill get through this time. And in the end, everything will be wonderful. It has to be.

Bahamas is the most beautiful place in the world

Bahamas is an independent nation in the conjugation Atlantic Ocean, south-east of Florida. It is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The Bahamas consists about 700 islands and more than 2,000 rocks and cays (islets) forming an archipelago 550 miles (890 km) long. The largest islands be Andros, corking Inagua, Great Abaco, and Grand Bahama. On New Providence Island is Nassau, the nations capital. Thesis Statement This piece of music intent to (1) justify why Bahamas is the most beautiful consecrate in the world (2) scrutinizes the climate and sceneries of this deposit and (3) know about why tourists are attracted to visit this place.II. Discussion The Bahamas is considered as the most beautiful place in the world because it has a warm, tropical climate with average temperatures around 70 to 75 F. in winter and 80 to 85 F. in summer. Average annual rainfall varies from 50 inches (635 mm) in the blue islands to 25 inches (635 mm) in the south. Tourists are also attra cted by the warm climate, beautiful beaches, water sports, and casinos which the nations main source of income. Grand Bahamas and New Providence islands draw the most visitors, although the other islands, called the Out Islands, are becoming increasingly popular.The countrys liberal tax laws make it a tax haven, and world-wide banking, centered in Nassau, contributes substantially to the economy. In addition, there are paved roads on umteen of the islands but no railways that make the tourists feel that they are really far from the busy life in the city. Nassau and Freeport (on Grand Bahama Island) are the chief seaports and have international airports. The Out Islands are served mainly by scheduled and charter airlines. III. Conclusion In conclusion, Bahamas is the most beautiful place because of its magnificent beaches that are so clean and blue and resorts that are incomparable.The place is totally amazing. It has its indescribable sceneries that will be enjoyed by tourists tha t no matter how many trendier resorts have came out yet Bahamas continually maintains its competitive natural beauty. Bahamas also has its a la mode(p) and trendier resort hotels that continuously growing. Basically, the place has nice beaches and attractive spots that everyone would love. It also provides water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling and historically known as a place of casino and have chaw of boutiques, shops and restaurants where tourists can visit.

Matthew Harrison Brandy Essay

I am delighted to write to you this letter. I believe you are fine and ready to join me in celebrating the success of Matthew Harrison Brandy. Harrison with no doubt deserves congratulations for this success. According to Genesis 11-3, immortal himself was and everything that became originated from Him. Thus God gives ability to wholly beings to be what He wants. Matthew argues that God did not give man head to abandon his faith as Darwin did.Evidently in Genesis 3, Adam and Eve disobeyed God. In verses 5, the serpent lied to Adam that if they knew the truth, they would discover between reliable and evil (Milligan W. R, 1999). The individual mind of human should not be used as a legal instrument to abandon the faith. Matthew gives an example of a sponge. He says, Biblically a sponge would think if God allowed it to. Yet legato it ill not abandon its position unless it is displaced. This implies that all creatures made by God have the equal privilege they only differ on their purposes.Although Drummond uses Darwins theory of evaluation, it is clear that he does not denote the origin of creatures. His argument is biased since Darwin himself was a Christian believer became an atheist. This indicates that Darwin abandoned his orthodox Christian belief. It is original that revelations are given by God, and all living beings were created by the word of God as Brandy says in his argument. The created things multiplied there after as God commanded them.The argument of design cites back on a supreme intelligent being-God. He designed everything and they were good unto him (Milligan W. R, 1999). God had power to order creation of all things like water, heaven earth and other things. His intellect cannot be challenged.It is a great crime to rag multitude believe in the law of evolution. sIt has flaws and confusions Darwin admit his guilt when he says that he garbled direction after he abandoned his Christian faith. Fascinating observations from his thought b ecame misleading. Darwin failed to give credit to God for creating all things.Matthew illustrates that man needed to have control in the garden Eden. In Darwinism he admits that man could not be trusted to make grand decisions. This implies he needed control which contradicts the theory of evolution. He further contradicts himself in explaining the origin of species. The wonderful universe could not be a result of screenland chance. This is quite erroneous. Besides, how can man be a descendant of an ape? Mans mind by no-means has no relation to a monkeys mind.After Adam and Eve had sinned, God gave them punishment. The aforementioned(prenominal) abuse befell Darwin after he deviated from his orthodox faith. He therefore lost the voice of his conscience and reasoning. His spiritual and aflame aspects became weak. This made him have baseless philosophies. By having Henry support evolution, it is like he is insane. Only birds of the same feathers flock together.Matthew has no strug gle to win the trial. In court, Henry looks sleepy and at one decimal point he was told to wake up. Scientist offer sacrifice to their gods and this reveals a great deal of confusion and self decease of life. Henry needs to believe in the supreme God. I am indeed happy that people will change and stand up to defend their belief that God is the creator of all things. impossible conformity and censorship should be avoided for as a man thinks, so he is.Work citedMilligan W. R. The sanctum bible new and old testaments. London king James, 1999.