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Date: Mon, 01 Feb 1999 23:17:27 -0500
From: Gregory Leeman <[log in to unmask]>
Organization: Maine Parkinson Society
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Subject: Life and People with Parkinson's
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List members,
Thank God for his grace and forgiveness. Let us ask God to search our
hearts and
reveal all unforgiveness and grudges. Then, with God's help, let us
forgive everyone
and give up all grudges.
I apologize for my reactionary response to another's. That is all I
have to say except to relate the following story:
A man once lived. He took on the world with an agenda. He new exactly
what to do, what to say and what would happen as a consequence of his
actions. He was often outspoken, and rarely silent. He was confident,
because he knew in advance what the outcome would be.
As he progressed through life his legend preceded him. The stories of
his knowledge and righteousness grew and grew. He took on everyone whom
dared to question his knowledge of what was and should be. He took on
world leaders, evangelists, and the most respected and worthy people he
could find to engage with. One after another they would end up being
casualties of his trap. It seemed as if no person could ever challenge
his superior knowledge and unbreakable confidence.
And so the story goes he went on throughout his life believing that he
was invincible and actually infallible. That was until he finally met
his match. He had become so full of himself that he thought he could not
lose.
Then, one day late in his life, he met an older man, who was considered
very wise and calculated. In his responses and answers to difficult
questions he would carefully reflect on his experiences and respond
without emotion or rage but with respect and tact. The infallible
challenged him to a dual of wits. The wise man agreed, but set forth one
condition for this arrangement. "Since you claim that there is not any
question you can not answer, let me have the first question for you to
respond to."
Then came the question that evoked silence from the self-proclaimed
know-it-all. It is a question everyone will answer at some point in
their lives. "Can you tell us of an example that would prove of an
instance where you showed an unselfish way?"
Intended meaning - Knowledge is power, but compassion is necessary for
those who want to clear their conscience. I apologize to anybody I may
have offended.
Greg Leeman
