Solomon: "A good name is better than precious wealth."
Personal Background
I hold an honor's
and master's degree in classics (respectively from Acadia, 1984, and Dalhousie, 1996; universities in Nova
Scotia Canada). The honor's thesis treated of a comparison between pre- and
postchristian theological and philosophical arguments. The MA thesis
dealt with marital laws in the time of the late Roman empire (fourth and
fifth century A.D.). It was part
of my education to learn to read Latin, classical and Koinè Greek and biblical Hebrew.
For years I suffered
from serious mental breakdowns and depressions, but it seems that, among other things, through the right
medication things are finally developing for the better. It is even so that
the worst thing that did happen to me, has turned into the best. Thanks to God.
The winds blew, the storm rains came down, but the house was not built on sand.
Jesus Christ be the highest honor unto all the ages. For He knew exactly
how to measure out the chastisement and the discipline of life. I hope and pray
and think that I have the worst hell behind me. At any rate it has made me
more subjectively involved with my Maker and my fellow beings and also more
objective about myself.
Incredible as it is, also to myself, but I now praise, laud and adore the Lord God for all the pain, sorrow, sufferings and setbacks that He chastised me with. Now I understand why all these vicissitudes came over me. It was to make me what I am now. The apostle Paul said that 'through grace I am what I am'. I do not say that, but one day I will be what I will be through the same grace!
From the year 1981 I devoted quite a bit of time to working out an elaborate
ethical theology. In connection with that I made up an anthropological
analysis of the human being. Some green and sunny Wednesday I hope to share
the core of these theories with you here on the web. In fact a beginning with ethics has been made on this link.
Christ Jesus: "It would be better if a millstone were put on somebody's neck and he were thrown into the depth of the sea,
than that he were to offend any of these little ones; for to these belongs the kingdom of the heavens!"
Dear son-soldier, Amanda and Rhode,
These are nice but also serious questions and they did touch my heart.
1. What is your happiest memory of your kids.
When all three of you were in the basement, you in your wicker rocking bed and your two sisters on stretchers who were laughing and you were looking at them.
At another time, before you were born, I was happy at brother Stuart's, who had the meeting at his house and Rhode and Amanda were dressed in red and white clothes, made by your handy mother.
2. What did you have as a child that kids today do not have.
We interacted more. We made friendships that lasted for years. We were into each other by means of common plans. I still have a friend who I got to know when I was thirteen.
3. What were the first days of fatherhood like.
Rhode took a long time coming. I even slept a few hours in the hospital. When she was born I called my parents that it was a girl. The next day I wrote a poem for her. A local pastor even red it out to his congregation. The poems for you and Amanda came a lot later. Your sisters I gave them their poems nicely fit behind glass. Your poem is on my mantle. Mom chose the first name and I chose the second and third names. I tried to make names that had deep meanings.
4. What have you learned about love and what has it taught you.
I learned self sacrifice in suffering it out in life and keeping the faith for my Lord and God. Love is losing yourself in the other, without going overboard.
5. What is the moment you felt most proud of me.
When you received your red baret (Nec temere, nec timide). For Amanda that was when she got her HBO done. For Rhode that was starting her own business.
6. What do you want most or wish for your children.
Not riches. Not fame. But that you may find eternal Life, Love and Light through believing in the Lord Jesus.
7. What is the nicest thing I ever did for you.
Jonathan when you visited me regularly when you did not have a girl friend yet. Amanda when she came back from Canada with an old fashioned pocked watch with the word DAD on it.
Rhode when she made her name on glass, which took some technical skill and leaving it here instead of putting it in her own room. It is still here on the shelf.
8. When you were a teenager, what family member did you turn to for advice and was that good advice.
I remember going to a brother of the assembly and discussing the bible many times. This corroborated my faith and gave me a sense of belonging. And yes, the advice was good.
9. What is the most important thing your want me to remember after you are gone.
I hope that one day you may realize that in the background I have been praying for you for all kinds of things and needs and wants. I do this waking up, during the day and lying down. I may have difficulty showing my emotions, but all of you are in my heart and mind and soul. And not only you, also your partners and kids.
I pray and hope that one day you will read my books with an open heart and mind and without prejudice. One day, many years ago, I vowed to write them in the first place for my children.