Butterfly Circus

2-21-2010
My seventeen year old daughter showed us a video on the internet today entitled "Butterfly Circus." It is a very well done short film about a young man born without limbs who has a job in a circus side show. The young man in the video is a real person, Nick Vujicic. The video is inspiring, with a strong message of hope for all. Everyone can do something and has something to give.

I have felt like the problems we are having with the recession are a result of dashed hopes. What we need is people who know they have something to give and are determined to do so. Selfless service can certainly cure the economy. It is the essence of freedom. Those who give are more free than others. Giving for others in ways that enables them and does not make them dependent is truly freeing. I have to learn to look outside myself more to experience real liberty. We must produce and give as much as we consume. I had thought that it was important to produce more than we consume, but I am not sure in the eternal scheme of things that this is possible. I must acquire the attitude of giving and cheerfully helping others to be fully free myself. I have to be wise and open enough to truly help and not enable bad behavior as this film points out so well.

Gratitude is another element of freedom. It is paramount. So much is given to all of us. God's blessings are infinite. Acknowledging the source of good and giving thanks are also elements of freedom. Gratitude itself multiplies blessings and creates an upward spiral leading to more empowerment and freedom. The empowerment is personal and communal - as righteous desire is spawned from thankfulness thoughts and actions turn to the well being of others. These actions in turn spawn gratitude and soon the whole society is on an upward spiral of productivity. It exemplified in man-made economic theory, but is born of God.