In January, Newsweek magazine published an article listing the top ten dying cities of the United States. For some ridiculous reason, Grand Rapids was listed as number ten in this article. As a life-long Grand Rapidian that is very aware of the bountiful opportunity that the city provides, this was a shocking claim.
Anyone who hasn't been living under a rock knows that the recession was especially hard on Michigan, but of all the cities in Michigan, Grand Rapids weathered the storm the best. There are many reasons for this including the constantly expanding "medical mile" (which now includes a top children's hospital, cancer center, and MSU medical school), the city's commitment to sustainability with more LEED certified buildings per capita than any other city in the US, and the wealth (pun intended) of philanthropists and successful business leaders that have given so much of their money and time to make our city beautiful. The city and surrounding areas contain more than a handful of well-respected colleges and universities. There is a nationally recognized medical research institute (The Van Andel Institute) right downtown along with JW Mariott Hotel, one the most luxurious hotel chains in the world. There is a world class art competition each fall that attracted over 250,000 visitors in its second year of existence in 2010.
I could go on and on about what makes my hometown one the most unique and thriving communities anywhere, but this video proves my point better than words can. The video below was created in response to the Newsweek article and shows that Grand Rapids is far from dying. This is one continuous take. Let me say that again, this is one continuous take that set the world record for the world's largest and longest lip dub. The guy who created this video is amazing, his name is Rob Bliss and he has organized multiple events in Grand Rapids that have broken world records including the world's biggest pillow fight and world's biggest zombie walk. He is a story for another day though, so watch the video and tell me that a "dying" city would come together to make something like this. Hopefully you can get a taste of what makes Grand Rapids overflowing with life! I LOVE GR!!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Food for Thought
After recent events in the Middle East and the different opinions that have come forward, it's gotten me thinking. If everyone who is upset about Bin Laden’s death was equally upset about every death (namely, helpless babies), I would be willing to bet that abortion would not be legal in our nation. The death of an evil, violent man in the midst of war has caused Facebook status debates like I have never seen, and quotes about peace/harmony/anti-killing are being posted by people who I know to be pro-choice. It all seems backward to me. How does one so strongly condemn the loss of such a murderous man, and then turn around and vote or argue in favor of the continued murder of innocent, pure, defenseless souls?
I will never celebrate death and violence, but I do understand that in the context of war there are special ethical and moral implications/exceptions that apply to the soldiers fighting. As I understand it, the Navy SEALs who completed the mission first tried to capture Bin Laden alive but were met with resistance. Only time will tell if this is what actually occurred and really, none of us will truly know what happened during that 40-minute raid because, let’s face it, none of us were there. And maybe I’m naïve for believing in the good of mankind, but I like to think that the soldiers on that mission would not have killed unless it was their last resort.
The bottom line is; I don’t understand the inconsistency of some people’s moral beliefs. Why do some think that is it a human right to kill unborn babies but it’s unjust to kill the founder of Al Queda? Every human being has dignity and is made in the image of God. I just pray that someday people will realize this.
What do you think? I’m I being naïve for giving these soldiers the benefit of the doubt? Have you witnessed this kind of inconsistency? And how do we as Christians lovingly point out these inconsistencies?
I will never celebrate death and violence, but I do understand that in the context of war there are special ethical and moral implications/exceptions that apply to the soldiers fighting. As I understand it, the Navy SEALs who completed the mission first tried to capture Bin Laden alive but were met with resistance. Only time will tell if this is what actually occurred and really, none of us will truly know what happened during that 40-minute raid because, let’s face it, none of us were there. And maybe I’m naïve for believing in the good of mankind, but I like to think that the soldiers on that mission would not have killed unless it was their last resort.
The bottom line is; I don’t understand the inconsistency of some people’s moral beliefs. Why do some think that is it a human right to kill unborn babies but it’s unjust to kill the founder of Al Queda? Every human being has dignity and is made in the image of God. I just pray that someday people will realize this.
What do you think? I’m I being naïve for giving these soldiers the benefit of the doubt? Have you witnessed this kind of inconsistency? And how do we as Christians lovingly point out these inconsistencies?
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