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Hello and happy day...
We live in a world that is being overrun by disinformation, misinformation, fake news, et cetera. At times it seems like there is an ominous threat to truth (the reality of goodness, intrinsic to sound character). As part of my musings, I offer a ‘potpourri' of truth-statements below… Which one(s) resonate the most with you? In addition, as far as truth is concerned, how might we best navigate a world that is trending in a questionable direction? What are some ways in which we might (individually and collectively) help shift the dial towards a reality more securely grounded in truth? 1. As we debate the broad issues of life, we aim not for theatre but for truth 2. Speak your truth quietly. Resist any urge to prove that you are right 3. Truth penetrates deeply to soften hard places, and smooth rough edges 4. I am humble enough to receive from others, including their deposit of truth into my life 5. Truth sets free. Still, its proclamation and preservation is not without cost 6. It takes naked eyes to see the naked truth 7. The words of the wise sustain goodness and truth 8. It’s amazing the many truthful subtleties we can hear when we take a moment, in stillness, to quiet ourselves 9. Truth once spoken is irrevocable 10. Uphold truth and justice, and peace will invariably follow you Good cheers.
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 Good day. I trust you are well, and are finding joy in the pleasures of summer. In early June, I experienced three funerals within a nine-day period. Among other things, this prompted me to contemplate again the fragility and transience of life, and indeed, my own mortality. As I mourn the passing of personal friends, I am also struck by heartbreaking catastrophes currently in the news, including the horrific loss of lives in the Texan floods… And in tribute, I share the poem below. To you who presently walk this valley of grief: blessed shalom!  Greetings...
One of the most rewarding things in life is to pursue and achieve a challenging goal. Among other things, the process generally forges or strengthens:
Looking back at the experience, if you could change something, what might that be? What did you learn about yourself in the process? What did or will your celebration entail? Today, I salute you. As well, I offer a special shout out to all graduates of formal educational programs. Congratulations to each and everyone on your success! All the best going forward. #graduation #perseverance #success Good day to one and all. It’s the time of year, especially in academic circles, when many who contemplate retiring from formal work choose to “push the button”. Congratulations to all new retirees! Enjoy this season of immense opportunities. Here is a brief tribute to celebrate you and your distinguished service...  Happy day to you...
Recently, a friend posted (in a group-chat) an illustration of a janitor inside a human head, with the caption “The MOST difficult cleaning”. This spawned robust conversation among members, with contributions such as:
The Good Book reminds us that we should use the filter of, and focus on, what’s true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and commendable (Phil 4:8). This little thought was coined as I reflected: Clear mind Clearer vision Complete freedom And in relation to my own mind, it leads me to wonder: what is my most urgent and important spring-cleaning need? #freedom #mentalhealth #wellness Greetings...
Today, I reflect on the blessing of friendship, with a simple thanks to all my friends. Here's a short composition in your honour. Good cheers... THE LOVE BETWEEN US by David A. McAdam My esteemed friend of umpteen years / There’s one key thing I desire of thee As time allows our paths to cross / That thy heart will stay smiling at me Oh, that we won’t take for granted / Life’s finite moments which lie ahead And lose ourselves to the mundane / But seize each day, with wisdom, instead Yes, leaning into wiser ways / Let us keep alive our first love’s flame And by its light, our eyes kept bright / We shall see its circling thoughts the same We find in love, all we seek for / Our great life-preserver through the years Never withholding goodliness / While guiding us across new frontiers Hear soft notes playing on the winds / Calling us to keep our friendship strong Love, the source and rhythm of life / Binds us together for ages long #friends #love #community Greetings…
Last Saturday, I attended the “Poured Poetry” night at Poured Coffee on the Danforth in Toronto. Many thanks to the organizers. The evening included a writing mini-workshop and an open mic session in which I was privileged to share two original poems, and to hear other pre-selected poets’ writings. Returning to the workshop, it was simply wonderful to see the enthusiastic attendees respond to timed writing prompts (e.g., In this season, my inhale or my exhale will….), and to listen to the raw compositions from volunteer readers. It’s always interesting to witness the diversity in style and substance from different minds to the same prompts - attesting to the varieties in the human experience. I was also reminded of a simple truth: each of us has the ability to write creatively. Below is a related poem which I recorded some time ago. Good cheers as you write… POETIC BIRTH ON RECORD by David A. McAdam A timely capture of inspiration That moves From heart to head Head to hand Hand to page Sensitive to the reality that Inspiration lies in unexpected places And a new poem sees the light of day #creativewriting #poetry #poems  Happy day to you...
This past week included at least three consecutive days of rainfall in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This got me thinking about various ways in which life shifted with the prolonged downpour, and spawned questions such as these: How best do I take advantage of life’s different seasons and varied offerings? How do I remain positive, especially in trying or unusual situations? In times of fair and tumultuous weather, what might I learn about life, and about myself? Through conversations, I was reminded how perspectives and perceptions can vary regarding a single stimulus or event. For instance, to the farmer or the gardener, the rain was a treat. For others, not quite so. The generous rainfall also made me think about the need for moderation, even in perceived good times. And I am left with this ponderation: How do I better learn to see beauty not just after the rain, but during the downpour? In whatever I face or whomever I meet, what might be the attendant potential or promise? With an open, adaptable spirit, we make the best of what comes our way, having gratitude foremost in our hearts. Good cheers. #rainyweather #hope #vision Hello…
Wars, on any scale, are horrific. While they may be waged for just cause, the toll is always astronomical. Perhaps saddest of all is the unconscionable destruction of innocent civilian lives. This original poem captures the story of young Mahmoud Ajjour, and is a representation of the common devastation. Peace on earth, how can it be? The killing persists. HOW WILL I? I’m being haunted by dreadful nightmares / All connected with a bitter war To which our land has been subjected / A siege like I’ve never seen before There’s really no respect of persons / The Laws of War are violated With mass destruction felt far and wide / We are doomed to be decimated What cold disregard for human life / Recurring hell and fear now rooted We choke in the tempest of trauma / As the battle is executed Terrified by the raging assault / Many run, not ever looking back Starved babies die in their mothers’ arms / Strength failing in this jarring attack The sirens, the bombs, the drones, the strikes / With each onslaught, deprivation grows We are crushed like grapes in a winepress / From the torture our neighbours impose Thick plumes of smoke in a swirly dance / Mock us o’er the wreckage created And wide-eyed corpses strewn about, foul / The mangled land, and air that’s tainted Sweet childhood innocence has vanished / Oh what carnage and bloody display My heart mourns like a flute that’s broken / Caught in the jaws of peril each day It’s all so maddening and gruesome / Here in the valley of death’s shadow Praying and hoping for an escape / And for blest relief in the morrow Petrified, I squirm with blinded sight / Wracked by pain, my spirit is blighted I feel scared like a shrinking flower / Unsure if the wrongs can be righted One day, midst airstrikes, while fleeing home / I turned back to urge my loved ones on Suddenly, I was hit to the ground / Then in shock, like a light I was gone Now, more horrid images visit / My last memory, an awful blow There’s shouting, but not of joy, instead / Deep growls from a fate I’ve come to know Mother, I wake, glad to see your face / But one key question must be stated: How will I ever hug you again / When my arms have been amputated? © 2025 - David McAdam #war #peace #amputation Greetings to you.
It has been interesting to follow the process of selecting and installing a new pope. One reminder, regardless of religious affiliation: in our decision-making there are times we must necessarily shut out mundane distractions and listen closely. Incidentally, among other things, Pope Leo’s first Sunday message poignantly highlighted the need to resist unholy polarization and divisions, and to end international wars. This is not a new call, but one that is now most urgent as we seek for heightened dignity and civility, as part of the human experience, in a postmodern era. The poem below was composed to honour this historic papal transition. Good cheers. IN SUCCESSION The sudden, yet expected passing of / The aged Pope Francis who’d served so well Was a source of both great sadness and hope / For it triggered a grand Easter farewell Plus a conclave to choose a successor / As the centuries-old practice requests And bells tolled eighty-eight times in honour / When the deceased pontiff was laid to rest Millions of followers anguished and prayed / For the late pope’s soul in heavenly climb While scores of cardinals across the globe / Convened at the Sistine Chapel in time There in strict seclusion and secrecy / They petition, deliberate and vote Till they confirm majority support / Naming the man whom the group would promote The world with bated breath stood patiently / As black smoke arose to signal no choice Then three rounds later, white smoke billowed high / And the crowds cheered in a rapturous voice From the Square’s crimson balcony appeared / The surprise chosen one for all to see Pope Leo the Fourteenth in succession / Marks a new chapter in the papacy © 2025 - David A. McAdam #papacy #vaticancity #sistinechapel |
