i can offer opinions about things i am not 100% informed about.

I was advised once to write about what I know. This is one reason why this post has taken so long for me to write, you should know by now that I am not that political. Cameron loves to tell of my response to his 'Clinton or Obama?' question on our first date. I was also advised to write about what I am passionate about. Looking at the word passionate reminds me how I haven't really gelled with this word. I doubt many people would think of me first when they think of 'passionate'. However, taking all this into account, I started thinking about writing this blog a few weeks ago when all I could talk about what I had learnt in this book The Shock Doctrine, The Rise of Disaster Capitalism by Naomi Klein.

Why is enthusiasm so fleeting? At first I was reading the news differently, I was voluntarily reading political commentary and looking for the next book to quench a new found thirst for knowledge. I wanted to somehow share my new understandings with you dear reader but I am not sure I have figured out how even now.

The Shock Doctrine opened my eyes to so many ideas and taught me about things that I have pretended to understand before. It made me furious that leaders of countries could manipulate people and markets for their own gain or for the gain of a tiny number of ready wealthy people and he demise of the lower classes or political groups that opposed them. It made me question my own political leanings and determined to watch and listens to the ideals of New Zealand's government. I couldn't believe the crimes that were committed under the banner of democracy. Granted this book is still written to sell and I am sure people could offer valuable critique, for example, the copy I had from the Toronto Public Library had thoughtful insights such as 'bull sh**' peppered through some of the proofs that were being offered. Nonetheless it is a riveting book and completely worth challenging your notions of good government by reading. Please do.

Now the US and friends have entered into combat with Libya. When the UN has issued no fly zones before it resulted in years of war in Bosnia and Iraq. What is the answer to a dictator killing his opposition? How else does the world respond? What are the underlying factors at play that we cannot see yet? Who will benefit from this drama? How do I respond?

We heard in church on Sunday about suffering and looked at Romans 8:18-27. There is no question that people are suffering around the world at the moment. I won't try and paraphrase the sermon, I wouldn't do it justice. You can go and listen to Kyle here, it was a great message. In answering my own 'how to respond' question, firstly, I was particularly encouraged to pray even though I don't have the answers, God prays with me, that is amazing. Secondly, I was encouraged to grieve when others grieve. On a macro level I don't want to ignore what is happening in Japan or Libya but instead care about more than the hype on the 6 o'clock news, on a micro level I don't want to look away when someone is grieving in my life. There are ways we can come alongside people and I want to practice them, but I may need some help.