19 January 2005---I am an advocate--I've decided

Hello, hello, hello. I am so busy, this is rather frustrating, because I really enjoy hearing back from everybody. Anyway, I am having to try to keep up with what's going on in the world (it's part of my work as a lawyer/budding journalist/spiritual advocate.

Oh, you probably ask, what's a spiritual advocate? Well, those who are deeply steeped in Christian tradition would call a person like me a preacher, evangelist, minister, or general religious fanatic or indoctrinator (depends on whether you like guys like me). Oh, well, I decided, not too long ago, to either to call myself a teacher(which I've done before), or this other name. I don't know, but I think I like this one title better. A teacher has students, who are usually in full agreement with him, absorbing information they have generally already decided to accept.

But an advocate, like lawyers or public speakers or columnists, are typically trying to convince people with whom they disagree that their point of view is correct. If the advocate is both skillful and friendly-personable in his approach, he succeeds in winning some to his positions, and at least provokes others to think critically and seriously about their own beliefs. Often it is the first time that people take a close look at the assumptions they have long held, perhaps from earliest childhood. The advocate is also, if he/she is wise, a good listener. He/she is not afraid to hear the challenges lodged to his own faith and values by those who take issue with him. And indeed, if he is a good advocate, he has already taken the time to seriously examine and question his own assumptions and positions.

And one other thing is critical to his success. He has to be freely willing to be a friend to those with whom he disagrees. Friendship is to be based upon character, not upon agreement or disagreement. We have all seen the sad result of an argument with someone who cannot tolerate other points of view besides his own---hate, bitterness, broken relationships, lost forever, even violence. A friend is someone who does not set agreement on all points of view as a precondition for his companionship. And that is something I try to live by.

Knowing my own life, I think I may be able to fit into that mold. I don't know how good I may be, but I'll try. So, I'll be up front with you. I have definite opinions, beliefs, in fact, I would say, strong convictions. It will be in all my links, my articles, my reviews. But friendship will always be a prime motivator for me. Even in the business and legal items that I present and the opportunities I inform you about, I will always keep an open hand and a sincere smile before you.

Well, I will be away for a couple of days. I have lots of work to do in the way of preparing reports and forms that I have to file each year to the government on behalf of my small non-profit organization. But I'll be back at the end of the week, and I'll be writing away. I wish you all a great rest of the week, and I pray for your health and safety. Don't forget the tragic victims of the tsunami.

Also, I have a friend named Vidushi from Guyana. I have just heard from her that they are having mudslides and floods, and part of her house was damaged. Those of you who have a faith in God, please pray for her. And if anyone has a similar problem situation in your life, and you want prayer, e-mail me and let me know.Take care, God bless. Adios.

--Floyd F.