The Week That Was Series 6: News And Blog Reviews

Ingrid Loyau-Kennet

I am finding it a bit difficult to write today’s column on “The Week That Was Series.” Simply because of the many tragic stories that took place around the world during the week that left the hearts of many broken, saddened and sickened by disasters, untimely deaths, and the grizzly, chilling cold blooded murder of a British soldier by two knife wielding attackers in Woolwick in broad daylight in the witness of others.

1) What makes the latter story one worth mentioning today is because of the act of love in the midst of hate, the courage and heroism of a 48 year old London mom, Ingrid Loyau-Kennet who stood up to the attackers. Among other things, it reminded me of how much God is still in control and how He [God] worked through her and spoke to the killers through her to demonstrate His omnipotence, omniscient, omnipresence here on earth.

The Devil, the loser, gave proof again of his employment which as the Bible say is to steal, kill and to destroy. But God stepped down into the earth realm and showed Himself as the righteous Judge and defender. What made the men think they could hate and kill, then get away with the murder? The scene ended in gunshots, with police immobilizing the murderers and taking them into custody.

The courageous women who put their lives in danger to help the dying soldier and calmed the belligerent attackers will go down in this story and the history books as true heroes. Here is a brief excerpt that described the exchange:

“I thought these people [killers] usually have a message, so I said: “What do you want?” I asked him if he did it and he said yes and I said why? And he said because he [the dead man] has killed Muslim people in Muslim countries.’……He said he was a British soldier and I said: ‘Really?’ And he said: ‘I  killed him because he killed Muslims and I am fed up with people killing Muslims in Afghanistan. They have nothing to do there.’……..He was not high, he was not on drugs, he was not an alcoholic or drunk. He was just distressed, upset. He was in full control of his decisions and ready to do everything he wanted to do….I said: ‘Right, now it is only you versus many people, you are going to lose, what would you like to do?’ He said: ‘I would like to stay and fight.’ ” Get the entire article obtained from the National Post

2) On a much lighter note, over on Dan Waldschmidt Blog as part of his “Edgy Conversations” he gave some great insights in this article, “How To Live Fearlessly In The Frightening World Around You.” His opening was impacting and I quote: “It’s hard to be bold when you are scared out of your mind. When you’re brain is panicking and you aren’t sure if you are going to make it this time.” His ending was even more daring as he encouraged his followers by letting us know that fear isn’t forever even if it feels that way.

What resonated in my spirit most of all were these words:

“What you’re going through – what you’re feeling – is just the nastiness of life. It’s what happens sometimes. Good people get bad news. But you don’t have to live skittish, nervous, and scared out of your mind. Life isn’t evil. Or out to get you. So be fearless. Get back up when you get knocked down. Go the distance. Look failure and doubt in the eye and try again. Today is a new day.“

For more “Edgy Conversations and to read Dan’s entire article click here

3) Here’s the final thing that stood out for me this week. Over on my Google+ hangout, I had the opportunity to be a part of a great conversation and discussion with my Google+ friends Barry Smith and John E. Smith. These are extra-ordinary leaders who stand out each day, not just by what they do in their respective workplaces, but through what they share, motivating others to think, to act and to do differently.

The conversation was a result of a post shared by Barry on his blog Building What Matters entitled “Do Your Communication Skills Tell People You Care?” Both of them I thought made some very valuable points. I concur with Barry on John’s insights and for highlighting the importance of authenticity and transparency. For more from that discussion click here

Well this brings me to the end of another week that was series.

photo via National Post

If you would like to be a part of this blog’s week that was series and you have an insightful story whether from your local community or from around the world that you would like to share and to inspire others with, then write to Yvonne I. Wilson at empowermentmoments@gmail.com