Learning to Live Well IV - Faith

Learning to Live Well IV - Faith

Learning to live well is an ongoing process in anyone’s life. Growing and aging is something we all do and the more attention we pay to the process the better off we will be. In continuing this blog I will share with you another series of important words – Faith, Family, Fitness, Finance. These grow out of the progression of personal development presented in Learning to Live Well I, II, and III. They also involve more intensive work and commitment so they will be presented in a separate series for each word. Having though about:
I - Probabilities, Possibilities, and Productivity
II - Persona, Persistence, Perseverance
III - Survival, Security, Significance
I hope you will be challenged to continue growing in your life in the areas of Faith, Family, Fitness, Finance.

Faith:

When we speak of faith most people probably think about religion. While faith may be a key factor in any religious setting we should not forget the broader aspect and importance of faith in our lives in general. Can you imagine a life without confidence or trust in others and ourselves as well as in our governments or communities? Without such conviction or assurance we probably would not have the confidence necessary to make desirable changes to move forward and grow.

Realizing the probabilities and possibilities for productivity that life espouses and becoming aware of who you really are is a start. Then with the desire and persistence to persevere toward a brighter and more prosperous future you will be able to move from survival through security toward significance. To continue your life’s journey you will need faith as you continue.

It is important to realize that anything that grows changes. Change is inevitable in our world and in our lives. Religion has the tendency to try and “keep the faith” and pretend that it will never be outdated by time or circumstances. In a real world this is impossible. Yesterday has passed, today is all we have now, and the future will primarily be formed by what we do today – as a popular phrase puts it: today is the first day of the rest of your life. Because yesterday is gone it does not mean that it was not right for its time and the human understanding of the era. One of the most important values of yesterday is recognition of what we surely do not want to repeat. As George Savanna said, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it”[i]

Let me share this acronym again: FAITH – Finding Authenticity In Today’s Happenings, in order to further explain what I mean. The first part of faith is finding. We need to find principles that will authenticate basic premises for our thoughts and actions. We need to be sure that our premise is based on facts that are current in today’s knowledge and understanding. We all remember what happened around the time of Galileo.[ii] The basic understanding of his time was that the earth was flat and was the central focus of the universe. When his experiments demonstrated that the sun was the center and the earth and other planets revolved around the sun he was excommunicated from his church and was placed under house arrest. If we are to consider ourselves “people of faith” we must be up-to-date in matters of fact that we propose to support that faith. Too many people loose faith because it was not grounded authentically in today’s happenings.

It is important to realize that faith depends on knowledge and truth. Those who practice what may be called blind faith are prone to demise and failure. The advise of many sacred writings can be summarized in this passage saying, “turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,…”[iii] Astuteness and good judgment are enormous in saving us from a great deal of foolishness.

Not only principles change but also what may have been reasonable in the past may no longer be rational today. Tragedy often comes when people who believed they were being rational and reasonable learned the hard way that they were not. I do not think that I need to elaborate and belabor this point with all the recent tragedy in our economy alone. As things change so rapidly in our world now, it is very important to not only check the facts as we now know them but also to be cognizant of what changes might be coming and to be prepared.

Prayer may also be an important part of being faithful in the way we live. I believe prayer is mostly thoughtful doing rather than making a petition for God or anyone else to do it for you. This is not an original thought of mine but one based on what St. Francis of Assisi said long ago, “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible”. It was from this premise that I developed my acronym on PRAYER - Perusing Reasonable Alternatives Yet Expecting Resolve. When we are found to be faithful in perusing a reasonable alternative and test them by placing them into action we see how often needs are supplied for others and us. We are therefore admonished to, “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”[iv]

Peace is another important approach in being found faithful. Soon, I hope, we will finally discover that war and violence do not solve or accomplish much that brings benefit. So many people talk about peace and wish that peace would come. The fact is that peace will never come until we become people of peace. This is not the work of God but rather it is our work through the power of God’s presence in our lives. As St. Francis said, “While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.” When we begin to act like the people of God peace will come.

PEACE - People Energizing Alternatives Causing Equality.

It doesn’t take much faith to make this happen. Scripture tells us; "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."[v] The point is made that the mustard seed is the smallest of seeds but that when it is planted it grows into the largest of trees. Nothing is impossible when we move forward with authenticity or put our prayers into action or when are hearts are filled with the energy of peaceful alternatives that cause equality.

Faith must also include hope. In Christian Scripture we read, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.”[vi] People are truly lost when they no longer have hope and lack what everyone needs to move ahead. We need to make hope a habit in our lives and continually practice open and productive exploration. If you have been reading my blog on Learning To Live Well you have seen this acronym for HOPE before:

HOPE – Habitual Open Productive Exploration

It is only when our lives are filled with these inward and invisible grace(s) that we continue to demonstrate the outward and visible signs in our actions that bring exciting and necessary changes for today and tomorrow. That recalls another acronym you have heard before from me:

GRACE – God’s Recreational Activity Causing Excellence

Faith and all that it reflects is very important if we want to grow and enhance our lives. We need to be faithful or to be full of faith to move forward in living well. There is no need to denigrate the past or deny the validity of what was understood in former times. We simply need to restate our principles so that they are faithful to today’s understanding in language that transmits their expression for our time. Perhaps this quote from an anonymous retired bishop may express my point with brevity; "The older I get the more deeply I believe, but the fewer beliefs I have." Being faith-full to me is one of the more important aspect of growing in one’s faith.

In closing my thoughts on faith, an example of a simple and comprehensive modern creedal statement for Christians today may be seen in this statement from our brothers and sisters in the New Zealand Church of the Anglican Communion:

You, O God, are supreme and holy.
You create our world and give us life.
Your purpose overarches everything we do.
You have always been with us.
You are God.

You, O God, are infinitely generous,
good beyond all measure.
You came to us before we came to you.
You have revealed and proved
your love for us in Jesus Christ,
who lived and died and rose again.
You are with us now.
You are God.

You, O God, are Holy Spirit.
You empower us to be your gospel in the world.
You reconciled and heal; you overcome death.

You are our God. We worship you.
A Liturgical Affirmation from the New Zealand Prayer Book

To this end I offer a priestly blessing that may help you to see and acquire a deeper understanding to continue growing vigorous in faith:

May the caring peace of God that goes beyond human comprehension, declare God’s love for you in your heart and mind as we see it in Jesus Christ; and may the blessing of God, loving Creator, gracious Liberator, and life giving Spirit keep you steadfast now and always. Amen.

---

[i] George Santayana quotes (Spanish born American Philosopher, Poet and Humanist who made important contributions to aesthetics, speculative philosophy and literary criticism. 1863-1952)

[ii] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo_Galilei

[iii] Proverbs 2:2 – New International Version

[iv] Philippians 2:12-13 – New International Version

[v] Matthew 17:20 – New International Version

[vi] Hebrews 11:1-2 (New International Version)

Survival, Security, Significance

Learning to Live Well III

Learning to live well is an ongoing process in anyone’s life. Growing and aging is something we all do and the more attention we pay to the process the better off we will be. As we continue this blog I will share with you another three important words – Survival, Security, Significance.

Survival:

We begin with the word survival because that is what most people are simply trying to do - survive. In today’s economy that is almost an understatement for a lot of people since many may not be surviving at all. When we consider the word survival, the first area of life we think of is economics. I realize that money is essential but should it be foremost and the most important? To me, placing money first is like putting the cart before the horse. This may be why so many people struggle with survival because money is uppermost in their lives. Money will be a significant part of most people’s lives but perhaps it should not be first or last. Money can be an asset in many areas of life but it is hardly even the primary agent to living well. Take happiness for instance, there are many wealthy people who are very unhappy while there are lots of people who are economically poor who are very happy. The quick acquisition of money in one’s life often brings with it certain demise. Maybe that is why the wisdom of the ages tells us that the love of money is the root of evil. Money must never be first in our lives, only enough for our needs.

It is relatively easy to think about the things we can see – the physical and visible parts of life. When we give some thought to reality however, we begin to realize that it is what we do not see, the inward and invisible that may be more important. Recognizing that we are body, mind, and spirit we are technologically two thirds mind and spirit. Though they are not as immediately and unmistakably known or noticed, as is our body, they may be more important. When we neglect the more central aspects of our humanity we in all probability lessen our facility to live well. Too often we are mostly concerned about physical things in our day-to-day lives.

It is also true that people focus on tangible aspirations for getting as much as they can, as soon as they can, with as little effort as possible. With the rising habit “buy now and pay later” we can satisfy our cravings for instant gratification. Along with this we have added the custom of accumulating and holding on to as much as we are able. Simply put we try to get all we can, can all we get, and then sit on the can. It demonstrates a clear focus on me, myself, and I. It may be said that if I don’t look after “number one” who else will but that attitude may not lead to the success you desire. While there is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to win and succeed, it is never wise to focused on that which may only help you loose. The truth is that we are never more important than anyone else nor will we ever really succeed if we think and act as if we have no need of anyone else. The word survival alludes to endurance and no one can endure alone for very long. Most people are familiar with the poem of John Donne, “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; …… any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee”.

The fact is that most people do little to continue to develop the essential core of their inner nature, the mind and spirit. This, to me, is the main reason that so many in our world remain fixed in a survival mode. It is much more difficult to move beyond survival when your mind is not completely engaged and your heart is not energized with what you are doing. Counselors and teachers remind and insist that you are what you think; as the Scripture says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”[i] Too many people discontinue any pattern of learning on a regular basis after they graduate from school. This is especially dangerous when we are living in an age when information doubles about every two years. To stop learning is to fall behind and no one wins in anything when they are consistently moving backward. Place all your energy in reaching out with others in moving forward to a life of contentment and accomplishment.

Security:

Moving toward security is a positive step in the right direction. Security is a condition of feeling good, freedom from worries of loss, and a position of assurance. Isn’t this what you and most people really desire? In learning to live well I wish to invite you to do what is necessary to advance into a status of security.

By now it should not surprise you that the first place you must begin in order to grow into security is changing your mind. To help you do this you may also need to change the company you keep. I am sure you have heard the saying, “birds of a feather flock together”. Perhaps the point is made clearer by sharing another, “if you wish to fly like an eagle you cannot hang around with turkeys”. If you are old enough you may also remember Roy Rodgers singing, “Home on the Range” – “when never is heard a discouraging word and the skies are not cloudy all day”. While there is humor in the way I have tried to make the point, it should not diminish in any way the truth that is contained herein. You must first change your mind if you are going to change your ways. If everything stays the same why would you expect anything to be different?

Change cannot come if you are not open to change. Many people, who do not like change, become resistant to change and happen to be their own worst enemy. Those who are willing to change may not be around people and opportunities that offer alternatives to help them find new ways of being and doing. Some may not have the drive or the energy to move forward toward something new. For many it is comfortable to remain as they are. Because everything in our universe and world keep changing daily, those who make no changes in their lives are actually falling behind. There is no middle ground in life for anyone to simply stand still.

FREEDOM – Foster Respect Encourage Equality Develop Opportunity Methodically

How does one have the freedom of security? Perhaps the acronym above will be helpful. Foster means to promote or encourage. Freedom cannot exist without significant positive activity. It is vital to have self respect as well as respect for others if one is to become liberated. Without equality there is no freedom so one must not only work for but also constantly encourage freedom. Opportunities that bring freedom do not come automatically so they must be planned and developed. Methodically suggests that one must be logical, careful, precise and systematic in expediting the feasibility for freedom. In short, freedom is hard work.

What does one need to do to obtain the assurance of security? It requires knowledge and understanding. It is one thing to gather the information, facts, and data to become knowledgeable but one must also acquire the facility to use knowledge with understanding, comprehension, and experience. Education is important and is the basic way that most people acquire knowledge, but life experience is where we get to use that knowledge and grow in our understanding, comprehension, and experience. This is why many schools and colleges give academic credit for “life experience”. People who move toward security are usually those who are both “book smart” and “street smart”.

GRACE – God’s Recreational Activity Causing Excellence

There is one last point I wish to make about security – awareness that no one can obtain security in a vacuum. Everyone needs to remember that we were born into this world and that no one has life through his or her own doing. I am grateful that I had loving parents, a large family that was caring and supportive, and have the privilege to live in communities that are vibrant and life giving. I am also convinced that there is a divine force, which most call God that initiated and energizes our universe with unfathomable opportunities for everyone to enjoy. It is through this grace that I believe we are gifted with security. As we are open to feel, interact, and grow in God’s creativity that we then experience the activity of re-creation causing excellence.

Significance:

Why stop at security when there is even more to living? Having moved from survival to security you may now enjoy the ecstasy of significance – meaning, worth, and importance.

You must know that you cannot give away what you do not have, but the greatest source of pleasure in life is to be willing and able to share what you do have with others. Obviously this means that you need to know who you are, what you have, and how much you are willing to share. All three of these areas are not always easily known or understood by most people.

There are three areas of life that each of us has - time, talent, and treasure. How we use these wisely may be the best test and indicator of our significance. It will be important to honor each area and to utilize them efficiently so that we may have all that we need for ourselves and in service to others. Too often we tend to think of money as soon as we think of one’s significance and loose site of the wholeness of one’s being that is what makes us significant. After all, one’s treasure is only one third of who we are and the other two thirds of time and talent may be more noteworthy.

Think about it, when it comes to time we are all equal. Everyone has the same amount of time – 24/7. Therefore it can become the first important measure of how much we are allowing for caring and sharing with others. It is very easy to see how much we care for ourselves in survival and in security and just how desirous we are in moving toward significance in our lives.

When it comes to talent and treasure we are quite different from one another. Not only will the amount of each person’s talent vary but also in which areas each person’s talents may be. This still does not suggest an inequality among us because of the tremendous variety of gifts that are necessary in order to create the interdependence needed for living with one another. Too many parents hope that their sons and daughters will grow up to doctors, lawyers, or Indian chiefs because they are looked upon as honorable professions. How many, however, would like to live in a community where there were no trades like carpenter, plumber, or those who chose to be garbage collectors? The laborers needed for the innumerable services necessary for living well together is clear. It is like the parts of our human body where no one, visible or invisible, can say to the other that they are more important for our wholeness.

Treasure is another variable; the divergence of those with a great deal of money and the others who will have much less is obvious. In Christian Scripture we are told, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”[ii] This is said not only about money but about our responsibility to one another in every area of our lives. Sharing is always necessary for anyone who wishes to be significant but money alone is never as important as time and talent and can never replace the welcomed personal care and involvement.

SIGNIFICANCE - Sensing Infinite Grace Nourishes Inspired Faith In Consistent Action Needed for Compassionate Endeavors

What is in your heart? Never leave home with out it.

---

[i] Proverbs 23:7

[ii] Luke 12:48 (New International Version)

Persona, Persistence, Perseverance

Learning to Live Well II

Learning to live well is the basic theme of this blog. Some of the most striking questions that come to mind are these: Where did I come from? Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? While I do not pretend to have the comprehensive answers to these and other life questions, I do have the desire to contribute some thoughtful information that will address these and other questions in some manner that will be helpful. To continue our discussion I would like to speak about these questions by investigating three more words that may inform our thoughts – Persona, Persistence, Perseverance.

Persona:

Learning to live well obviously begins with thoughts about you – persona. Other synonyms will help you understand what I am talking about concerning you as a person: Character, role, personality, and qualities. Your character, qualities, and personality are an intrinsic part of how well you will live and what role in life you will play. Your persona is that part of you that is unique and may be quite different from another person, even within your family.

Many people think that living well is directly related to one’s ancestry, upbringing, education, opportunities or even luck. While it is true that these aspects of one’s life may lend asset and influence to our maturity I do not believe that they are in any way primary in the cause of our living well. I say this because there are so many people in history who did very well in life but who came from poor ancestry, careless upbringing with little formal education. These people became extremely successful in life even without apparent beneficial opportunities or good luck.

The word "character" is derived from the Greek word charaktêr, which was originally used of a mark impressed upon a coin. Later and more generally, it came to mean a point by which one thing was told apart from others (Timpe 2007). Moral character or character is an evaluation of a particular individual's moral qualities. The concept of character can imply a variety of attributes including the existence or lack of virtues such as integrity, courage, fortitude, honesty, and loyalty, or of good behaviors or habits. Moral character primarily refers to the assemblage of qualities that distinguish one individual from another - although on a cultural level, the set of moral behaviors to which a social group adheres can be said to unite and define it culturally as distinct from others. Psychologist Lawrence Pervin defines moral character as "a disposition to behave expressing itself in consistent patterns of functioning across a range of situations" (Pervin 1994, p. 108)[i]

When anyone asks the question, “where did I come from”, there is a universal concept that effects every person; we all come from the same common ancestry. Religions have stories that tell us how we came to be and almost everyone knows the stories of Adam and Eve in the Bible[ii] and Koran[iii]. To add to this concept of common ancestry we are beginning to realize how much we all are, in fact, from a universal origin. With the discovery of DNA science has demonstrated that our genes are alike as humans and very close to all living creatures[iv]. Many however may not realize that race is not factual but invented to separate the human race in a hierarchy of classes for social and economic gain. I personally visited the presentation of facts about race when it was at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey. Fortunately there is a wonderful website to help everyone to understand these facts today[v].

Realizing that we are all from a common DNA and, as human beings, are a significant part of the created universe on this earth in particular, we should be able to respect and show concern for one another around the globe to properly assume our leadership in caring. As we grow in understanding the beauty and complexity of life it should make us grateful to be a part of all the magnificence around us. True gratitude will promote appropriate care and concern. Perhaps another acronym will help expand on what it means to care.

CARE – Constantly Appreciate and Respect Everyone

Our care must be constant and consistent. Whenever there is a gap in care we need to call that neglect. Progress happens when we care and whenever there is neglect we only reap destruction and despair. Appreciation is active when we strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being. It is never enough to simply give expression to appreciation and respect because we all realize that actions speak louder than words. A hypocrite is someone who is only feigning high principles thus being a charlatan and a fraud. It is only when we are caring in word and deed that we truly love our neighbor as ourselves. This is a basic and universal principle.

Clearly a most important question is: “Who am I?” As a part of the human life form in this mysterious and marvelous Universe you need to become aware of who you are and why you are here. Everything and everyone in our universe has a place and a purpose. As you delve into the depths of your being and open up to all that is you in body, mind, and emotion you will become aware of your temporal and spiritual gifts that must be shared. This ongoing exercise and commitment is essential to your well being as well as to the whole of life itself. Until you understand the worth of your presence and your essential contribution in life both you and our world will be deficient.

In every time and culture there are people who exemplify this ongoing commitment to maturity. Our secular and religious history tell the stories of those who stood out in their quest for such realization. In most cases these were just ordinary people. They became significant because of their awareness of a calling and their total involvement in becoming all that they could be in faithfulness to that calling. Their awareness of the creative forces in the universe stimulated their desire to see how they could connect to that creativeness and utilize their gifts to enhance the resourcefulness around them. They became uncomfortable with only trying to get things for personal benefit and recognized the need to include others to experience the joy of giving and serving. As a Christian I am made aware and challenged by this concept in the actions and words of Jesus, “I have come to serve, not to be served”.

Another life principle is giving. A significant part of our maturing is in learning how important it is to share and give. It is our childish nature that thinks “mine”. It often takes many years to think “our”. Selfishness is natural until one sees and understands the larger picture of our world and the universe. Perhaps if we think of Christmas at different stages in our lives we may begin to understand what I mean. We realize that our children will be primarily concerned with what they will get and it may take a while before they begin to think about giving to others. Usually, by the time we become parents, we are aware of giving to children that also includes other significant family members and friends. When we become grandparents our concern in giving broadens even further to others, especially to grandchildren, rather than being concerned about what we may receive. As we mature we come to learn about give and take in life and gain our greatest joy in giving and sharing.

GIVE – Gratitude Inspiring Verifiable Expressions

I am sure that one’s chronological age has less to do with such growth and development as may their aptitude and willingness to learn and be inspired by living well. Thanksgiving should not just be a day on our calendars as much as a good daily habit. As we grow in the inward and invisible grace of God’s generosity we usually increase in sharing more readily in verifiable expressions. It is who you are as a person and the satisfaction of becoming all that you were meant to be that brings the wholeness and wellness that we all desire. As we mature in our role as humans we learn that giving and serving bring the most satisfaction of living well.

Persistence:

Having gained an appreciation for your universal heritage and come to an understanding of who you really are and want to be, the next most important concept is persistence.

Dale Carnegie once said, “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” Recently President Obama said, “Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it's not. It takes patience, it takes commitment, and it comes with plenty of failure along the way. The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won't. It's whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.”

After we think about persistence we will be sharing some thoughts on perseverance. At first the two words may seem to be identical but their subtle difference may be important to consider. Those who miss the subtle differences in life often miss the point for full satisfaction and success. A comparison of synonyms may help you begin to see what I mean:

Persistence – determination, doggedness, pushiness, resolution
Perseverance – insistence, urgency, firmness, continuation

Dr. Jill Ammon-Wexler, a Pioneer brain/mind researcher, said, “If you were to select just one part of your personality to develop that would virtually guarantee your success -- I'd like to suggest you place the quality of persistence at the very top of your list.”
She went on to quote, “In his classic "Think and Grow Rich," Napoleon Hill felt so strongly about persistence that he devoted an entire chapter to it. Hill said, "There may be no heroic connotation to the word persistence, but the quality is to your character what carbon is to steel."
Continuing she says, “Think about that for a moment. Just as carbon hardens steel -- persistence hardens your willpower to blast past any obstacles you encounter as you pursue your dreams. I’ve worked with people all of my professional life, and here’s what I’ve observed: Very few have REALLY decided what they want from life … and fewer still have committed to achieve it.
Why is this important? Because without clarity and commitment, there is no persistence. To develop the quality of persistence, you must want something so much that it becomes a burning desire ­- a fire in your belly! Persistence is then virtually automatic, and you become unstoppable. It’s commonly believed that a lack of persistence is the result of a weak willpower. This is NOT true! A person can have a highly evolved willpower, but still lack the persistence needed to achieve their goals.
In most cases, those who lack persistence simply do not have a goal that lights their passion.”

Dr. Jill Ammon-Wexler then proposes four steps to develop persistence:

1. Create a clearly defined goal. Your goal must be something you truly desire. Because without emotional fire and desire, you will not be able to reach into the portion of your mind that can really drive you to achievement -­ your subconscious.

2. Develop a plan of action and go to work immediately. It’s perfectly OK if your plan just covers the first stage of the journey toward your goal. As you begin to execute your plan, you’ll discover other steps that will take you closer.

3. Make an irrevocable decision to reject any negative feedback of friends, relatives or neighbors. Refuse to give any conscious attention to conditions or circumstances that appear to indicate your goal cannot be accomplished.

4. Establish a mastermind group of one or more people who will encourage, support and assist you.

Dr. Jill then closes with this important statement: As Napoleon Hill shared: In many cases persistence is the ONLY quality that separates highly successful men and women from everyone else. The present moment is your Point of Power. Whatever you dream of doing in your life -- just begin today, and refuse to quit. There is greatness in you. Just let it out, and be persistent.”[vi]

Perseverance:

Now I will close this part of learning to live well with this next most important word, Perseverance. The subtle difference between persistence and perseverance is the activity that will keep your progress going. It is one thing to be determined but you must keep that alive through insistence. You surely need to be dogged and pushy, but without a sense of urgency and being firm in your character you will not continue well in living well. Having the resolve to grow and develop in your calling is vital but it will not last long without the tenacity of continuation. These two words create the solidarity of making your life move toward all that you can be. Your persona stays alive with persistence and perseverance.

---

[i] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_character

[ii] Genesis

[iii] http://www.islamia.com/adam.htm

[iv] http://www.earthsky.org/faq/dna-animals-plants

[v] http://www.understandingrace.org/home.html

[vi] from: “Develop the Quality of … Unstoppable Persistence” by Dr. Jill Ammon-Wexler, September 2005