So much is changing and yet so much is still the same...

Unbelievably, another week has come to an end, another month is over and it is also our company's financial year end. 

So much is changing and yet so much is still the same. 

I don't know if I am just becoming less naive or just more aware or if there is truly a growth in the number of despicable people in this world. Around me, I see so many people being hurt by self-absorbed individuals with little or no regard for the other's emotions. There are so many people who believe their importance is paramount and nobody else's needs are considered in their pursuit of their goals.
Similarly, our country is in turmoil over the government with a constant barrage of abuse from opposition parties and disillusioned supporters. How will this chapter of South African history pan out? 
Internationally I read of extremist parties beheading groups of people for their faith and the rest of the world does nothing. I still can't believe that a person can actually cut off another's head! What hatred must there be to be able to perform such deeds. This is meant to be the "modern times"; look at the knowledge and the technology we have all around and yet we seem to be regressing in so many areas. Surely what we have learned over the years of war and killing, that no one really wins in the end. The loss of life, broken families, devastation of cities and infrastructure. The cost is immeasurable. As a child, I often thought that disputes should be settled over a game of chess. A war on the chess board, where the only casualties are the chess pieces. Each dispute is tabled with agreed stakes for the "war's" outcome. Whoever's King remains, is the victor and claims the agreed prize. Simplistic, I know but why can't it be? Of course those with the best chess players would become greedy and use their advantage to take more than what is fair. A super-power based on chess prowess if you will. I guess when there is a human element involved, the basic needs of survival and equality are justifiable to "fight" for but when the intolerance of others and hunger for more permeates the ranks of the leaders, that is when the real trouble begins. 

My Christian belief says that we should love one another, with all our differences. Loving, however does not mean accepting the injustices imposed on others. I can't for one instance imagine myself sitting down with ISIS members to have a cup of tea and a group hug. Somewhere in their life they have been brainwashed and lost their way. Probably no fault of their own but radical leaders who are passing down the same distorted beliefs and objectives enforced in their lives. They were not born hating others who did not follow Islam, they were taught. No-one is born a natural hater. As children we are innocent and open to everything. It's as we get older, the people we surround ourselves with, mould our character and alter our beliefs. This can be moulded to such an extent that radicalists evolve.

All is not lost though. There is a greater plan in all this confusion and turmoil. Desperate times, pulls people together; develops a spirit of unity and that is exactly what we need as a community, a country and as global citizens.