What Donald Trump can learn from King Solomon

Donald Trump appears to be everywhere these days, hopping from CNN to The View and back to the boardroom on his show The Apprentice. It also looks like Trump is legitimately picking up steam for a presidential run being listed as frontrunner in many republican polls. I don’t feel like I can turn the channel without seeing Trump on TV nowadays. The more I have seen him though, the more I felt like he was reminding me of someone and just recently I realized that that someone is- King Solomon.

Trump has it all: millions of dollars, tons of things with his name on it, gorgeous wives, successful children and even his very own TV show. He has achieved the American dream and exceeded far beyond it. He should be happy according to the world’s standards but it appears that he isn’t. He followed all the correct steps to receive worldly bliss but something is not quite right. What else is a man to do? Run for the most powerful position an individual can achieve? Before Trump continues his vitriolic campaign, I hope he will heed some advice from someone who has been there before.

The first two chapters of Ecclesiastes tell the story of Solomon and his quest for happiness.

Ecclesiastes 2: 10-11 I did not restrain myself from getting whatever I wanted; I did not deny myself anything that would bring me pleasure. So all my accomplishments gave me joy; this was my reward for all my effort. Yet when I reflected on everything I had accomplished and on all the effort that I had expended to accomplish it, I concluded: “All these achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless –like chasing the wind! There is nothing gained from them on earth.”

Solomon concluded that his quest for everything was all meaningless but as the chapters continue, Solomon offers another way. A way of living life to the fullest and achieving a greater happiness not settled in this world but in a deeper joy, fully transcended in our life with God. Solomon speaks of the blessing of life and reminds us that the best way to celebrate this fragile gift is to delve deep in peace, love, justice and joy.

Things Go Round

I had felt a lull, that many things had already been addressed and there was no need to write anymore. For the first time in about three months I feel the urge to write. Although I am not going to be wondering through Africa, I am still wondering through this deeply fascinating time we live in. There are many things not being said right now and there are many things that I personally want to flesh out or push out into the open. More conversations need to be had. Alas...These Things Go Round!

A first taste… I have recently been comforted that I’m not alone. When I first heard the news that Bin Laden had been killed, I breathed sigh of relief for all those who have lost so much at the hands of this man. But as I watched the spontaneous celebrations unfold across the country I felt wrong.

This time was different though. I didn’t need to articulate why I feel as a Christian it is wrong to celebrate the death of an evil person, many other folks have done so already. Even the good old Vatican’s statement was full of hope,

“In the face of a man’s death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred”

As several others have spoken up, it’s been good to feel a sense of camaraderie that I’m not alone in my convictions. It brings me hope that a greater transition to love is occurring.