Dear Sibs, Let me ask you - are you a good friend? Are you a good husband? Are you a good wife? Are you a good son, daughter, mother, a good father, brother or sister? Are you a good person? As Christians we would like to hope so. You know walk in Christ's footsteps. Follow the example he has set since he is our role-model. However, if you are like me, then, in addition to being a Christian (even if you are not) you are also flesh and blood and sometimes, just sometimes you give into the flesh. That natural instinctive reactions that we sometimes feel which causes us to behave very unchristian-like. What does Jesus say about how we should treat our neighbour? I'm not necessarily talking about Harold or Brenda next door! It could be anyone. Jesus teaches us to love our neighbour. He talks about turning the other cheek. That's when the person doing the hurting is of no particular consequence to your life in the scheme of things. But how difficult is it to do when the hurting and pain comes from the one you love.   A loved one can be the cause of so much pain in your life whether it's a harsh word or a cruel action. You may even wonder if they ever really loved you. Equally, a loved one can bring so much joy into your life that before they came you felt you were incomplete.   Despite the ridicule, beatings and inhumane treatment Jesus loved us to the cross and without him in our lives we are incomplete.   Until next month, Chantal       Black History Month     October is Black History Month (BHM) in Britain. The aims are to promote knowledge of Black history and experience; disseminate information on positive Black contributions to British society; and heighten the confidence and awareness of Black people in their cultural heritage.   The origins of BHM go back to 1926 when Carter G Woodson, editor for thirty years of the Journal of Negro History, established African Caribbean celebrations in America. It is still celebrated there in February each year. In Britain, the focus on African and Caribbean heritage pre-dates the work of London Strategic Policy Unit who, as part of the African Jubilee year in 1987, helped to establish the event. People from the black community have been promoting arts and culture for many years. Examples can be traced to Berry Edwards in Manchester (Caribbean Week in the 70s), or Eric and Jessica Huntley from Ealing who regularly organised a Caribbean week in the late 70s and early 80's, or Alex Pascall who established, on BBC Radio London, the Black Londoners radio programme which went from a monthly, to a weekly, and then to a daily programme. Rosa Parks - making a stand or rather taking a seat! What is the importance of history? History is important as it is thought that the past halps individuals understand who they are and where they have come from. It is said that he who controls the past contrlos the future. Our view of history shapes the way we view the present and therefore it dictates what answers we offer for existing problems.         Black history is not soley about slavery. Black people have contributed to the growth and development of societies that they were taken. There were pioneers who fought for equality and freedom such as Rosa Parks, Malcom X, Martin Luther King to name a few. There are others who have impacted society in their different fields. Lionel Ngakane of South Africa came to England in the 50s was an actor and film maker. He bought a 16mm camera and filmed and directed the feature length documentary Vukani - Awake, about the struggle for South Africa's liberation. Lloyd Reckord, another actor turned director chose to ignore the black/white dynamic of racial politics and to turn a critical eye on Black culture. Dr Mark Dean, a computer scientist, is the architect of the modern-day personal computer. He holds three of the original nine patents on the computer that all PCs are based upon. Others include John Stanard, inventor of the refrigerator, George Sampson, creator of the clothes dryer, Alexander Miles and his elevator, Lewis Latimer and the electric lamp. They all have changed the landscape of our society. They have all contributed to the expansion of our liberty.    FREEDOM You are freedom God's freedom child on every field inside you on every level inside you on every dark or bright side inside you absolutely marvelous God's freedom child full of happiness, prosperity and gladness full of good or bad experience You want to have all of them. Take them take them all. Such an easy way to take goodness and gladness much easier than to take evil and harm much faster, delicate and without end. You are freedom. You are a mind of goodness, knowledge, experience, wonderful feelings independence and render. Discover yourself, give yourself give your freedom to others all over the world. Be freedom. Irena Mierzwa   Last month I spoke about power and authority. Before we receive Christ we are in chains. Shankled to an eternity of incompleteness. Through him will we only be free. Peace and love unto you all,   Chantal