Reading the condolence messages for Benazir Bhutto led me to search further for information that would fill in the glaring gaps in my knowledge on current day Pakistan. Reading newspapers gives me some (hopefully) factual information but this does not tell me how people live, feel and think in countries where the overall culture is different to mine.
My natural reaction, since starting blogging myself, is to search for blogs that will give me this sort of insight. I started writing this with a heavy heart, having read posts by people trying to go about ordinary daily life in countries torn by civil strife, people with the same daily routines, hopes and aspirations for life that are typical world wide. I was inclined to stop reading and go on to something more pleasant, things that made me feel better. The truth is, that this is what I normally do; after all there is nothing I can do about it is there? I do not normally comment on such blogs, feeling I have nothing worthy to contribute, and move on to something that makes me feel more comfortable. I wonder if I am unusual in this? I wonder if I bury my head in the sand more than others?
Then it occurred to me, I often leave comments purely to offer support, as a thank you for a good post. I give link love by mentioning posts here, to create backlinks for blogs I want to help promote, so that they get more exposure and more readers. I develop friendships with people worldwide. I may not be able to offer words of wisdom, or solutions to problems that those far far wiser than me have tried to solve, but I can do this. As a29th December resolution (I don’t see why they should be restricted to New Year) I am going to take more advantage of the world that blogging has opened up; to learn and understand and try to get to know those of different cultures and lifestyles, their likes and dislikes, their hopes and dreams, their daily routines.
My mood brightened then, realizing that I am not so powerless after all; blogging means we have the privilege of being able to reach out to people world wide. I do not have to read all sad stories, those that cast a heavy shadow over me. Delving further into the blogs I looked at showed me that they were far from sad, even though my initial search had landed me on stories of that nature. This has taught me that I should not read a blog ‘by its cover’ but delve deeper to find the richness within.
Now I am going off to find some more really wonderful and inspiring reading. I will keep you informed of what I found but would appreciate your input here too, to point me in the right direction.
Wonderful post there Sueblimey.
I actually have a cyber friend that I have been reading her blog for a while. sharing joys and tribulations.
Just recently I discovered that she lives in Israel. Her husband is in the army. Like all men in Israel.
Made me stop and think. She is ‘normal’ her life is ‘normal’ but so far from the kind of normal that I know.
Kelley’s last blog post..HOT DA-YMN!!!
As much as I hate to say this, Benatar Bhutto’s demise was simply a matter of time. It’s not a way to run a state or even a country yet like the many assassinations in history as we know them, these things happen. Even now and how incredibly knowledgeable the government agencies are today, no one knows who shot JFK. No one will ever know the truth.
Factually speaking, there isn’t anyone who can predict what tomorrow will bring yet being astutely aware of the moments progress with one eye on history, one can foretell events before they happen. It’s just a matter of when, where, and how.
saboma’s last blog post..Happy New Year
History certainly does repeat, Saboma, and Benazir herself was well aware this could happen. Unfortunately, the extra turmoil the country will be plunged into is also to be expected.
Sue, I always believed that blogging gives power and always believed that united the bloggers can change the world. So you are right: everything we do matters. Even the smallest drop of water is a part of the river.
Mig’s last blog post..Tips for Better Blogging – The Sueblimely Meme
I totally agree Mig and having this gift at our disposal, I believe we should use it to do good.
Wonderful post..
I’ve always thought that by blogging, we can get connected, and united gave us power to change the world. By blogging we can open up our eyes and see what really happened in other countries. Yes you’re right. Blogging can change everything..!! As long we maintained united, the strength will grows strongly..!!
Jeremy’s last blog post..Gain Traffics By Exposing Yourself Like Santa
First of all thanks for visiting my blog at Pedestrian Observer.
This is a very insightful and honest entry yes I agree we need to open our eyes and hopefully we can see the same relity. As the saying goes philosophers interpret the world but the point is to change it.
Different cultures same aspirations…. to have a peaceful and secure existence in this maddening world of ours.
Touche Sue, social understanding is aided with the voice of the citizen journalist – aka the serious blogger.
I have learnt a lot about different religions and cultures since visiting other bloggers. I love it more than watching the news or reading books.
Happy New Year to you Sue. Mxx
Megan from IMaginif’s last blog post..Before and after end of / new year clean up fun
I do so agree with everything you say. Sometimes I feel diffident about commenting, especially on a well-established blog such as your own, but when I look at my stats and see just how few people comment compared with visitors, I realise I should.
Making contacts across the world, near and far, is one of the wonderful benefits of blogging. Opening eyes, opening minds. I love it!
A.’s last blog post..In the Bleak Midwinter
Your blog is over a year old now – that makes you an experienced blogger too. It is wonderful talking to people from far and wide isn’t it and the contacts we make go in an ever increasing circle.
Sueblimely’s last blog post..Warning: blockdelete.com
I too would have to agree with what you are saying. I was only talking to a g/f about what a wonderful new big world blogging has opened up.
Bettina’s last blog post..Thankyou God??
If only I could persuade a few people I know of the fact, Bettina. There are some that would really benefit.
Is it harder for atheists to write messages in condolence cards? We don’t get to fall back on…?
“I’ll be praying for you,” or anything like that. I mean, we can always fall back on “Get well soon,” but what do you write when someone has lost a loved one so that you convey that you are truly sorry for their loss? “I’ll be praying for you and your family” always sounds much more personal than “I’m sorry for your loss….”thanks!!!
Condolence words and sayings. The complete resource for condolence sayings, words of condolence messages, and sample condolence words.
As an added point, BBC’s method of deleting your history on the Message boards is really convoluted. First make your way OUT of where you are, traipse around trying to find where you are meant to be, and then, sign in, find your conversations, and then click on the asterisk. It took me years of being on the boards before I knew it was even available.