At the request of many families, and since a total solar eclipse is visible in Portugal today, here’s a special post!
This song questions whether God exists on Earth, and according to the lyrics, that possibility points to any one of us! And I ask you: do you think you could be that person—God?
I ask you: do you think that your actions—which make up the sum total of your life—lead to a mathematical result that is sacred? Yes, because the great Mathematician of the Universe is God! Do you think your life is lived in accordance with what God has shown us? If your answer is no—that is, if your actions aren’t carried out with the good of others and the common good in mind—then here’s another question, which is also the question Joan Osborne asks: if you were standing before an ordinary person and that person were God, what would you ask Him/Her? And remember, you can only ask one question!
Think about it for a moment: God is so wonderful and good, according to Joan, that He is capable of transforming Himself into a woman in distress or an old man in need of help, just to test our character. But assuming God were one of us, what would He be like? How do you imagine Him? As a man or a woman? What a controversial question! For me, God isn’t quite that wonderful and good, in the sense that we call Him Father—because in my life I haven’t felt that yet; I’ve only felt that He was more of a stepfather or even a tormentor! I’m not saying this lightly; I’m actually choosing my words very carefully. In the lessons He teaches me, I feel Him more like a teacher from the time of our dictatorship. You learn through violence; it’s the body that pays the price! That’s why I consider myself in God’s debt—let’s just say we have some accounts to settle!
Na minha opinião, não se nasce Deus, é preciso fazer um caminho, um caminho duro, que nos pode conduzir muitas vezes ao limite das nossas capacidades, à loucura, pois o "acordar" não é para todos, exige uma transformação que só o sofrimento permite, uma robustez de carácter e uma defesa das nossas convicções que vai muito para além das nossas forças. Somos testados e tentados das mais diversas formas, cruéis até, suportamos humilhações que mais ninguém suportaria. E para haver esse "acordar" a nossa vida, o que nos acontece, é sempre de uma forma muito mais intensa que no comum dos mortais, para que dessa forma - muitas vezes injusta e cruel - possamos aprender a ler o mundo, a compreender porque se morre e como se morre, porque se tem certas doenças e não outras. É isso, aprende-se a LER a vida. Eu diria que é um tesouro que nos coloca nas mãos, mas ao mesmo tempo uma maldição que nos leva ao isolamento e solidão! E, são anos e anos disto, não são 40 dias! Quanto à sua fisionomia, na minha opinião, acho que ele tem um traço fisinómico distinto, mas não vou dizer qual, estudassem! De resto seria uma pessoa normal que não se destacaria das demais pessoas. Seria talvez a menos provável!
In my opinion, one is not born a god; one must forge a path—a difficult path—that can often push us to the limits of our abilities, even to the brink of madness, for “awakening” is not for everyone. It demands a transformation that only suffering can bring about, a strength of character, and a defense of our convictions that goes far beyond our own strength. We are tested and tempted in the most diverse ways, even cruel ones; we endure humiliations that no one else could bear. And for this “awakening” to occur, our lives—what happens to us—are always far more intense than those of ordinary mortals, so that through this—often unjust and cruel—process we may learn to read the world, to understand why people die and how they die, why they suffer from certain illnesses and not others. That’s it—you learn to READ life. I’d say it’s a treasure placed in our hands, but at the same time a curse that leads us to isolation and loneliness! And it’s years and years of this—not just 40 days! As for his appearance, in my opinion, I think he has a distinctive physical feature, but I won’t say which one—you’ll have to study! Otherwise, he would be a normal person who wouldn’t stand out from the crowd. He would perhaps be the least likely!
One thing is certain: I am not God, and even if I had that opportunity, I would never accept it! Why? The world is so ungovernable—filled with so much evil, hatred, and barbarism—that I would never wish such a thing upon myself! Perhaps that is why so many cruel wars and extreme weather events are happening—perhaps God is calling us to our senses, urging us to stop and think about what kind of world we want to leave for future generations! A just and compassionate world, or a world of an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth! As long as selfishness persists, we will be battered by more storms! And I'm not just talking about the weather!
Eu vou ser o mais sincera possível, eu não acho que Deus seja tão maravilhoso e bom como a Joan canta e como já o disse. Eu estou em "guerra" com Ele há muitos anos, porque ele tem uma missão para mim que eu não aceito, portanto tenho sofrido muito, mas lá está, estou a defender as minhas convicções até ao limite das minhas forças e nada me fará mudar de ideias. Talvez esteja a ser tentada, que estou, mas a minha convicção é forte e estou disposta a morrer para a defender. Podem achar que estou louca, mas não, sei muito bem o que Ele quer de mim e eu sei muito bem o que não quero para mim. Estou em guerra com dois mundos, o terreno e o divino, mas ninguém compreende o que digo, pois racionalmente esta conversa não faz sentido, eu sei, também já pensei assim, até Deus me ter provado a sua existência com inúmeras situações impossíveis - ditas milagres - de acontecer. Voltando ao ínicio, Deus tem sido injusto comigo e duro. Muito duro. Não Lhe invejo a sua posição, mas nunca a desejaria, pois governar este mundo é governar uma nogeira que me dá vómitos, não sei como Ele aguenta! Talvez se queira reformar!
I’m going to be as honest as possible: I don’t think God is as wonderful and good as Joan sings about and as I’ve said before. I’ve been at “war” with Him for many years, because He has a mission for me that I don’t accept, so I’ve suffered a lot, but there you have it—I’m defending my convictions to the very limits of my strength, and nothing will make me change my mind. Maybe I’m being tempted—and I am—but my conviction is strong, and I’m willing to die to defend it. You might think I’m crazy, but no, I know very well what He wants from me, and I know very well what I don’t want for myself. I am at war with two worlds, the earthly and the divine, but no one understands what I say, for rationally this conversation makes no sense; I know, I used to think that way too, until God proved His existence to me through countless situations that were impossible—so-called miracles—to happen. Going back to the beginning, God has been unfair to me and harsh. Very harsh. I don’t envy His position, but I would never want it, because ruling this world is like ruling a world that makes me want to vomit—I don’t know how He puts up with it! Maybe He wants to retire!
I’m not expecting any phone calls either, much less one from the Pope—I wouldn’t even answer his call. I have my reasons, and they’re very strong! I will never forget, much less forgive, what they did to me. No promise can erase what I’ve lived through and suffered. None. And besides, I have God’s promises—so why would I care about earthly promises! It would even make me laugh if it weren’t so tragic! But if I could ask God that question, I’d ask Him this:
- Who am I, after all?
And, feeling calm, I continue my journey by bus or on foot until I finally arrive home...
Tradução: DeepL.com (free version)
To start this post, I have to tell you that my not-so-holy little hometown lost some of its population about 15 years ago. The young people left for the cities in search of better and more job opportunities. They also left because anyone from a village suffers from the stigma of being a villager—or of being from the sticks! As if that were derogatory! But anyway!
So, with no new homes being built, young people leaving, and a high mortality rate among the elderly, the houses were left to their own devices. Until, about three years ago, the situation turned around! Many young couples—and some not-so-young ones—began looking for homes here in my little corner of the world as if they’d discovered a diamond mine—well, not a mine, but perhaps a Midas touch!
That’s when a rush to buy and renovate homes began, while others were rented out. The population has grown; there’s more activity on the streets, more children in school, and local businesses have also benefited from this population increase! It seems they’ve found the Promised Land—well, not quite, but almost—I don’t know where these people are from, but I must tell you that they’re strange and have strange habits! The habits of spies, I’d say without a doubt!
As I was saying, they act like spies—they know everything about their neighbors, while we know nothing about them. I mean, I don’t know anything—I’m just speaking for myself! What’s certain is that this not-so-holy little town of mine, compared to Casablanca during the war, is a huge breeding ground for Asian wasps—ready to sting me with their venom!!!!
One question must be asked: Why has Santana—one of the poorest parishes in the municipality and also one of the farthest from the city—suddenly become a magnet for outsiders, who, unlike those who live here, easily find jobs? So many questions and so few answers—or perhaps I simply don’t want to provide them—but I know very well why my not-so-holy little town has become a star of the real estate market!
As the soundtrack for this post, I chose the band Placebo and their song “Surrounded by Spies,” whose lyrics seem to have been written by someone troubled by the persecution they’re facing. How original! I’d even say that I’m the one surrounded by spies—I don’t tell any lies, I’m just not mentally disturbed. I know full well what truth I’m defending: the impunity that runs rampant in the streets of this not-so-holy little town and the lies they want to impose. Let’s just say the church has been making major investments in Santana!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSOvtmhXuaM&list=RDGMEM6ijAnFTG9nX1G-kbWBUCJA&start_radio=1&rv=oK0Ga2DV54s
Há um crime sem castigo e uma criminosa impune!
Tradução: DeepL.com (free version)
.jpg)
But this day is also important to me, because today would have been my dear grandmother Isaura’s birthday; she passed away at the same age I am now, which is why I didn’t want to celebrate my birthday. I felt that this year wouldn’t be a good one, and even though we’re already halfway through it, my fears have been confirmed. It really hasn’t been a good year. There have been many difficulties faced and many battles fought—many won, to be sure. But considering that my army has only one soldier—me—while the enemy cowardly has multiple resources and presents itself in a thousand and one ways and forms! I do not consider myself defeated; on the contrary, with this disparity in resources, the enemy must feel ashamed!
Neste carrocel da vida, damos voltas e mais voltas, pensamos que estamos a evoluir e afinal nunca saímos do mesmo lugar. Aparecem-nos uns bonecos engraçados - aparentemente - mas é só para nos baralhar os sentidos! Acreditem! A música escolhida para banda sonora deste post "My Ugly Boy" da banda Skunk Anansie, assenta aqui que nem uma luva. Quem vê caras não vê corações e, eu tenho visto uns corações muito feios. É uma música com bom ritmo mas com uma letra horrífica, mas dedico-a a um "menino", neste Dia Mundial da Criança, mimado, cuja vida sempre foi fácil e não tem a noção das dificuldades da maioria das pessoas!
On this merry-go-round of life, we go round and round, thinking we’re moving forward, but in the end we never leave the same spot. Some funny little figures pop up—or so it seems—but it’s just to confuse our senses! Believe me! The song chosen as the soundtrack for this post, “My Ugly Boy” by Skunk Anansie, fits here like a glove. You can’t judge a book by its cover, and I’ve seen some very ugly hearts. It’s a song with a good beat but horrendous lyrics, but I dedicate it to a spoiled “boy” on this World Children’s Day, whose life has always been easy and who has no idea of the hardships most people face!
Quero dizer a este "menino" que o trabalho que desenvolve na internet interessa a quem? Às pessoas da minha localidade e de outras (às da minha interessarão certamente) que interesse tem? NENHUM! Quem vê esse trabalho? As elites onde se move? Claro, são sempre os mesmos, por isso eu fui "apagada". Nem sei como o classificar sem ter uma revolta nas entranhas! Passar o dia a fazer bonecos e a a maltratar mulheres indefesas, é assim que se satisfaz? Que desilusão, mas a bem dizer a minha intuição sempre me disse isso! Arrogante, vaidoso, fraco, falso e perigoso! Não quero nada de si, a não ser distância e a resposta a uma pergunta:
PORQUÊ?
I want to ask this “boy”: who cares about the work he does online? What interest does it hold for people in my town and elsewhere (it certainly interests those in mine)? NONE! Who sees this work? The elites he moves in with? Of course, it’s always the same people—that’s why I was “erased.” I don’t even know how to describe it without feeling a surge of rage in my gut! Spending the day making puppets and mistreating defenseless women—is that how you find satisfaction? What a disappointment, but to be honest, my intuition always told me that! Arrogant, vain, weak, fake, and dangerous! I want nothing from you, except distance and the answer to one question:
WHY?
🎈🎈🎈 FELIZ DIA MUNDIAL DA CRIANÇA!🎈🎈🎈
🎈🎈🎈 HAPPY WORLD CHILDREN'S DAY!🎈🎈🎈
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ6WFUNwRUs&list=RDCQ6WFUNwRUs&start_radio=1
Tradução: DeepL.com (free version)
Agradecimento/Thanks to: Carrocel do Mickey
"O bater de asas de uma borboleta pode provocar um furacão do outro lado do mundo"
“The flutter of a butterfly's wings can trigger a hurricane on the other side of the world”
Let’s take a closer look at the name of the shopping center, “Soul Shopping,” and consider how we might interpret the combination of these two words. On the one hand, the word “Soul” evokes something sacred. For Catholics, every human being is endowed with a soul and is destined for eternal bliss. In Spiritism (I find this interpretation more accurate), the soul is the incarnated spirit; the soul survives the body and, in each life, continues to improve until it reaches perfection. From this point on, the soul will no longer incarnate, thus gaining eternal life.
As for the interpretation of modern science, some scientists have been trying to find evidence of the existence and nature of the human soul, but there is still no scientific proof of its existence. Neuroscience and recent discoveries in quantum physics regarding the properties of matter have opened up new avenues for study and the formulation of hypotheses that, until very recently, were mere science fiction theories. Let us say that the study of the human soul focuses on the study of the mind.
As for the other word: “Shopping”—we might ask ourselves how a word that evokes the sacred (Soul) can be paired with another that has such a mundane meaning: a place where people shop, consume, and indulge in trivialities—a place where the human soul is subjected to so many temptations, in short, a place of spiritual ruin! Is this meant to be provocative?
I agree with the consumerist view, not with the view that it leads to the ruin of souls! If we think about it, consumption can be a form of solidarity. How? When we consume, we’re contributing to the economy; we’re paying wages and generating profits for companies; we’re increasing domestic consumption and contributing to the country’s growth. If there are people—or souls—who idolize money and barely eat just to save it and build a mountain of cash in the bank, those people are a disaster for the economy.
I know people are always talking about responsible and mindful consumption, but unfortunately, even responsible consumption isn’t enough to save the planet and restore its balance. You know the environmentalists’ slogan: “There is no Planet B.” So how do we strike this balance? Family incomes and livelihoods versus the environment and ecological balance!
Conclusion: If we want a healthy planet Earth, this must be achieved by reducing the population and consumption. I ask: who wants to go back to the Stone Age? Any volunteers? Don’t give me that nonsense! Because no one is willing to give up their comfort!
Nesta luta pelo planeta qualquer consumo de texteis em Portugal pode provocar um furacão nos Estados Unidos! - Efeito borboleta! Preparem-se para mudar tudo o que vocês são e foram, o planeta B está à distância de um furacão! Como banda sonora deste post escolhi, mais uma vez, uma canção dos Muse: "Butterflies and Hurricanes"!
In this fight for the planet, any purchase of textiles in Portugal could trigger a hurricane in the United States! – The butterfly effect! Get ready to change everything you are and have been—Planet B is just a hurricane away! As the soundtrack for this post, I’ve chosen, once again, a song by Muse: “Butterflies and Hurricanes”!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG1sMfOOvUk&list=RDnG1sMfOOvUk&start_radio=1
Tradução: DeepL.com (free version)