Doug, a seasoned performer and five-time London Music Hall of Fame inductee, is no stranger to the spotlight. I also knew that, as a certified yoga instructor, he’d bring something naturally inspiring to share – especially for those who would feel uncomfortable doing so. He didn’t disappoint.

Doug began with a powerful statement: “Rob taught me how to play guitar.”

Doug’s ‘Flying V’ Guitar – photo by Deborah Alice Zuskan

Coming from a true artist like Doug, that says as much about the teacher as it does the student. While you can make a guitar “talk,” the soul isn’t so easily bent. Real teaching requires a more strategic way of being between giver and receiver.

Plus, Rob was a great role model: showing up at band practices within a day of attending another cancer treatment. Why? To him it meant more than commitment; it meant obligation especially for those musicians he called “brothers.”

“Our work and our lives become more meaningful when they are in harmony with who we are.”
~ Denise Pelley, HOF Inductee

Rob’s son Sean, also a musician, offered a moving example. While playing ‘Let It Be’ by the Beatles – and searching his soul for peace – he began to feel the comforting presence of his parents:

“And when the night is cloudy,
There is still a light that shines on me,
Shine until tomorrow, let it be.”
~ The Beatles

Watch “Let It Be” by The Beatles

Rob’s daughter Carrie shared her thankfulness with how he nurtured his relationships with his six grandchildren. He would never have pushed them, but always supported their interests… leaving behind cherished memories for each of them, and for Jackie, his devoted wife.

Doug recalled how Rob took him under his wing and treated him like family — teaching him guitar every day when riding the bus. He ended his tribute with these heartfelt words:

“He was a warm light in the world, and his kind heart and deep spirit will be fondly remembered.”

Doug continues to carry that light forward. His latest project, Beatles in Blue, re-imagines Beatles classics with the blues . It was a bold move… one that may have risked fan loyalty. But, staying the same just wasn’t an option. After all, the Beatles were masters of change.

We also spoke about the evolving landscape for independent musicians. Since the pandemic, even now days, venues have closed, audiences have stayed home, even as live music very nearly died.

Today, artists rely heavily on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple. But the returns are minimal. According to Public Television (Detroit), it takes approximately 800,000 streams to earn just $15,000 per year.

So where’s the good news?

Listen to “Drive My Car – Beatles in Blue” by Doug Varty

The 2024 Polaris Music Prize winner for Canadian album of the year (Think the Grammys.) and second-time recipient, Jeremy Dutcher, offered a hopeful path forward:
collaborate, support each other, and get creative. Have more of a ‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) attitude.
Plus buy some merch. Show up to gigs. Be human. Care.

Doug and his band did just that with Beatles in Blue, offering audiences something fresh — rooted in love for the music and a willingness to grow with it as a ‘singer, performer, or music man.’

That’s the way I figure it.
Fred Parry                                                      

Photo Credit

Doug’s ‘Flying V’ Guitar – photo by Deborah Alice Zuskan

First published at fredparry.ca

Guest Author Bio
Fred Parry

Fred Parry lives in Southern Ontario. He is a lover of people and a collector of stories, music, wisdom, and grandchildren. His raison d’etre? “I’m one of those people who believe that if my work serves the common good, it will last; if not, it will die with me. I still believe that’s true.” Fred spent ten years as a columnist for Metroland Media Group – a division of the publishing conglomerate Torstar Corporation.

His book, ‘The Music In Me’ (2013) Friesen Press is also available via Indigo / Chapters.

Blog / Website: www.fredparry.ca

Walking downtown, I didn’t have any lose change for those living on the streets. Normally I have something – not out of guilt or obligation, but because they’re there at all. For my part this is done without any preconceived intention. I just go by and let my intuition guide me. Only this day, I was judging myself. You see, I only had 50 cents in my pocket and was too embarrassed to give such a small amount. So, my cold response to his cheery, “Good Morning!” was to frown at him and walked on… seeing as I did, the genuine hurt in his eyes. Why was I so embarrassed?

I tried to justify my negative reaction by acting like others have told me: not looking directly into anyone’s eyes less you get caught up in some form of conversation… ending with a request for money.

What’s the cost of indecision – the cost of apathy?
By helping the poor, do we enable them to abuse the system? Are we being foolish?
By not giving, are we being cruel? What’s the real answer?

We may not know all the answers but, knowing what questions to ask is a start.

The criminal element (within the street community) take advantage of these mentally vulnerable and/or addicted victims. But unless the disadvantaged have a safe, secure shelter – that they can call their own – they’re afraid of losing what little they have… that it will be stolen if they leave their particular patch of sidewalk. Similarly, a poet once observed that he wasn’t saddened by how little the man had, but how much he had to carry. Are we carrying too much? I know I am.

That’s why permanent housing is so key to any kind of rehabilitation. With the generous donation of $25M, an anonymous family has provided city hall with the funds to address this problem: betting that our community – the public, the police, the politician – will give it a chance.

On the way back home, I swallowed my pride when I encountered that same street person. I handed him my 25cent coins saying that I hoped it would be of some help toward a coffee maybe. The man looked up from where he was sitting and with deep appreciation said, “It sure will!”

When the mayor was asked about the homeless situation he said, “Delay is measured by deaths, not by days.” Yes, now is the time and place for change.

That’s the way I figure it. Fred Parry

“The rules have changed today (Hey)
I have no place to stay (Hey)
Oh my Lord, I have to roam (Hey)
I have no home (Hey)
I have no home (Hey)”
~ Time Has Come Today – by The Chamber Brothers
Watch on YouTube

Photo Credit

Photo is from pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Fred Parry

Fred Parry lives in Southern Ontario. He is a lover of people and a collector of stories, music, wisdom, and grandchildren. His raison d’etre? “I’m one of those people who believe that if my work serves the common good, it will last; if not, it will die with me. I still believe that’s true.” Fred spent ten years as a columnist for Metroland Media Group – a division of the publishing conglomerate Torstar Corporation.

His book, ‘The Music In Me’ (2013) Friesen Press is also available via Indigo / Chapters.

Blog / Website: www.fredparry.ca

It didn’t take long for the sad news – the passing of Gordon Lightfoot – to flood the airwaves. And, as the tide of awareness flowed in, I learned so much about him that I never knew.

Gordon Lightfoot performing at Interlochen, Michigan, in 2009

In the 70’s, during the heights of his success, he was a genuine force in the Canadian music scene… and beyond! But, my ‘60’s teenage friends were still basking in the afterglow of the ‘British Invasion.’

Gordon was best known for Folk / Rock (think ‘Pussywillows, Cat-Tails’); but politically, things were still hot with the release of his song ‘Black Day in July’ – which was critical of how the police and the army used strong-arm tactics to put down the Detroit race riots of July 1967: hundreds being killed or injured, and thousands of buildings burned.

The song, which was released less than a year afterwards, was banned from airplay by most major American radio stations, as it was deemed too controversial for public consumption.

“And they wonder how it happened and they really know the reason
And it wasn’t just the temperature and it wasn’t just the season”
~ Black Day in July by Gordon Lightfoot
Watch on YouTube

So, this was a side of Lightfoot I’d not seen before. It was a courageous move by this young artist: risking his career. Yet, that song showed me the persuasive power of Gordon Lightfoot.

We also saw that same spirit and influence for civil disobedience with John and Yoko’s public antiwar bed-ins – with its memorable refrain, “All we are saying is give peace a chance.”

“Why can’t we all be brothers, why can’t we live in peace?
But the hands of the have-nots keep falling out of reach”
~ Black Day in July by Gordon Lightfoot

So, essentially, where does the love of God go? The answer is different for everyone. But, does it not go back to its source? All we can do is encourage others to find their own solution – discovering what’s truly written in their own hearts – an unbroken circle of love.

Like him, I’m also from rural roots – probably explaining my familiarity with inter-personal values in everyday life.

“Rainy day people always seem to know when it’s time to call.
Rainy day people don’t talk, They just listen till they’ve heard it all”
~ Rainy Day People by Gordon Lightfoot
Watch on YouTube

He was still a working musician and composer to the end. He never considered a farewell tour… happy enough to still write booked gigs in his calendar. And, as every professional knows, the show must go on. Thanks for them all, Gordon!

That’s the way I figure it. – FP

Photo Credit

Photo is Wikimedia Creative Commons

First published at fredparry.ca

Guest Author Bio
Fred Parry

Fred Parry lives in Southern Ontario. He is a lover of people and a collector of stories, music, wisdom, and grandchildren. His raison d’etre? “I’m one of those people who believe that if my work serves the common good, it will last; if not, it will die with me. I still believe that’s true.” Fred spent ten years as a columnist for Metroland Media Group – a division of the publishing conglomerate Torstar Corporation.

His book, ‘The Music In Me’ (2013) Friesen Press is also available via Indigo / Chapters.

Blog / Website: www.fredparry.ca

Life’s a choice between love and fear… no matter what road we travel. The children’s fable – The Three Little Pigs – demonstrates an old story, in a brave new world.

Once upon a time, there were three business investors: Mr. A, Mr. B and Mr. C.

Mr. A was part of exploiting the world’s resources for his mining bosses – giving almost nothing back to nature, or the world’s peoples who owned them.

It wasn’t that he didn’t care. It was considered justified because of the relentless need for dwindling resources.

And, it wasn’t that Mr. A lacked depth of understanding, within himself. But, over time, the birds of deceitfulness caused by sublime riches came calling… snatching away any seeds of goodness he might have sown.

Does working for a piggish operation, make you piggish, as well?

Mr. B
Farmers are motivated to run their farms in the most efficient and sustainable way possible – to succeed as a business, and because it’s the right thing to do.

In fact, being a 4-H Agri member is to pledge their head, heart, hands and health to positively impact their club, community, country, and the world.

Growing up in a rural area, Mr. B understood. However, he was one of those who refused to give new ways a try – even if it was a win/win for everybody. Yet, although his God-given seeds of life were planted in good ground, they were soon choked out by his weeds of worry and doubt. Sad. He could have helped so many more.

So, taking more than he gave, means both Mr. A and Mr. B had a lot in common: living a sticks and stones existence that was unnecessarily vulnerable.

Mr. C, however, practiced responsible economic and personal growth. He could have acted “piggish”; but, following his mother’s advice, he chose not to.

For example, with his construction business, he built energy efficient homes at fair prices that would last. Words like ‘strategic planner’, ‘philanthropic’, ‘hard worker’ and ‘trustworthiness’, were used to describe him. And, as word got out, his business grew abundantly

“He must have been a gardener that cared a lot
Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop”
Empty Garden (Hey, Hey Johnny) by Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Watch on YouTube

But in time – like all economic cycles – inflation made its presence known.

But, Mr. C’s housing development did not completely collapse as did the businesses of Mr. A and Mr. B. because of his reputation for quality and reasonable prices, people invested whatever money they had into Mr. C’s properties.

But wait… there’s more!

Mr. C, being a smart business person, also helped keep the economic recession at bay for other businesses, too. They all worked together during these tough times and profited – making wolf soup out of their losses – proving that by helping others you help yourself… just like his mother told him.

It was said of him that, not only did he understand the importance of good soil, but he had his seeds of gratitude growing within his heart, which he shared with others. The real deal!

“And we are so amazed, we’re crippled and we’re dazed
A gardener like that one no one can replace”

And, naturally, they lived happy ever after.

That’s the way I figure it. – FP

Photo Credit

Image by Christel from Pixabay

First published at fredparry.ca

Guest Author Bio
Fred Parry

Fred Parry lives in Southern Ontario. He is a lover of people and a collector of stories, music, wisdom, and grandchildren. His raison d’etre? “I’m one of those people who believe that if my work serves the common good, it will last; if not, it will die with me. I still believe that’s true.” Fred spent ten years as a columnist for Metroland Media Group – a division of the publishing conglomerate Torstar Corporation.

His book, ‘The Music In Me’ (2013) Friesen Press is also available via Indigo / Chapters.

Blog / Website: www.fredparry.ca

They hated each other about as much as they loved me. Unfortunately, they neither had the insight or knowledge of what a toll this costs children… far into their adulthood. Yes, being the centre of attention, got me a few more gifts and trinkets than those of my little friends, but as adults my narcissistic parents should have known you can’t buy people’s love.

In a nut shell, my mom’s parenting style included a short fuse, on its way to full-blown anger, in a matter of seconds – lord help you if she found something to throw – she dished out justice instantaneously!

My dad on the other hand was quiet, but his eyes had that menacing look to them: like a guy who could lose control at any moment. His form of justice was all physiological: making you fear that his sword of judgement could fall on you at any moment. I’m thinking they could have made a perfect ‘tag team’ combo in wrestling: when one of them was through with me, the other would start up. Yikes!

So, I think these diaries, were my dad’s attempt to explain why he hurt so much.

But, the fact that these diaries were lost for decades and re-surfaced reminds me of a variation of the old saying, “Anyone can count the seeds in one apple, but only God can count the apples in one seed.” We do not know where these little seeds of truths (good or bad) end up and flourish, but the odds are staggering when they do.

My parents have both passed on, like most of the folks from back then; so now; it’s a bit like looking through a key hole into a time long past: seeing just enough to understand the ‘old man’ a little more. And, although, most of the writings concerned mundane things: the noting of meal times, etc., they nonetheless – after panning through the pages – it revealed some nuggets of gold, much too late.

In one entry, I could almost hear his voice as I read, “I wouldn’t know what to do without Freddie. He’s the best son any one could want.” As a kid, and maybe this was a generational thing, it would have been comforting to know that you were actually loved and counted for something. But actions taken didn’t match the words. I guess he was hurting, too. Yet, at thirteen, I was scared going to bed alone… in an empty house with only my pet dog for company. I never knew where my dad was, or when he’d be back. (My mom was living elsewhere.)

“I look at the world, and I notice it’s turning, While my guitar gently weeps.
With every mistake, we must surely be learning, Still my guitar gently weeps.”
~ While my Guitar Gently Weeps, by George Harrison

Eventually, divorce proceedings became official… ending up with my Dad getting 90% the of the value of the house. I was used as a pawn to get to my mother, puppet-like, saying the words my dad told me to say: “How can you sell the roof from over our heads.” My dad’s calculated move, coming from me, knew how deeply it would hurt her. Enough so, that she stopped all legal proceedings regarding a 50/50 split of the value of the house.

Plus, with her diminished share, years later, she bought me a new car as a graduation gift. Ironically, decades later, my Dad gifted the family home to me in his will.
And, isn’t this the tragedy? – both parents, despite flawed natures, still trying to do the right thing. The silver lining? Having lived in the middle of this double tragedy all my life, I vowed to never put my family through anything like this. And, after my wife and I raised our three kids, they definitely know that their parents weren’t perfect… but, they also know they were (and still are) dearly loved.

As for forgiveness? – looking through the eyes of God, let those who are blameless cast the first stone. But, as a recipient of all this love, I’m the luckiest man in the world!

That’s the way I figure it.

Photo Credit

Photo is from Max Pixel
First published at fredparry.ca

Guest Author Bio
Fred Parry

Fred Parry lives in Southern Ontario. He is a lover of people and a collector of stories, music, wisdom, and grandchildren. His raison d’etre? “I’m one of those people who believe that if my work serves the common good, it will last; if not, it will die with me. I still believe that’s true.” Fred spent ten years as a columnist for Metroland Media Group – a division of the publishing conglomerate Torstar Corporation.

His book, ‘The Music In Me’ (2013) Friesen Press is also available via Indigo / Chapters.

Blog / Website: www.fredparry.ca

Explaining its rational for choosing Dylan for this honour, spokesperson Sara Danius stated it was, “… for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.”

Bob Dylan himself said, “It’s not easy to define poetry.”

He’s also been influential to other poets like Leonard Cohn – to whom Dylan said was the best, next to him – for using music to more effectively communicate their works. As John Lennon explained about song writing, “It’s like sending a postcard… not much space to say a lot.”

My first introduction to Dylan was in an English Literature class. It seems strange now, but up to then I mainly listened to the music. Perhaps the lyrics didn’t have much to say, but he opened different perspectives for me to consider. And, as the Beatles evolved, I was ready for new possibilities.

“You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows”
~ Subterranean Homesick Blues by Bob Dylan
Watch on Youtube

Journalist, Bill Wyman, in support of Dylan, said, “His lyricism is exquisite; his concerns and subjects are demonstrably timeless; and few poets of any era have seen their work bear more influence.

Salman Rushdie tweeted “From Fran Orpheus to Faiz, songs and poetry have been closely linked. Dylan is the brilliant inheritor of the bardic tradition. Great choice.”

As The New York Times succinctly put it, “He finally got the prize because he re-arranged the way we all think.”

One thing for certain… Dylan will continue to acknowledge whatever recognition – musical, humanitarian, artist or writer awards – with equal skepticism.

And, who can blame him when the public is so fickle: supporting him today… condemning him tomorrow? For example: showing up at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, with an electric Fender Stratocaster guitar – causing a wave of negative reaction.

Unfortunately, the ‘Folk’ community felt betrayed because Dylan seemed to be going against the very values – like traditional authenticity – their protest music represented. Looking back, it’s a shame that guitars, not peace, became a focal point… like holding a “gun” to each other’s head.

Yet Dylan said, in a Martin Scorsese produced documentary, it was electric because he simply needed more volume to be heard. “Country music was going electric too… I felt it didn’t have anything to do with me.”

Yet, the inflexibility within people’s hearts and minds seems so sadly similar to today. Like so many artists before him, he’s paid a deep price for his art.

So, thank you Mr. Z! You’ve gotten us feeling critically creative, again: embracing change. Great music, like great poetry, lasts. His words are as true today as they were yesterday.

“Come gather ’round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown”

~ The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan
Watch on Youtube

And as Maya Angelou observed, “…people will forget what you said… what you did… but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

That’s the way I figure it. FP

Photo Credits

Bob Dylan Street Art –  from Pixabay

Bob Dylan and Joan Baez – from Pixabay

First published at fredparry.ca

Guest Author Bio
Fred Parry

Fred Parry lives in Southern Ontario. He is a lover of people and a collector of stories, music, wisdom, and grandchildren. His raison d’etre? “I’m one of those people who believe that if my work serves the common good, it will last; if not, it will die with me. I still believe that’s true.” Fred spent ten years as a columnist for Metroland Media Group – a division of the publishing conglomerate Torstar Corporation.

His book, ‘The Music In Me’ (2013) Friesen Press is also available via Indigo / Chapters.

Blog / Website: www.fredparry.ca

Growing up, I remember being surrounded by strong women, especially my various aunts who made us kids toe the line. They were short on patience with any lack of respect like backtalk. Maybe they embraced the belief that ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ They certainly dispensed immediate justice to anyone’s kid.

A good example was when I made the cardinal sin of visiting a friend. In those days, you were left to your own devices all day, except for meal times – which were etched into stone.

As I recalled it years later, I never saw it coming… only a blur, really… when at age twelve, I felt the sting of a wet tea towel snapping across my face by my friend’s mad mom. My crime? – interrupting their lunch. It made my skin welt up like it had just been lacerated. The sudden shock of this left me standing stunned – the door shut in my face.

As for any support at home? – nope! However, even if our neighbourhood acted like a ‘global village’ – my mom drew the line at abusive behaviour. Plus, she vehemently defended her family with a fierce temper towards other mothers. But, most families set the example with a ‘spare the rod, spoil the child’ type of discipline: so, best not to complain and risk getting punished twice.

What about women dealing with other strong women?

Take for example the quarrel between Tammy Wynette and Hillary Clinton – over Tammy’s song, ‘Stand By Your Man.’

“Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman,
Giving all your love to just one man…
But if you love him, you’ll forgive him…
‘Cause after all he’s just a man”

During a 1992 “60 Minutes” TV interview, when Hillary Clinton defended her support of husband and future President of the United States, Bill Clinton (despite his alleged affair with Gennifer Flowers) she trashed Wynette by saying: “I’m not sitting here some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette.”

The backlash was swift and unforgiving – including from Tammy Wynette – who reiterated that “Nowhere does it say be a doormat and let this man walk on you.” Unlike most ego-driven men politicians, Mrs. Clinton apologized… fast! Maybe, she could sense a cosmic tea towel zinging her way. Sometimes, your heart just knows what’s true.

I remember women’s forgiveness much more than any punishment. I’ve seen the genuine hurt and deep disappointment in their eyes. And, it may have been a slow – two steps forward, one step back – journey; but, I believe I’m a better person… a better man. So, that’s my story: I’ve been saved by love.

Someone once told me, “Keep ‘tilting windmills’ especially your own!” I can be myself, but I’m… just a man.

That’s the way I figure it. – FP

As a special note: Some say, regarding the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II, that she had an unparalleled sense of duty… others say to a fault. But, during her June 1997 Royal Tour to Canada, her visiting motorcade passed right through our small town. She looked right at us, but struggled to lower the locked limo window… to more personally wave back. To us, this small gesture showed she cared.

A strong woman, she never asked for the thankless job as monarch, but dedicated her life to it… her leadership becoming intertwined with the role, itself. Plus, she was a global force for peace and stability – highlighted by her reassuring voice and message of hope to millions at Christmas – anxiously received by people of faith, or not.

FP

Photo Credit

Photo is courtesy of the author

First published at fredparry.ca

Guest Author Bio
Fred Parry

Fred Parry lives in Southern Ontario. He is a lover of people and a collector of stories, music, wisdom, and grandchildren. His raison d’etre? “I’m one of those people who believe that if my work serves the common good, it will last; if not, it will die with me. I still believe that’s true.” Fred spent ten years as a columnist for Metroland Media Group – a division of the publishing conglomerate Torstar Corporation.

His book, ‘The Music In Me’ (2013) Friesen Press is also available via Indigo / Chapters.

Blog / Website: www.fredparry.ca

Fortunately, we’ve been away visiting family in early summer where the living is easy – grateful for not being stuck in a hotel or airport somewhere.

But now, according to the popular blog, Vlogbrothers, there’s a new reality to despair about: “the Sad Gap.”

This is where “our outrage meets up with our hopefulness.” The brothers maintain that social media content is deliberately unrelenting in its volume – providing oversimplified solutions in a superficial manner. These sites are often run by unscrupulous actors for their own hidden profit or political agenda – leaving us lost to any meaningful dialogue.

That’s because it would take too much work, on our part, to go deeper on every complex subject: for example rising autocracies, homelessness, etc. But, they warn, unless we dig beneath the surface, we’re always going to be on the edge of hope.

The Vlogbrothers say the key out of the Sad Gap’s depressing state is to: prioritize your energies, become well read and informed, and personally engage with others.

“Don’t know much about history
Don’t know much biology
Don’t know much about a science book
Don’t know much about the French I took”
~ Wonderful World by Sam Cooke

From my experience, that includes considering both the macro and micro views for both context and understanding.

Canada: a 2022 macro view:

As a current example, a British poll of 10,000 Canadians found most citizens including young people (18-24) and those over 65 felt that Canada is a better place to live today than 30 years ago. We’re more hopeful, agreeable, empathic, proud and trusting of their own democracy and national identity… less fractured than the U.S. (National Post)

Canada: a 2022 micro view:

Canada has had many medical discoveries and innovations, including: Insulin, open heart surgery, the pacemaker, transplant-able stem cells, and much more.

Now, a grade 12 student, who plans to study Bio-Medical Engineering at Canada’s Western university, has come up with a cardio marker test that can reduce the wait times from one hour to five minutes – giving doctors more diagnostic time to save more lives. The cost? $1.

But, what’s truly remarkable about this young man is his passion for service. He wants to bring about positive change in the world; humbly saying it’s his generation that will come up with future solutions to the world’s problems. For him, it’s about helping others.

“But I do know one and one is two
And if this one could be with you
What a wonderful world this would be”
~ Wonderful World by Sam Cooke

What kind of measured passion do we want to emulate? Maybe we can look to our world leaders – past and present.

In the 1960s, President John F Kennedy encouraged youth to contribute in some way to the public good saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. If it’s not about what you take out, isn’t it about what you put in? More urgent than ever… it’s a question of hope.

That’s the way I figure it. – FP

Photo Credit

Photo is from pixsels

First published at fredparry.ca

Guest Author Bio
Fred Parry

Fred Parry lives in Southern Ontario. He is a lover of people and a collector of stories, music, wisdom, and grandchildren. His raison d’etre? “I’m one of those people who believe that if my work serves the common good, it will last; if not, it will die with me. I still believe that’s true.” Fred spent ten years as a columnist for Metroland Media Group – a division of the publishing conglomerate Torstar Corporation.

His book, ‘The Music In Me’ (2013) Friesen Press is also available via Indigo / Chapters.

Blog / Website: www.fredparry.ca

Despite such a diverse spiritual background, some of his greatest rediscoveries, involved key Christian teachings – describing his efforts to understand, like, “… striking a match in a dark immense cavern, which flares up and then flickers out.”

In reviewing these thoughts in his book ‘Jesus Rediscovered’ (1967), I have taken these rediscovered truths and their application for today’s skeptical twenty-first century.

I met the celebrated man himself, in 1978, when he taught as ‘Distinguished Visitor’ at Canada’s Western University. Upon shaking hands, his face seemed to beam as he offered to shake hands again. I don’t know who was the happiest, but as he explained, it felt so joyous. I agreed!

Worship defeat, not victory; failure, not success.

It seems to me I’ve learned more from my failures than from my successes. The sting of defeat is not soon forgotten.

The idea of “worship” is simply a way of guaranteeing lessons are learned, and failures aren’t lamented.

Otherwise, it’s a slippery slope to success because of its reliance on self-assessment. This leads to the temptation of comparing ourselves to others.

Not even Jesus did that: never saw the need. He saw his role as serving others.

In his book and TV documentary – ‘Something Beautiful for God’ – Mother Teresa’s view of life was to treat everyone with love: by seeing Jesus within them.

Worship surrender, not defiance.

Every day, we have a choice: to fight or forgive each other. We can help others along the way with kindness, gentleness and respect – expecting nothing in return.

Or, we can take a death grip onto our defiance (including pride, arrogance, excessive anger, greed (and much more.) If we don’t surrender to the love within us, doesn’t that make us self-defiant rebels? It’s a decision, not a discussion.

In the1960s, churchgoers were criticized for their satiety… even in a world of acute loss. Today, we’re getting even more remote as we live beyond fullness.

Now, safe in the confines of our home ‘pews’, we take in the daily news of third world refugees escaping their war-torn countries… often with only the clothes on their backs… facing starvation.

Domestically, there are increasing needs and concerns re: food-banks, the environment, adequate housing, and care for the addicted and mentally ill. Thousands have decided to volunteer their time: using the discipline of self-denial.

Worship weakness, not strength.

Mastering, not masking our mistakes or weaknesses, will lead to tomorrow’s successes. Instead of feeling alone with your weaknesses today; you’ll have a joyous soul to share with others, tomorrow.

Turning weaknesses into strength!

Personally, I don’t know all the answers. But, I know if I’m coming from an honest place, I’ll be okay. For me, I’ll always remember that double handshake with Mr. Muggeridge… so pure and wonderfully spontaneous. May that always be my way!

“I’m gonna say hello to my neighbour,
Greet him with a smile.
Shake the hand of a stranger,
Sit and talk for a while.”
~ Today I’m Gonna Try and Change the World by Johnny Reid
Watch on YouTube

That’s the way I figure it. FP

Photo Credit
Photo is from Max Pixel

First published at fredparry.ca

Guest Author Bio
Fred Parry

Fred Parry lives in Southern Ontario. He is a lover of people and a collector of stories, music, wisdom, and grandchildren. His raison d’etre? “I’m one of those people who believe that if my work serves the common good, it will last; if not, it will die with me. I still believe that’s true.” Fred spent ten years as a columnist for Metroland Media Group – a division of the publishing conglomerate Torstar Corporation.

His book, ‘The Music In Me’ (2013) Friesen Press is also available via Indigo / Chapters.

Blog / Website: www.fredparry.ca

Partially hidden among the larger headstones, the deer got to their feet as we walked towards the grave site. But, as we spent time in quiet contemplation, one of them laid back down again. They seemed to understand our sadness and that we meant them no harm. Especially for Linda, the ultimate animal lover, this seemed so appropriate.

Unfortunately, she was not able to fight off this second bout of cancer in recent years. And, after saying that he was hanging on by a thread with her passing, Don died just days afterwards. Linda efficiently handled all the couple’s business affairs. But, everything was password protected on their computer. And, without any handwritten information or phone-book, he couldn’t access anything or call anyone. He felt so lost.

I’m sure there’s a scientific explanation (like dementia) given for his death; but, I believe he could also have died from – what used to be called – a broken heart.

We were unable to attend the brief burial service held earlier that day. Yet, attending by ourselves – along with our two new furry friends – felt perfect for us. During our last phone conversation Linda, not normally one to share her feelings, uncharacteristically told us how much she loved us. It was as though she decided to draw family and friends ever closer to heart.

Thinking back, I wondered if it were possible that God’s nature was channeling Linda’s and Don’s spirit through those two deer. I know, to some, this will sound silly; or, maybe naïve to others. In their own ethereal way, their presence seemed to be saying, “Don’t grieve. We’re at peace now.” To me, all the love in the universe is ours… like a never-ending river of life flowing through us .

However, it occurs to me, we tend to put “Life“ on trial – without giving it a chance.

We demand what we want from life instead of accepting what life has to offer. When we don’t get it, we try to run things on our own. Yet, running against the wind in some self-defeating manner is not a long-term strategy for living.

We know love when it’s given, but we can’t help our paranoia. For some reason we find it hard to acknowledge love’s impossible solutions. So, by expecting the worse we are strangely validated when it comes… like being programmed not to trust others. But, contrary to our efforts it dawns on us: we need each other’s help and kindness.

Life really is the master and it demands a grateful heart. We’re free to dismiss or condemn it, but experience shows how circumstances can change and worsen as we harden our attitudes. Plus, we run the risk of losing the good things we’ve actually gained. The hardest lesson? Seeing in the mirror what we’ve become without love.

As psychologist Wayne Dyer said, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

“No longer riding on the merry-go-round,
I just had to let it go.”
~ Watching the Wheels by John Lennon – Watch on YouTube

That’s the way I figure it. FP

Photo Credit
Photo is from Pixabay

First published at fredparry.ca

Guest Author Bio
Fred Parry

Fred Parry lives in Southern Ontario. He is a lover of people and a collector of stories, music, wisdom, and grandchildren. His raison d’etre? “I’m one of those people who believe that if my work serves the common good, it will last; if not, it will die with me. I still believe that’s true.” Fred spent ten years as a columnist for Metroland Media Group – a division of the publishing conglomerate Torstar Corporation.

His book, ‘The Music In Me’ (2013) Friesen Press is also available via Indigo / Chapters.

Blog / Website: www.fredparry.ca