Christmas and Hanukkah remind us to cherish life, family, and our faith. There is much to reflect on this December as we near the New Year. What are you most grateful for? For me it is my family, my health, my friends, and God. Material things are far from my list of wishes. I am blessed to have a roof over my head, clean water, food, and access to books and libraries. Most of all, I am incredibly fortunate to have the support of a loving family. I lack nothing. I pray for peace and tolerance. I am incredibly thankful to everyone who allowed me to share my story and realize a dream of mine – becoming a published author. Thank you for your support and readership.
I wish you and your loved ones the blessings of faith, family, and health and much joy knowing you are loved. From our family to yours, stay blessed!
We often say happy holidays. The word “holiday” implies a vacation. In fact, we are not celebrating time off, but holy days for many people. Why do we not simply say happy holy days? Commercialization has replaced the true meaning of the holy days of Christmas and Hanukkah. The gift of a God has been replaced by the gift of goods. Happiness is fleeting. The flesh constantly wants more to be happy. If I buy more or indulge more in pleasure I will be happy. Happiness is therefore contingent upon fueling and refueling fleshly desires. Holiness, however, is not about satisfying the flesh but about satisfying our spirit. The spirit that leads to greater peace and love. We can find no true comfort nor rest without it. May we fuel our spirits through prayer and acts of charity this holy season, remember our friends and family, but also those less fortunate than us. Have faith in the coming year and say thanks for all the countless blessings and miracles you and I have enjoyed this year.
“In this book the reader is offered the unique opportunity to explore not only the mind but also the heart of a Japanese-American diplomat who “dares” to be proud of his dual heritage. In an age where “diversity” is touted as an important value to uphold, reality does not always live up to the struggles and aspirations of men and women whose very DNA is multicultural and multilingual. Ken Reiman’s passionately told and deeply personal story will inspire all those for whom “duality” is an integral part of who they are, not only as citizens but also as human beings. Society can only benefit from heeding his call to celebrate and utilize such rich human experiences for the good of others—and ultimately, for the creation of a better world—together.”
M. Antoni J. Ucerler, S.J., D.Phil.
Associate Professor of East Asian Studies &
Director, Ricci Institute for Chinese-Western Cultural History
University of San Francisco
Someone asked me this question recently: what do kids of diplomats do when stuck? Answer: same thing as what their parents frequently do: they ask for help!
