There are several defining moments in life. When we reflect upon what is most important in our lives – it always comes down to relationships. Sharing two quotes by Persian poet and mystic Rumi (1207-1273) that struck me and a photo of two love birds. I wonder where they will fly off to next.
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
Looking through memory lane, I came across a photo from 2010 with Guyana’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2001–2008) and longtime Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Rudy Insanally.
Ambassador Insanally had an illustrious diplomatic career. He served as President of the 48th Session of the UN General Assembly (1993–1994) and represented Guyana in countries including Venezuela, Colombia, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Austria, and Japan. In 2009, the Government of Japan awarded him the Order of the Rising Sun, Grand Cordon, making him the first Caribbean national to receive this honor. He also served as Guyana’s Ambassador to Japan in 1992.
The photo was taken in his home, where he proudly displayed the award. It was a privilege to meet him and to work with him while serving alongside other former foreign ministers at international engagements.
My time in Guyana afforded me the opportunity to meet and interact with the President and Prime Minister, and to connect with other distinguished members of the Caribbean diplomatic community. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the importance of long-term partnerships and personal relationships in global affairs.
Japan Urban Homeless Project – Share with Others
When we help the homeless we help ourselves, our country, and our community. The strong and fortunate have a responsibility to help the weak and poor. Isn’t that what true power is? When we think about how we can utilize our talents to help the oppressed we are reminded of our obligations to one another. The call to care for the vulnerable is not new. It echoes through history and scripture alike.
Isaiah 58:7: Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Here is a business proposal I created in my spare time to help Japan’s urban homeless. I wanted to find a way to address a social issue while utilizing the talent of Japan’s seniors. I make no money off of this business idea. I simply wanted to share with others so that even one homeless person can get off the streets. That is reward in and of itself. This was my attempt to create a business solution to address a social problem. Just trying to play my part as I can’t physically be in Japan to implement this. Check the link below to read the proposal.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ken Reiman is a diplomat, author, and global affairs speaker whose work reflects faith, leadership, and lived international experience.