Taking in the bigger picture

Spiritual resource to share: the inevitable progress of God's creation

The impossible is possible. This is the theme of one of the many short talks presented at the TED conference. [This annual conference "brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes)]. "

In a remarkably animated and clear argument, Hans Ronslings takes the issue of poverty on - proving that there has been steady progress in the alleviation of poverty. How does he do this? Simply, he gives his consent that what was thought impossible is possible and then he shows us what has been possible by taking us into a bigger picture of what has been happening. (Click on the screen to load video.)




It's an encouraging and thought provoking disussion.

I have found that giving my consent to the infinite possibilities of God and looking at the bigger picture have also brought - not only enouragement and inspired thought, but inspired action.

For example, on a much smaller but equally important scale, a friend was struggling with anxiety. As we talked, it was evident that there was something more going on. The bigger picture was that there was a deep hunger for growth in grace. Recognizing this higher view, we could give our consent to the biblical promise that says: "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled." This hopeful view replaced the anxiety with the expectation of good.

I think it is all about the ultimate big picture: seeing ourselves as God sees us. And in this light, we can see all sorts of possibilities for good and for healing, not only in our own lives, but in our communities and our world.


Fr more information about Hans Ronslings, visit ted.com

To share your thoughts on this or to explore this idea further, please feel free to be in contact with me, add your own comments below, email this article to a friend, or add to the healing finds and sites on the web to the right.