Juzno: What were your
highlights for 2013?
Rob: A lot of
things. We are so blessed by the
Lord. I think my photography is
better. I've learned a few skills. I made some new friends. I am not as stressed as I used to. I am also not as angry as I was before. Kamilah is doing well in her pHD
program. And Rose is growing strong in
the Lord. After 36 years, I finally got
in touch with my cousins. Etc.Etc.
Juzno: What were your
low moments?
Rob: Some
disappointments, of course.
Rejection. But I am not as bummed
as I used to.
Juzno: What changed?
Rob: I realized that
God has not rejected me. So even if
people rejects me, I know I am still ahead.
Juzno: You talked
about rejection. Can you elaborate?
Rob: Growing up I was
rejected by the most important people in my life. My father initially rejected me … that was
before I was born. My step family
rejected me at one point in time. Except
my brother - he always treated me as a brother - though I'm not sure what that
meant at that time. Eventually I think I
got accepted by some people but I am not sure how to respond to their
kindness. I've build a wall from all
those years of rejection. I am learning
to remove bits of the wall but it's a slow and painful process.
Juzno: When was the
last time you were rejected?
Rob: I think of my
art and I am disappointed that not too many people appreciate art. Even those at church, there are those who are
theologically astute and yet think that art is dangerous. It is as though art is not part of the
Christian sphere. I mean if Christians
are to redeem life and the world - why is it that people find it hard to
recognize that art too can be redeemed for the Lord? But that's the way it is. You would think that Christians should be
more open to art than nonbelievers. But
you know that's true across the board.
The world in general is suspicious about art. That's because it has always been in the
realm of the secular and the profane.
Juzno: Do you have
other beef with your fellow Christians?
Rob: Of course. But by God's grace I am learning to restrain
myself.
Juzno: Do you feel
that sometimes you have more in common with non-Christians?
Rob: Sad to say
yes. Christians can sometimes dwell in
the goody-happy view of the world. To
think of dark things is anathema. Yet
the writer of Ecclesiastes talked about the darkness and the meaningless of
this world. To ignore that such things
exist is I think burying one's head in the sand - so to speak. Years ago when I was going through depression
people would tell me that I didn't have much faith because my outlook in life
was bleak and dark. This it seems to me
inflicts much pain to the person suffering.
Fortunately I have not come across too many people like them.
Juzno: What are your
wishes for 2014?
Rob: I hope Obamacare
would be repealed - but that's not going to happen anytime soon. I wish for the economy to get better. No matter what the media reports, the economy
is far worse than ever. More importantly,
I wish that people would repent from their wayward ways. The last couple of years, I've noticed that
sin has been diminished. People refer to
it as "mistakes" or "shortcoming". I believe that the reason this country is so
messed up is because we deserve it. We
did this to ourselves.
Juzno: There are
those who will say that you are hypocritical and bigoted and racist.
Rob: That reminds of
G. K. Chesterton, "What people call impartiality may simply mean
indifference, and what people call partiality may simply mean mental
activity."
Juzno: Please
explain.
Rob: It's all in the
head.
Juzno: Thanks for
taking this time. Have a happy New Year.
Rob: And blessings to
you, my friend.
