I want to examine the words of Mr. Godwin, who found Falwell unconscious.
I find Godwin's words fascinating not only for the euphemisitic quality, but for the many layers of meaning to be found.
This is what he said regarding Falwell's heart condition:
"He had a history of heart challenges."
A history of heart challenges .. what an interesting choice of words. perhaps, it was the challenges to do as his heart told him, for God, or whatever you name the Creative Generative force, speaks from the heart, and not of from pocket that led to this. A history of heart challenges perhaps, Godwin was taking stock. Nah. It's as if Godwin couldn't admit that Falwell had a history of heart disease. Is a diabietic now to be called "glycemic challenged"? Think about his choice. What does it convey? That his bad heart was just an annoyance? or, that he was 'challenged' on a deeper, moral level?
What exactly is a "Heart Challenge"? On the spiritual level, it is the call to live by a specific set of ethics that knows no religious constraint or belief.It is that "Golden Rule" first elucidated by Rabbi Hillel:
If I am not for myself, who will be? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when? (Pirkei Avot 1:14)
That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn."
Both are admonishments to care not only for hte Self, but to care for others. For if you don't care about your own well bening, how can you care aobut the welfare of others?
A history of heart challenges
A history of heart challenges ... perhaps, the graduates would do well to take heed of that phrase.
A history of heart challenges for that is what they will be facing.
A history of heart challenges it is what is facing all of us today as we work to get our Nation back from the heartless.
A history of heart challenges... Are you listening?