Buxton Reflection

Monday, December 1st, 2008

Reflecting upon the events of the past weeks, I have learned some valuable lessons that I fully intend to apply to both my everyday life and religious perspective. Two events in particular have really pushed me to re-examine my own beliefs, especially given the current economic turmoil and uncertainty in the world.



This past week, the Buxton Initiative hosted a Luncheon on the topic of the divisions of the world, featuring four incredible gentleman, Senator Bill Brock, Ambassador Samuel of Ethiopia, Dr. Oz Guinness, and Imam Magid. The event was truly enlightening as we received perspectives from three different spheres, including political, social, and religious.



Although, each speaker offered an intriguing interpretation of the different issues facing our country and specific tools to address these problems, Senator Brock’s interpretation really hit home with me. He delivered a unique analogy between his recently defeated Republican Party and his faith, Christianity. He exclaimed that while both groups are currently having internal strife and striving to find a true identity, he believes that the solution does not require any real reform or new platform of ideas. The true problem yet exists because individuals within the groups are failing to live up to the ideologies that they are inherently preaching or that which encompasses the foundation of their organization. We are not taking enough ownership of our ideas and actions, but must see these ideas out and really make sure they are implemented properly.



The second event which also provided me with great insight was during a discussion at The Falls Church by the founder of the Buxton Initiative, Douglas Holladay. Doug shared some of the most important lessons that he has learned throughout his lifetime. The first lesson was to take calculated risks. Without taking risks, one cannot really move forward in life and even in religious scriptures it is looked down upon to not take these risks and maintain stagnate. Doug offered that without taking risks, there is not even really a need for faith.



The second piece of advice that Doug advocated was to surround yourself with people who truly care about you. To really enjoy life, someone must people able to love and be loved by other people in their life. This allows one to lean against someone when times are inevitably tough and to have someone to share the really special moments. He also mentioned that most religions stress to having deep, meaningful relationships in one’s life.



The last lesson provided was to completely take the pressure off regarding employment, whether it came from one’s parents or even undue stress from yourself. Providing himself as a prime example, Doug demonstrated that life takes you along many different paths but if you keep pursing something that your passionate about there is a good chance you will eventually succeed. Oftentimes, parents are extremely upset to find that their children pursue options that they are not accustomed to, and therefore immediately reject the idea. Doug advised the group they must always love their parents but ultimately it is up to the individual to decide their life course, and only they can truly make that tough decision.