Human Rights

"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice."  Martin Luther King, Jr.

Every morning I read "Letters From An American" by Heather Cox Richardson....a newsletter helping me make sense of our sometimes mixed up world. In this morning's newsletter Heather reminded us that yesterday was International Human Rights Day celebrating the 76th anniversary of the the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Doing what Heather does best...she provided the historical context and outlined the details of this document that promotes peace, justice, and fundamental human rights for everyone. Rights that our own governments should not be able to take away from us.

The UDHR, she writes, was necessary because "recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world."

You can read Heather's article here.

In Margie's hope for peace....she was well informed about what was going on all over the world...both the good and the bad. She supported many charities that did humanitarian work promoting fundamental human rights. Although she didn't do a lot of traveling, she had family who did and cherished her momentos that were gifted to her from around the globe.

These little hand carved figures were from her brother Bob while he worked in Africa. 

She had other gifts from China, Germany, India, and Mexico.

The African carvings always had a prominent spot in her homes.

As I go through her things...I am photographing and offering her things to family members who might want them. 

The hunter with the bow and arrow was broken...and I could tell that it had been glued several times. So I was compelled to settle in this morning and do a repair of this handcrafted figure out of respect for Margie...her brother Bob...and the artist who carved it.

Channeling the people who taught me a little bit about woodworking....I knew I needed to make a peg...rather than just trying to glue the arm back on.

And I had the right tool for the job...a tiny manual drill.

I drilled a tiny hole in shoulder and arm of the figure.

I filled the holes with glue and inserted a tiny piece of a toothpick and connected the two pieces.

I think it's pretty strong now and these international carvings are ready for the next owners.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." 

Martin Luther King, Jr.