Bøger af Debra Winans

On many of our college campuses the clarion call is to have a cause. If you don't have an earth-shattering conviction about an identified social depravity to champion...then what is the purpose of your existence? I celebrate passionate causes! They are the fuel of creativity and societal transformation. But is our cause, cause worthy? And an even more gargantuan question; is our cause being done in a just way? Most would say, "of course it is". But perhaps you may want to ponder the following. What criteria are you using to measure your cause? What is your litmus test? What criteria ensures the implementation of your cause isn't causing more damage than good? One of the things I discovered, and it's addressed in the book, "a passionate cause is the greatest breeding ground for injustice to be perpetuated". Justice requires all who attach justice to the description of their passion, to at a minimum, assess it with three basic criteria. There are many characteristics of justice. They may or may not be present in all cases of justice. However, the criteria are never excused from being front and center with a true justice endeavor. Justice is a way to demonstrate care for humanity in the world. But if we don't get justice right, then we sabotage what we desire to see most. There is a cause calling you. Journey with me on the discovery to being Just in our cause!

The essence of justice is using your capability and means to change the world you encounter. Often, we wait and expect others to right wrongs, provide assistance, and get involved. Justice calls us to the forefront. Justice has been sorely misunderstood by many. Those days are now over! It is time we got on the Path of Justice. But what is it? The question I would be asking is why and what's in it for me? This book will help walk us through those questions and more. Like, how do we know when we are on the path of justice? What will we experience there? And who can we expect to encounter on this path? You will find the answers to those questions and much more. This book will challenge you to rethink your individual value, your effectiveness, and what you know about resources. All humans have marketable capital in their makeup. This book helps you identify and began to tap into that capital. Whether you are thirteen, thirty, or sixty, this book will unveil a path that will make much of life make sense. Packed into these few pages is a blueprint for success in life. Your future awaits. If I knew at thirteen what I know now, I would have saved a great deal of time and energy. My hope is this short read will illuminate a new perspective on how any of us can at any time in life initiate significant change for ourselves and those around us.

The way of justice is not a suggestion. It is a God-sized assignment for the life of anyone who endeavors to function fully in humanity with effectiveness. We never know when a justice opportunity may arise, but if we embrace as a personal mantra a "neighbor complex," then we position ourselves for whatever comes our way. What is a neighbor complex, you might ask? It is a consciousness each of us can fulfill our best toward others by being a "do-likewise" neighbor. Here is the flip side of our consciousness, it can lead to the unintended consequence of creating hope in humanity for more likewise neighbors. If we have no expectation of good in and from others, we'll never look for it. Good men can do evil things, but operating in the way of justice gives us opportunity to address the evil in a just way and appeal to the goodness that would otherwise be present. We are told in several scriptures, justice is the foundation; it is the foundation of God's throne, it is the foundation of all God does, and all God's ways are justice. With that being the case and humanity being created in His image, it leads one to believe the image should reflect the original. Jesus told the lawyer who originally questioned Him in the parable of the Samaritan, "if you want eternal life, go do and be like the Samaritan...be a likewise neighbor." When we do, we establish justice in the earth. Justice becomes our way; our way becomes the way of God. The call out above is from Proverbs 8:20-21. There is a way! There is a path! Treasures are there and it is a part of your inheritance! The verse starts with "I." Who is the "I?" It is God Himself. This is where He can be found. When we walk with God, all that is with Him becomes ours. What a promise! The last part of the verse bestows a promise upon anyone walking this way. Verse 21: "granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries!" On what path will you be found? Justice is the way; walk in it!

"If we get justice right, it will right the culture!"It must be our earnest desire to reestablish true justice, not only in our court system, governments, law enforcement and businesses, but in each of us as individuals. If the individual isn't just, then how can the institutions ever hope to be just? Culture is the sum total of your ideas, beliefs, values and knowledge. Therefore, a culture without justice can't be trusted! It is imperative we do justice...justice!In this small booklet, hopefully I will provide what I have come to see as necessary justice criteria. My heart's desire is to give a different and alternative perspective, another viewpoint, and additional assistance to help "your cause" truly help others. "Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely." (Prov 28:5) Do we really understand justice completely? I sure didn't!