A Striking Contrast

Juxtapose v. To place or deal with close together for contrasting effect.

I don't know if you can see this in the photo, but behind the ostrich is a jet that has just landed. It is a strange juxtaposition between nature and technology. And if ever there was a country that defined juxtaposition, it is South Africa. Black and white, poverty and wealth, joy and sorrow, pain and healing, frightful and beautiful.... South Africa is all of these. And maybe because of the bad things, the good things shine brighter. Maybe because of the sorrow, the joy is greater. Maybe because of the pain, the healing is more sweet. Maybe because of the fear, the beauty is more stunning.

I will never have the words to adequately say what I'm trying to say, but it reminds me of a passage in the book of Isaiah: "... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." - Isaiah 61:3

This is my prayer for South Africa tonight, and for all of us.