Politics of hope for Myanmar

Few days ago my friends in Myanmar woke up to terrible and shocking, though sadly not surprising, news. The military, called the Tatmadaw, and its commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing have staged a coup. They have arrested the country's elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party and…Read more Politics of hope for Myanmar

There and back : #FreedomWay for Belarus

Last Sunday, August 23, I went on a very special pilgrimage to Lithuania. Quite different from what some may expect when hearing this word, but the kind I find the most meaningful spiritually - for a special cause and on behalf of others. This time to show support for the ordinary people of Belarus who…Read more There and back : #FreedomWay for Belarus

Courage to be available

Courage is something I think about often and have fantasized about it a lot. Whether simply speaking my mind, taking a risky decision, confronting a challenging situation or dealing with a peer pressure. I have noticed that I am always drawn to the real life people or fictitious characters who display the unexpected and practical…Read more Courage to be available

Patience is another name for peace

It has been a very long pause... long pause in blogging, writing diary and social networking. I started February with a great determination to get back to regular schedule of weekly posts and then it happened. Someone very close to me was facing a difficult situation when unexpectedly becoming a primary caregiver to his newborn…Read more Patience is another name for peace

Faith and politics at the dinner table? Needed more than ever

When I visit the United States, many friends want to hear my European "outsider" point of view since they know my interest in religion, politics, history and current issues. Not in a sense that I am some kind of expert or have the best analysis. The main reason is that they like me and I…Read more Faith and politics at the dinner table? Needed more than ever

Nations becoming something more: European perspective

Sitting in Lähetyskirkko in Helsinki, an old church with a very contemporary and welcoming feel, I was  drawn to the stained-glass window with the map of the world. Enframed within the ornate design, it looked beautiful but small and somehow fragile. Just like those amazing images from the outer space which make me think about…Read more Nations becoming something more: European perspective

Postcard from Little Rock with famous stairs from segregation to inclusion

A visit to Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas, a National Historic Site? Done! Ever since watching the documentary "Eyes On The Prize: America's Civil Rights Movement" and learning more about the Little Rock Nine and the events in 1957, I wanted to see this site of former social and political struggle. (I call…Read more Postcard from Little Rock with famous stairs from segregation to inclusion

The lessons of humble courage from my long-time hero

How to respond when people make statements about the Church being full of hypocrites? My favorite answer was given by Shane Claiborne, a hero of mine, who said: "No, the Church is not full of hypocrites. Not yet! There is room for more!" It makes me laugh out loud but also touches something deeper and…Read more The lessons of humble courage from my long-time hero