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*** I BET YOU DIDNT KNOW THIS ***
This one is also true, although I suspect the details might be exaggerated. In Jan 1879, Van Gogh did take up his duties as a preacher in the village of Wasmes, Belgium, but because of his very strong desire to help the villagers by giving away all his own possessions, the Church disapproved and he was removed from his position in July. He moved to a neighboring town and continued to minister in an unofficial capacity. Then he started painting the villagers and began his career as an artist. A full biography is at www.vangoghgallery.com/misc/bio.htm http://www.vangoghgallery.com/misc/bio.htm
A Living Message
Vincent Van Gogh was not always an artist. In fact, he wanted to be a church pastor and was even sent to the Belgian mining community of Borinage in 1879. He discovered that the miners there endured deplorable working conditions and poverty-level wages. Their families were malnourished and struggled simply to survive. He felt concerned that the small stipend he received from the church allowed him a moderate life-style, which, in contrast to the poor, seemed unfair.
One cold February evening, while he watched the miners trudging home, he spotted an old man staggering toward him across the fields, wrapped in a burlap sack for warmth. Van Gogh immediately laid his own clothing out on the bed, set aside enough for one change, and determined to give the rest away. He gave the old man a suit of clothes and he gave his overcoat to a pregnant woman whose husband had been killed in a mining accident. He lived on starvation rations and spent his stipend on food for the miners. When children in one family contracted typhoid fever, though feverish himself, he packed up his bed and took it to them.
A prosperous family in the community offered him free room and board. But Van Gogh declined the offer, stating that it was the final temptation he must reject if he was to faithfully serve his community of poor miners. He believed that if he wanted them to trust him, he must become one of them. And if they were to learn of the love of God through him, he must love them enough to share with them.
He was acutely aware of a wide chasm which can separate words and actions. He knew that people's lives often speak louder and clearer than their words. Maybe it was that same knowledge that led Francis of Assisi to frequently remind his monks, "Wherever you go, preach. Use words if necessary."
There are a million ways to say, "I love you," without ever uttering a word!
Author Unknown
Submitted by Richard
This one is also true, although I suspect the details might be exaggerated. In Jan 1879, Van Gogh did take up his duties as a preacher in the village of Wasmes, Belgium, but because of his very strong desire to help the villagers by giving away all his own possessions, the Church disapproved and he was removed from his position in July. He moved to a neighboring town and continued to minister in an unofficial capacity. Then he started painting the villagers and began his career as an artist. A full biography is at www.vangoghgallery.com/misc/bio.htm http://www.vangoghgallery.com/misc/bio.htm
A Living Message
Vincent Van Gogh was not always an artist. In fact, he wanted to be a church pastor and was even sent to the Belgian mining community of Borinage in 1879. He discovered that the miners there endured deplorable working conditions and poverty-level wages. Their families were malnourished and struggled simply to survive. He felt concerned that the small stipend he received from the church allowed him a moderate life-style, which, in contrast to the poor, seemed unfair.
One cold February evening, while he watched the miners trudging home, he spotted an old man staggering toward him across the fields, wrapped in a burlap sack for warmth. Van Gogh immediately laid his own clothing out on the bed, set aside enough for one change, and determined to give the rest away. He gave the old man a suit of clothes and he gave his overcoat to a pregnant woman whose husband had been killed in a mining accident. He lived on starvation rations and spent his stipend on food for the miners. When children in one family contracted typhoid fever, though feverish himself, he packed up his bed and took it to them.
A prosperous family in the community offered him free room and board. But Van Gogh declined the offer, stating that it was the final temptation he must reject if he was to faithfully serve his community of poor miners. He believed that if he wanted them to trust him, he must become one of them. And if they were to learn of the love of God through him, he must love them enough to share with them.
He was acutely aware of a wide chasm which can separate words and actions. He knew that people's lives often speak louder and clearer than their words. Maybe it was that same knowledge that led Francis of Assisi to frequently remind his monks, "Wherever you go, preach. Use words if necessary."
There are a million ways to say, "I love you," without ever uttering a word!
Author Unknown
Submitted by Richard
