Speaker Dick Osborn, President of Pacific Union College spoke on "What Really Matters." Rob Andreae's
introduction told us that Dr. Osborn was born in California, moved overseas and then back to the US where he studied history, receiving his Ph.D. in history. He served the Seventh-Day Adventist Church as vice-president of Education in North America and several other positions before coming to PUC. His wife serves the community as a pastor at the college church, his daughter,
Heather, is a writer for the St. Helena Star and his son, Trevan, is a theology major.Dr. Osborn said that he spent his Sabbath recently at the world trade center memorial in New York City.
He was deeply moved to realize that the 9/11 event was the first time we have been attacked on our land since 1812. This gives our young people an event by which to orient their lives and a simple call to
courage with the words, "Let's roll!" This trauma has given us time to reflect on what really matters, such as appreciation of firemen, policemen, clergy such as John Brinkle
who opened the doors of the church that fateful day. We may honor endowment people, animal control personnel, active citizens, how we treat poorer members of our society, addicted and ill folk, students who tutor, the value of hospitals, international missions such as
Jake
leads, grandchildren/grandparents, moves of social integration. He reminded us of folks 60 years ago like two students who at the outbreak of war were hauled off to internment camps the day of their graduation. Two Egyptian students had said we shouldn't respond like our enemies; "Diversity is our Strength." We were reminded to think of the strength we draw from each other. He concluded by quoting Bush who said, "Grief is short but honor and integrity are eternal."
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