Queer critiques of gay marriage Annotated Bibliography

Queer critiques of gay marriage - Annotated Bibliography Example In the article, the community notes that the number of homosexuals has grown despite the widespread negativity the members face. The second article adopts an equally critical stand as it investigates the cost of achieving equality for the LGBT community. The author of the article understands the society’s skewed and skeptic approach to homosexuality despite the growing number of gays and lesbians in the society. In constructing their articles, the respective authors uphold some of the basic guidelines of writing. The make essential citations thereby enhancing the authority of the claims they make. In retrospect, the two articles are valid reports that make good arguments. Furthermore, they are good sources owing to the authors’ ability to present their facts systematically and attempt to provide evidence by citing the works appropriately. The LGBT community in the country sought to develop a new strategic vision to help redirect their future endeavors. The new vision seeks to safeguard immense economic benefits for gays, lesbians, transgender and bisexuals in the country. The article seeks to safeguard the acceptance, respect and recognition for members of the community in every feature of the society and numerous states within the country. In justifying their new vision, the community explains a number of intricate features of the society including the diversity in families and households as the number of homosexuals grow throughout the country. The community argues that the increase in its size implies that a greater number of people continue to face economic stress. The community uses its experience and experience on the issue by analyzing official reports in coming up with the blueprint. Despite such attempts, the article lacks statistical proof of the issues it raises a feature that make it inflammatory. The article vouches for equality for the LGBT community. The

Understanding Sense of Belongingness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Understanding Sense of Belongingness - Essay Example Using this article, I will be discussing the author’s structure of the source and his project as well as the contents of the article regarding belongingness. Firstly, the author tries to make a relationship with his readers through his writing approach. Strayhorn sounds professional which he maintains throughout the article but he also made his tone very personal so as to communicate well with his readers. This is reflected not only with the choice of the words used but also in the manner the statements are crafted. For instance, the writer refers to studies of various researchers such as Baumeister and Leary. This shows how objective the writer is regarding his topic. However, there are also times when the author refers to his own research that he uses the personal pronoun â€Å"I† as he tries to relate with his audience but he still maintains a serious tone. To make his discussion more interesting, Strayhorn presents his argument in an organized manner, letting the readers well-guided as they continue with their reading. Strayhorn’s project aims at using the present literature to explain â€Å"sense of belonging†. This means that the author uses earlier published studies as references in attempting to explain what the topic really means. From this foundation, the writer wants to show the importance of the topic, approaching it with the use of examples and referencing other studies. Lastly, he intends to go over the implication of the study, especially in education. Therefore, this study is focused more on the students and how they are able to relate to their environment. As promised, the author first defines the term â€Å"sense of belongingness†. For example, he quotes Anant’s definition saying, â€Å"Sense of belonging characterizes a person’s perceived belief of indispensability within a system†.

Strategic Information Technology Management Essay - 1

Strategic Information Technology Management - Essay Example Now, it has developed as a Multibillion Dollar Company and today, it is known as the top brands of the world. Besides a large courier and package delivery chain, they also give specialized transportation, investment and electronic business provisions. The company administers route of merchandise, resources and the related information around the globe on a daily basis (Camerer 2003). The company is able to run its business in more than 20 countruies. Development of the Role of ICT The information and communication technology sector is the main source for low income class in developing countries to fullfill their needs of communication and to acquire knowledge. But, it was not always a useful mean to get appropriate income. However, it has been in development phase for last 20 years. Now, it is playing a major role in the expansion of economic opportunities. In 1980s, the â€Å"universal access† was an aim but today, it has become a reality. At present, the information and commu nication technology segment holds Today the ICT sector holds â€Å"hardware, software, the internet, telephony, content, application and support services† (Haycock, Cheadle, and Bluestone 2012). Today, the information and communication technology sector has become the foundation of the current economical globalization and everywhere in the world the ICT sector greatly supports the economic sector. Here are the reasons. Reducing Transactional cost With the help of ICT sector, the transaction cost is reduced and productivity of sectors increases. Immediate Connectivity Through communication technology, companies can easily and quickly get connected to their clients and it is not only voice but video connectivity as well and all... This essay stresses that mobile phones are advanced means of communication and through this device a person can send a message to another person having this device and communicate by making calls. You can take your phone with you whereever you want to go. There are many other devices or ways of communication for delivering information from one place or person to another place or person. With the extended access to information and communication technologies, people are encouraged to use these technologies. The information and communication technology sector is the main source for low income class in developing countries to fullfill their needs of communication and to acquire knowledge. But, it was not always a useful mean to get appropriate income. Today, the information and communication technology sector has become the foundation of the current economical globalization and everywhere in the world the ICT sector greatly supports the economic sector. This paper makes a conclusion that the concept of information and communication technology; their role in the development and the digitization of the economy and also about the new ways of strategic thinking. The role of a manager of UPS, for the development of company with the information and communication technology changes as to how the manager brings changes with the development of information and communication technology. This study concludes that everthing depends upon the creativity of thought of a manager, he can better evaluate as how instantly he accept the changes and respond in the context of that change.

How Has Globalization Affected Corporate Strategy in the 21st Century Essay Example for Free

How Has Globalization Affected Corporate Strategy in the 21st Century Essay In the last 21 years the notion of a multinational company has changed significantly. This is best demonstrated by the 1973 United Nations definition, which clearly stated an enterprise is multinational if it controls assets, factories, mines, sales offices, and the like in two or more countries (Bartlett, Ghoshal 2000 p.3). As we know a multinational corporation is much more then just that it controls foreign assets, it must also have a substantial direct investment in foreign countries, as well as engaging in some form of management of these foreign assets. The evolution of corporations over this time has been somewhat difficult and by no means is the process of change finalized. As with most things this evolution and learning process could be seen as being life long. The environment in which we operate clearly evolves each year and to stay ahead businesses are now required to stay ahead of developments to compete. Some of the slower players, such as Phillips (Bartlett 1999) merely lost market share through this evolution, others in the past and perhaps in the future will lose their businesses. To understand the importance of multinational corporations in relation to the world economy we see that they account for over 40 percent of the worlds manufacturing output, and almost a quarter of world trade (Bartlett, Ghoshal 2000 p.3). Although the focus is often on the larger players such as Ford, Procter and Gamble, or Coca Cola as time progresses it is more the smaller companies which we will need to keep an eye on, as they become important players, especially in international niche markets(Bartlett, Ghoshal 2000 p.3). Traditionally there were three motivations for most organisations to enter international markets, or to undertake investment overseas. These were: 1. Suppliers the ongoing need to source supplies for operations (adapted from Bartlett, Ghoshal 1989, 2000). 2. Markets seeking additional markets to sell products. Traditionally companies went international to sell excess production lines, or to meet one off needs. The market then moved to increased competition where players were keen to be the first mover to a market, so as to gain a competitive advantage. Corporations were often driven by the home country size, with the need for further consumers for ongoing viability and growth (adapted from Bartlett, Ghoshal 1989, 2000) 3. Lower Cost by seeking production facilities which would attract lower labor costs and hence higher profits. Clothing and electronics were the first movers in this strategy, usually looking to developing countries such as China or Taiwan. This is still used somewhat today as a strategy, such as large call centers providing services in India for most Australian banks (adapted from Bartlett, Ghoshal 1989, 2000) It is not my intention to go into the advantages and disadvantages of a corporation entering an international market, or to continue to operate in an international market, beyond the above three initial drivers. What is imperative that in the 21st Century an organisation must seek a strategy that meets the organisations ongoing needs which is clear and precise so as to provide direction for future growth. Due to the ongoing worldwide demand after WWII, most organisations prospered when entering international markets. Often however the strategies to entry were ad hoc and did not provide clear objectives or guidance for ongoing management. Operations were based on an ethnocentric approach. Even though at the time they were referred to as Multinational Corporations, literature now refers to them as International Corporations. As international operations expanded and took on a more important role in the organisation, such as being a key profit centre, or perhaps a product innovation being conceived in an offshore operation, they tended to come under increased management scrutiny, such as the case with Fuji Xerox (Gomes-Casseres, McQuade 1991). This then progressed the corporation to a multinational approach, international markets being as important or even more important then the home market, which is more a polycentric approach to management. The potential from these operations were reviewed by management; the possibilities for cost reductions due to standardization moved most corporations onto the next phase being the global corporation mentality. This is that the entire world is a potential market. Retaining a image from their initial home country, such as McDonalds, they seek to enter all markets to service all customers, hence a regiocentric or geocentric philosophy of management. Bartlett and Ghoshal have gone beyond this to advocate the development of the transnational corporation. This takes the concept of global corporations one step further. Corporations to prosper in a globally competitive environment, should concentrate wherever possible on responding to cost pressures, leveraging of knowledge and information, whilst ensuring local responsiveness to consumer needs (1989 p.13). Cost reduction are imperative to ensure the ongoing viability of corporations. The sharing of costs globally for items such as R D and mass production both provide examples of significant cost reductions, while enhancing learning and knowledge. By increasing the availability of information across the group you are more likely to also encounter a higher quality product as the innovation and knowledge is shared for the corporations greater good. Often companies forget that knowledge does not just reside in just the home country. Important information such as the local consumer market are often best to be determined by local managers so as to respond to local needs. In relation to local responsiveness Theodore Levitt (1983) provides a somewhat extreme view of the global market. His philosophy is that technological, social and economic developments over the last two decades have combined to create a unified world marketplace in which companies must capture global-scale economies to remain competitive. As we have discussed, the need to become competitive through reduction in costs is imperative for every business. However Levitts concept of a unified marketplace with homogenous needs has still some way to go. As researched by Procter and Gamble even how we wash our clothes differs throughout the world, sometimes even within each country. The provision of a standardized product to suit all in this industry would be a failure due to not meeting the needs of local consumers (Bartlett 1983). When we review these three elements of cost reduction, leverage of knowledge and local responsiveness we are aware that these terms are somewhat contradictory. History tells us that to provide local responsiveness you need to increase costs to increase the number of products which meet a specific consumer groups needs. The alternative is to standardize products to achieve economies of scale during production and marketing. Caterpillar has somewhat successfully implemented such a strategy. They redesigned their products around the use of standardized components. These are produced on mass through large production facilities to reduce the component costs and provide economies of scale. Machines are then transported to foreign markets where localized knowledge and components adapt the machines to the needs of local consumers (Srinivasa 1985). The overall approach is that they are able to combine all three elements of the transnational approach. Corporations also need to be aware of the increasingly complex nature of undertaking business in an international market. Social, cultural, and political environments, as well as currency fluctuations, and geographic diversity need to be considered carefully in any decision to undertake a foreign operation. It is best to research thoroughly and constantly review any strategy for overseas ventures as situations can change as in any business venture quite quickly. An example of this would be the increased use of Indonesia as a low cost production base for Australian corporations. With the increased political instability and also terrorism most corporations would be considering the ongoing viability of continuing in this market. Finally corporations need to be aware that to make any significant changes to an corporation strategy or structure it is both extremely complex, time consuming and challenging. As Ford has discovered, by constantly changing strategies to seek higher profitability, all they have been able to achieve has been another announcement of huge losses in 2001 from failed global ventures (Hill, Jones 2004 p276). The move to a transnational approach for most corporations would need to be a slow progression, while for some it is even perhaps out of reach. By focusing on the main elements of cost reduction, knowledge leveraging and local differentiation perhaps this will provide an avenue in the future for continued competitive advantage in an environment which is slowly moving towards Levitts concept of the global village (1983). Perhaps the key lies with Bartlett and Ghoshal when they tell us that companies must now respond simultaneously to diverse and often conflicting strategic needs. Today, no firm can succeed with a relatively unidimensional strategic capability that emphasizes only efficiency, or responsiveness, or leveraging of parent company knowledge and competencies. To win, a company must now achieve all three goals at the same time (1989 p 25). REFERENCE LISTING Bartlett, Christopher A. 1983 Case 6-1 Proctor and Gamble Europe: Vizir Launch, taken from Bartlett, Christopher A. Ghoshal, Sumantra 2000 Text, Cases, and Readings in Cross-Border Management, 3rd Edn, McGraw-Hill International Editions, Singapore, pp 632 647. Bartlett, Christopher A. Ghoshal, Sumantra 1989 Managing Across Borders: The Transnational Solution, Harvard Business School Press, Boston Massachusetts. Barlett, Christopher A. 1999 Case 2 -4 Phillips and Matsushita 1998: Growth of 2 Companies, taken from Bartlett, Christopher A. Ghoshal, Sumantra 2000 Text, Cases, and Readings in Cross-Border Management, 3rd Edn, McGraw-Hill International Editions, Singapore, pp 164 -180 Bartlett, Christopher A. Ghoshal, Sumantra 2000 Text, Cases, and Readings in Cross-Border Management, 3rd Edn, McGraw-Hill International Editions, Singapore. Gomes-Casseres, Benjamin McQuade, Krista 1991 Case 4-1 Xerox and Fuji Xerox, taken from Bartlett, Christopher A. Ghoshal, Sumantra 2000 Text, Cases, and Readings in Cross-Border Management, 3rd Edn, McGraw-Hill International Editions, Singapore, pp 418 443 Hill, Charles W. L Jones, Gareth R. 2004 Strategic Management Theory: An Integrated Approach, 6th Edn, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. Levitt, T. 1983 The Globalization of Markets Harvard Business Review, May June, pp. 92 102. Srinivasa, Rangan V. 1985 Case 3-1 Caterpillar Tractor Co., taken from Bartlett, Christopher A. Ghoshal, Sumantra 2000 Text, Cases, and Readings in Cross-Border Management, 3rd Edn, McGraw-Hill International Editions, Singapore, pp 259 279.

Production, consumption, and exporting of tea

Production, consumption, and exporting of tea QUESTION 1(i) Production, Consumption, and Exporting of tea Tea, like coffee is a typical favorable beverage among many. Tea is therefore produced in many countries. The annual world production of tea is about 2.9 million tones. Countries that have the most production of tea and largest tea plantation are China and India, followed by Kenya and Sri Lanka. China is the only country that produces non fermented tea (green tea), semi-fermented tea (Oolong tea), and other various kinds of fermented tea which also includes black tea. In India alone, the tea production is about 750,000 tones. Below are the total productions in tones of each country for the year 2006 and 2007 Productions in tones. Figures for years 2006 2007 Country 2006 2007 China 1,047,345 1,183,502 India 928,000 949,220 Kenya 310,580 369,600 Sri Lanka 310,800 305,220 Turkey 201,866 206,160 Vietnam 151,000 164,000 Indonesia 146,858 150,224 Japan 91,800 94,100 Argentina 72,129 72,000 Iran 59,180 60,000 Bangladesh 58,000 58,500 Malawi 45,009 46,000 Uganda 34,334 35,000 Other countries 189,551 193,782 Total 3,646,452 3,887,308 Tea is consumed around the world especially in British countries such as United Kingdom and Ireland, not forgetting the countries where tea is being produced. Tea is less favorable compared to coffee in countries such as America. Most of the tea consumed outside of East Asia is being produced in India or Sri Lanka. In Japan, green tea is a favorite for the locals, a mixture of green tea and hot water in a cup would do the trick for the Japanese. However, only green tea is consumed in Japan. Researches show that tea in terms of consumption is the most popular drink in the world. Exporting tea is a very common thing to do, in fact, the largest exporter of tea in the world is Kenya. China and Sri Lanka also plays very important roles in this sector. The growth in the export of tea is not just because of the demand, but also the heavy response to promote health benefits of tea consumption. QUESTION 1(ii) The influence of individual growers on the price of tea Individual growers are influenced by the price of tea. This is based on demand and supply. If demand for tea is high, growers and producers will then produce and supply more tea, on the other hand if the demand for tea is low, supply for tea by growers will also be less. Some Individual growers would also prefer to invest in the local market rather than export as to avoid heavy competition against other tea producing countries. QUESTION 1(iii) The role of transnational corporation in the tea market The role of a transnational corporation is to manage production and deliver services in more than one country. This corporation also plays an important role in the tea market. Tea companies such as Unilever and Tata tea have made a huge impact on the world market by setting up their own plantations and factories. Exporting and importing of tea has to go through the transnational corporation as most transport and shipping companies are controlled by them, thus making a stamp on the role of transnational corporations in the tea industry. QUESTION 2 Price of tea has been increasing since the year 2005, the demand and supply factors are the ones responsible for the increase. Despite the economic crisis in recent years, demands for tea has still been strong to many of its customers are an essential product. This is probably because of the health benefits from drinking tea. The demand for tea is income inelastic. However, some people may consider tea as an inferior good which is purchased at a larger amount compared to more expensive drinks, thus leading to an increase in price. China, one of the powerhouses in the tea industry is also growing in demand for tea as it has become one of the favorite beverages for the locals. Countries with rapid economic growth such as China, India, and Russia have resulted in locals with higher income, which will increasingly affect their spending behavior. They are allowing them to purchase branded and higher quality tea instead of cheaper and lower quality tea. As mentioned above, by being an inel astic product, increase in prices will not affect its consumers, as tea has its own alternative which requires small amount of income, therefore the rise in prices will not affect demand. As the demand for tea increases, the supply will also increase. This is based on the demand for tea as more people buy tea. Suppliers will then have to supply more tea in order to meet the requirements. Another supply factor would be the price of tea, as the prices of tea is increasing and still many people are consuming it, suppliers then have to supply more tea locally and in terms of export as this signals that they will make a profit base on the demand. Supply of tea is also affected by draughts. Those countries such as India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka are places where draught happens. Draughts will then lead to a lower supply rate of tea in these countries. Nevertheless, supplies of tea cannot easily be increases in a short period of time as that is the nature of the plant, thus affecting the world tea market by causing a rise in the price of tea. Below is a chart which shows the world demand and supply of tea from year 2004-2007 Alexander, A., 2009. Market and Industry Report-Russian Tea Market Research Report. [Online Image]. Available from: http://www.russiablog.org/2009/09/russian_tea_market_research_statistics.php [Accessed 03December 2009]. Among the countries that are famous for its tea production, India is one of the powerhouses in the tea market. Apart from dominating the world population as the second largest population in the world, India was also the second largest tea producer behind China during the year 2007. India also manages to produce an astonishing 945 million kg of tea that year. In terms of exporting wise, India came in fourth as the largest exporter of tea in the world with an exporting volume of approximately 178.75 million kg. In 2007, the Indian market size for tea is valued at $876.4 million and weighted 226.04 million kg. Retail prices for tea in India is very low compared to other countries such as Russia, for example, the average retail price of Indian tea is priced at $3.9 per kg , whereas it Russia it is priced at $20.2 per kg. This is probably caused by the exchange rate as the currency in Russia is stronger and more powerful compared to countries like India. Transnational corporations such as Tata tea and Unilever in India also help to play a role in the success of Indias tea industry. Plantations, processing factories, transport companies, and shipping agencies are all controlled by the corporation which helps the process of export and other actions smoothen. From year 2005-2008, the demand for tea has been exceeded by the supply in India. Not only in India actually, but the whole world which in this case supply has exceeded the demand for tea. This did not just happen accidentally, but rather intentional as it will help prevent the tea prices in India from dropping. Below is a table showing the demand and supply of tea in India Supply and Demand of tea in India Kg ( in millions) Demand ( consumption) Supply(production and import) 2005 757 963 2006 771 9006 2007 786 961 2008 802 1000 2006 was the start where recent buoyancy happened to tea prices. This turned out to be a relieve factor for most bulk tea players as they have been suffering from low and depressed prices of tea since 1999. In the past, after prices of tea had reached a peak in 1998, it went into a steady decline which produced an average domestic price of 76.43 per kg in 1998 which continued to drop in price which was 58.05 per kg in 2005. India then went on and suffered a lost in export markets. Among the factors were lack of market initiative by Indian investors in search of export markets, failure to check spurious varieties of tea and graded them as premium, high quality tea which then affected the image of the Indian tea market, and higher cost of production compared to other rival countries. Factors like these have led to India losing out in the export market, nevertheless leading to an increased supply in the domestic market. Quality factors also play an important role in determining the pric e and export. The above can be good examples of why price of tea in India can be quite volatile from year to year. Price of tea can also be affected by natural disasters such as typhoon, flooding, and draughts. In which reduces the supply of tea thus lower export rates. Last but not least, economic factors such as currency rates or inflation are able to affect and determine the price of tea. QUESTION 3 A change in price of tea would affect the economy of a country. Take India for example, an increase in the price of tea would mean good profit returns for the tea market as well as an advantage for bulk tea players who have invested large amounts of money into the tea industry. An increase in the price would mean that they have made a profit whereas if the price decreases, tea players would then suffer a loss. Judging from all areas, an increase in the price of tea would not fully bring benefits to the economy of the country. If the price increases, therefore cost of production for tea would also increase. When this happens, not all tea industries in India would want to export their tea as it may be too costly at their expense, which will lead them to invest in the domestic market. If there is a drop in price, transnational corporations such as Tata tea and Unilever will then take necessary actions to increase the price to a stable condition. A drop or increase in price will also aff ect the economy of India tremendously as India is one of the powerhouses in the world tea market, therefore little changes could make a big impact on the country. When competition for tea is too high in the market, price of tea will be affected negatively as there are too many suppliers comparing with each other in order to overpower the tea market. On the other hand, if competition for tea is low, this automatically raises the price of tea due to low supply. If demand for tea is high, wages of workers will increase as more workers are needed at the plantation and other tea processing facilities. Wages or workers in this case are determined by competition of tea as well as market power. In order to obtain market power, strong firms such as Unilever and Tata tea should be certain of a few items, tea that is either sold domestically or for export purposes should be of quality tea leaves, this is important as it can gain the trust and confidence of customers domestically and abroad. Te a corporations should also control the volume of tea being sold or exported as they would like to meet the requirements of the demand and supply situation, too much tea being produced would result in wastage. Supply networks also helps build up market power in the corporation, for instance, corporations should have export agencies to assist them in matters regarding export of tea to other countries. Overseas agents should also be hired as they can work as a link between the domestic market and overseas market, agents overseas can also help by sourcing and delivering information regarding other corporations which are in the same business. This can then help the domestic corporation plan their market strategies better. If the tea corporation has succeeded in obtaining a big share in market power, wages of workers in the corporation will increase simultaneously as they are crucially needed in order to smoothen and fasten the process of production of tea. Each step in producing tea will require manpower. Therefore workers are crucial at this stage.

The Rage of Hamlet in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay example -- essays res

In William Shakespeare’s play â€Å"The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark†, though the protagonist Hamlet pretends to be mad as he seeks revenge for the murder of his father, he is suffering from depression and a barely contained rage towards the people closest to him as revealed in his treatment of Gertrude and Ophelia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and Polonius and Claudius. The barely concealed rage he feels towards his mother, lover, friends and uncle leads to their death and his own. This bitterness towards everyone makes his conversations with other characters seem to be very cold, especially towards his mother, Gertrude, and Ophelia. Hamlet’s behavior towards Ophelia and Gertrude shows his contempt and distrust of women. Though Hamlet loves his mother, â€Å"O heart, lose not thy nature† (1363), he is wounded and flabbergasted by her hasty marriage. He says, â€Å"Frailty, thy name is woman†, meaning that he views women as morally weak creatures (1316). His inference of innate womanly weakness is exemplified in Ophelia. When she follows her father’s instructions to not â€Å"give words...

Comfort and Gods Glory Essay

In the decision to discuss two topics included within this reflection paper I have been led to discuss two doctrines that are close to all Christians. The comfort of God and the glory of God are the two doctrines that I have focused on over the last several weeks. The comfort of God has touched me at times over the course of my life however, never as much as it has over the last year. I wish to praise the glory of God as directed within the bible to show how God has worked in my life. The Comfort of God  Theological Definition The comfort of God can be best represent and defined by 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 which states: â€Å"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too†. (NIV) However, Webster’s dictionary defines comfort as â€Å"to give strength and hope to† and â€Å"to ease the grief or trouble of† (Webster’s, 2013) Biblical Foundation  The Bible provides many references to God’s comfort as stated in Psalms 18:2 â€Å"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower†. (NIV) Even though the word comfort isn’t contained in the passage just knowing that God is your strength and rock is enough. Psalms 138:7 states â€Å"though I walk in the middle of trouble, you will revive me: you shall stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand shall save me†. (NIV) Practical Application  Over the course of my career as a law enforcement officer, I have found myself seeking comfort in some way or another. I have involved myself with discussions with fellow officers and have sought guidance from counselors and other professional sources. However, I have found no sense of comfort that compares to the bible and the comfort that religion brings me. I have learned over the course of my career that God is in control. He has a plan for all of us and comforts us when we stray from that path. When I speak of Gods comfort I think of a video that I watched on YouTube recently. The video was a speech given by Admiral Lee of the United State Coast Guard. Admiral Lee talks about the red tape that prevents him and all military personal from comforting soldiers on the battlefield. He states that he is unable at times to give guidance to those struggling for hope. I’m not a type of person who wants to force my faith and beliefs on a person. But much like Admiral Lee I have had the opportunity to be there when someone is reaching out. To give them comfort with Gods preachings and to give them a bible so they can find hope and comfort within its pages. I have for years during my tenure as a police officer carried a bible in my police vehicle. I also carry small pocket bibles purchased at my own expense. I throughout the years have never had anyone refuse one of my bibles. However, I have arrested people who have already got one of them. The Glory of God Theological Definition The glory of God is the beauty of his spirit. It is not his physical beauty however; it is his beauty that emanates from his character. God’s glory is His splendor, his majesty. The glory of God is his character and his divine nature; it is the very essence of his presence. Biblical Foundation The glory of God is referenced early in the bible Exodus 24: 15-17 states â€Å"Then Moses went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain. Now the glory of the Lord rested on Mt. Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel†. (NIV) The glory of god is used figuratively for God himself. Moses said to God himself in Exodus 33: 18-22 â€Å"Please show me your glory. Then he said, I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you . . . You cannot see my face; for no man shall see me and live. And the Lord said, here is a place by me, and you shall stand on the rock. So shall it be, while my glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with my hand while I pass by†. (NIV) Practical Applicati on How do we practically apply Gods glory to our everyday life? God calls us to glorify him in all we do. I do not proclaim to live a life without sin, as most Christians would agree. I don’t just do kind things to others with hopes of cancelling out the sins that I have done. However, I try to reach out into the community in the way in which I believe God wants me to. My career is a hard one and it takes a hard person to be a police officer. I have been accused of many things by people whom are upset and don’t understand. It’s easy to stand on the side of the road and observe a group of police officer at a tragic vehicle accident and get the wrong impression. I have seen officers who begin to joke around and are smiling. Now I agree the place and time for a joke is not at a car accident where someone has lost his or her life. However, it is a coping method that a lot of officers use to deal with a high stress situations. Are they living up to the glory of God? Probably not, however, they are performing their jobs to the best of their ability. The bible tells us we are not to commit murder, so how do I explain to my children that I had to take a life in the performance of my duties? How do I express to them that I am here to glorify God when I have broken one of the commandments? I don’t know the answer, but I do know that I try to live my life in a manner that allows me to glorify Him. I don’t believe that just worshiping God in church and singing hymns is enough. I believe that we need to try to preach to those who haven’t heard the Gospel and we need to live our lives praising him and living in his example. Conclusion I have progressed in my Christian studies and have focused on the things that I can do to both glorify God and to provide the comfort of God to others. You never know when the moments will be presented to you to affect the life of another, but I’m prepared. I can tell story after story to describe how I have attempted to accomplish these things, but I don’t want to place emphasis on them. God knows the good things I have done in my career and he knows the bad things. I will continue to study his word and build my house in heaven as to speak. Good deeds will not secure your place in heaven. The only way to God is through Jesus Christ. I have allowed Christ to fill my heart and I can build my home in heaven by the good deeds to which I do here. I can learn by Admiral Lee’s advice and example. I don’t have to stand and shout to someone in need. I only need to hand them the tool they need to find hope and Gods glory. I only need to whisper to them â€Å"read this†.