Monday, November 14, 2011

Image vs. Humanity

Image: a (1) : a mental picture or impression of something (2) : a mental conception held in common by members of a group and symbolic of a basic attitude and orientation

Humanity: a : the quality or state of being human

These are definitions that I pulled from Merriam-Webster.com. You are probably wondering why I have taken the time to define these words? Well, image and humanity were the first words that came to my mind when I had a chance to dig a little deeper into the sexual abuse scandal @ Penn State. The image of the school, the athletic program, the coach and staff, all had to be preserved at the cost of the stolen innocence and humanity of several young boys. I don't know all the answers and I am sure, as with all scandals, we have only scratched the surface. I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that once certain individuals knew or witnessed the act, nothing was done to stop the perversion, only steps taken to preserve and protect an image.

My sister-in-law forwarded me a grand jury recount from the previous investigations and it is horrific to say the least! This is my opinion, Sandusky used his organization as a breeding ground for his potential prey for his somewhat insatiable appetite for little boys. So unfair! The boys already had difficult stories and background but now what... therapy and monetary settlements?!? Money can't heal emotional wounds, it just improves the exterior while the interior still suffers. How many young boys could have been saved from the physical and emotional pain if the assistant who walked in during an incident would have said something the moment he witnessed the act? He just walked out in the name of self-preservation and image... so sad.

I can't begin to imagine how hard it must be for victims and their families, my heart goes out to them as well as my prayers. As a parent, I can't promise I won't hurt someone for the smallest infraction against my kids, once the innocence of childhood is lost, it's gone forever. I say lock me up now, to prevent me from not giving Lady Justice her say. I would take matters into my own hands, literally.

As you read this, let's keep all involved lifted in prayer for healing, forgiveness, repentance and comfort.

Nomination for Favorite Costume

Makenzie and Payton have been nominated to the next round of the contest so vote, like or comment as many times as you can between now and November 20th!!!

Simply put, the more votes ("stars") and facebook "likes" they get - the higher the score. The more comments their costume receives - the higher the score. The more visitors I drive from Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr pages - the higher the score.


Vote here for Thing 1 and Thing 2!!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Book Review: Jesus Calling

I am roughly 24 days into this great new devotional given to me by one of my Morehouse brothers called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I am pretty skeptical about a lot of books that offer any sort of help or guidance. I have found in all the "self-help" type of books that I have read, with the exception of an elite few, none of the books actually provided any sort of tangible advice you can set in motion within one second of reading it.

Many who know me would call me a high-strung busybody always looking for something to get into. With this book I have taken time to ask myself, why am I always in such a hurry? Why do I overschedule and overcommit? What am I avoiding? Or why do I inadvertently omit God from some of my daily decisions or even my personal ambitions like He couldn't handle it? Before you call me a heathen, ask yourself if you include God in every single decision (minuscule or life-changing)?

In addition to this book and a conversation that I had with my aforementioned Morehouse brother, I have also learned that it is totally OK to continue on your journey with wounds or scars from life's journey because it causes you to lean on the Lord even more for the strength to continue. Previously, I have found myself trying to be okay with pain and trying to move past hurt because that is what everyone expects you to do. It is not socially acceptable to continue to talk about your battle scars...

Aside from the wonderful substance of the book, there are a few other bonuses: It is compact enough to fit into a handbag or the door compartment in the car. Translation: Great stocking stuffer!!! Give someone a gift that will last all year (it's a 365 day devotional) and it doesn't require an activation fee or batteries.

Disclaimer: I am not by any-stretch of the imagination a certified bible thumper, I just wanted to pass on what a great gift I received and how it has helped me so far.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Take your vote back!

I'll have to change hats here and add some seriousness to my tone. TAKE YOUR VOTE BACK PEOPLE!
After reading several articles and watching a few interviews about politicians who are "living paycheck to paycheck" on their $174,000+ salaries. When a person takes a political office or any sort of leadership position (paid or unpaid), it is a choice or calculated decision. We always have the right to walk away, if and when, there is strain added to your personal life and more importantly our well-being.
So when I enter my designated polling location one week from now as well as the next year, I plan to be very selective (as always) but I urge you to do the same. The general public has always been the X factor in any civilization. Once the people become restless because campaign promises crumble as easy as pie crust, true change is on the horizon. I say, POWER TO THE PEOPLE! We have two major avenues of power as a citizen, Our Money and Our Vote. For example, if you don't like the service you receive at a store or restaurant, what do you do? I tell everyone, who will listen, about my experience and I never spend one red cent at that establishment again!
Let us not forget (as well as remind others) that we elect these officials to speak on our behalf, by proxy, in Washington, at each State capital and every County/City seat. They work for us, not big oil companies, not big banks or the wealthy elite!!!! Seriously!! We cast our ballots for the fan favorite (GA voter info) and the lobbyists take it from there for the duration of that politician's term, offering money, favors and/or gifts while taking their souls in exchange.
The voice of the constituents isn't heard until time for re-election. But then the cycle continues because we are given more campaign promises during debates and interviews that start like this, "If I am re-elected, I will..." This prompts me to ask, "Why do I have to wait around for you to do the right thing next time?" The whole thing actually bothers me to the point of frustration. Here's a Robert Johnson article that echoes a similar sentiment.
So, what are YOU going to do because I know what I am going to do... TAKE MY VOTE BACK and give an opportunity to someone else who will hopefully get it. I know one thing for sure, I can't allow these political dinosaurs to continue to do nothing that counts (immediately) and to do everything that causes further damage to the deficit, constituent morale and international relations.