Martin Luther King was a visionary. A man who believed that the world could be a better place with the simplest efforts of treating one another with love and not hate.
The legacy he wanted for his children doesn't seem to have happened most days. His own family fighting over the spoils of his short life. Who gets his Bible and what will they do with it. Death cut short the lifetime of changes he hoped to create and leave for them and us.
I do not believe for one moment that this man would embrace "Black Lives Matter" or the Al Sharpton's of today. Mr. King wanted equality, compassion and love for all regardless of who we are.
Martin Luther King would be preaching and teaching the Lord's work and trying hard to eliminate waste, prejudice and HATE !
Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the promised land . . . So I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man.
-- "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech, April 3, 1968 (the day before his assassination)
He would be having nightmares at the hate that has overtaken our world. The gang bangers, cop killers, rapist, muslim terrorists and so many other wrong things in today's world.
If you are a true supporter and believer in equal rights, take a page out of MLK's teachings and live like you want to make a difference in the world.
Let other's see Jesus in you in everything you do. From Facebook posts, jokes, political remarks, comments to others. No matter who you are, your actions effect others.
One day at a time - nothing but love and compassion starting today. Are you up to the challenge?
"Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Oscar Nominees - One More Reflection of Racism - NOT !!!
The headlines today reads - The acting categories were again filled entirely by white performers.
Once more the media and press light up the fires with their headlines and insinuations. Free speech at it's best.
Now we are suppose to believe that the overindulgent, overpaid, self absorbed actors and actresses are being neglected, forgotten and not recognized because of the color of their skin.
OH MY GOSH !!! This is just one more way to push a racism card that does not need to be pushed.
People of all races, religions, sexes and whatever the latest and greatest buzz word in Hollywood is are not being selected for whatever reason. Why, oh, why didn't they say we are so proud and excited for the talented actors and actresses that were nominated for the Oscars.
I for one am sick and tired of the race, religion and sexual orientation card being thrown around. Maybe, just maybe the nominees were the actual best in their category and maybe with shock and awe you might believe no one was looking at their skin color but rather the merits of their performances.
Look for in the White House to interject somewhere in here how disappointing they are in Hollywood because of the blatant racism being demonstrated.
Going to or watching movies is not something I do very often and this is just another reason why. Hollywood is as phony as the movies they produce.
I don't look at a persons skin color when I watch a movie, I watch the movie for entertainment value only. I haven't seen any of these movies so I can't speak to whether or not a non white person would have been better for the role.
There will probably be boycotts, protesters from various organizations and more BS hype about this in the coming days.
Since when does the color of our skin determine the quality of job performance whether in Hollywood, the private sector or the military? Anywhere for that matter.
What I can tell you is that I for one will be sitting on pins and needles until Oscar night - NOT !!!
Once more the media and press light up the fires with their headlines and insinuations. Free speech at it's best.
Now we are suppose to believe that the overindulgent, overpaid, self absorbed actors and actresses are being neglected, forgotten and not recognized because of the color of their skin.
OH MY GOSH !!! This is just one more way to push a racism card that does not need to be pushed.
People of all races, religions, sexes and whatever the latest and greatest buzz word in Hollywood is are not being selected for whatever reason. Why, oh, why didn't they say we are so proud and excited for the talented actors and actresses that were nominated for the Oscars.
I for one am sick and tired of the race, religion and sexual orientation card being thrown around. Maybe, just maybe the nominees were the actual best in their category and maybe with shock and awe you might believe no one was looking at their skin color but rather the merits of their performances.
Look for in the White House to interject somewhere in here how disappointing they are in Hollywood because of the blatant racism being demonstrated.
Going to or watching movies is not something I do very often and this is just another reason why. Hollywood is as phony as the movies they produce.
I don't look at a persons skin color when I watch a movie, I watch the movie for entertainment value only. I haven't seen any of these movies so I can't speak to whether or not a non white person would have been better for the role.
There will probably be boycotts, protesters from various organizations and more BS hype about this in the coming days.
Since when does the color of our skin determine the quality of job performance whether in Hollywood, the private sector or the military? Anywhere for that matter.
What I can tell you is that I for one will be sitting on pins and needles until Oscar night - NOT !!!
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
The Dark of the Night !
There is a dark in the night that is so extremely different from the lightness of the day. It sucks you in and transports you into another world. It is the darkness in my soul that raises it's head and opens my mind to so many twists and turns that when I awaken I am exhausted. I feel as if I have been in the vortex of a tornado.
Why? What is the purpose of my soul being opened up and the deepest places in my heart and mind being reviewed before my shut eyes? I just want to sleep and forget about those things. It is not to be.
Does the dark of your soul ever awaken you and say "Why?", "What", "How could you?". Mine does and the places I go are not always pretty. The quick smart responses to someone's genuine question. The hidden hurts inside of me that go unnoticed by others but attack me at every opportunity forcing me to revisit and revisit things of the past that are better left untouched. The dark emotions that prevent me from being open about the pain and suffering my soul is experiencing.
In the darkness of the dark, I find myself turning and reviewing my life. Am I doing enough for the LORD?, Am I where HE desires for me to be?, How can I serve HIM more completely?, and the all important one "What am I doing to leave a legacy of HIS love for others?.
The dark keeps me from seeing HIS light. It carries me to places where the evil one can attack and keep me from seeing HIS real purpose. I struggle with the dark, with the things that are revealed to me and my countless failures to do and be better.
Fear takes over for if I revealed the true dark thoughts and emotions of my soul, I would scare others away. If they knew the thoughts that cross my mind sometimes they would not recognize me.
When the dark of my soul threatens the light of my life, I pray. I turn to the ONE and talk to HIM. There is nothing about me that HE doesn't already know, nothing about me that HE won't forgive and nothing to keep HIM from loving me.
So, I will carry the dark of my soul into the night knowing that when and where the evil one attacks, the LIGHT of the World will rescue not only my soul, but my heart and mind as well.
Why? What is the purpose of my soul being opened up and the deepest places in my heart and mind being reviewed before my shut eyes? I just want to sleep and forget about those things. It is not to be.
Does the dark of your soul ever awaken you and say "Why?", "What", "How could you?". Mine does and the places I go are not always pretty. The quick smart responses to someone's genuine question. The hidden hurts inside of me that go unnoticed by others but attack me at every opportunity forcing me to revisit and revisit things of the past that are better left untouched. The dark emotions that prevent me from being open about the pain and suffering my soul is experiencing.
In the darkness of the dark, I find myself turning and reviewing my life. Am I doing enough for the LORD?, Am I where HE desires for me to be?, How can I serve HIM more completely?, and the all important one "What am I doing to leave a legacy of HIS love for others?.
The dark keeps me from seeing HIS light. It carries me to places where the evil one can attack and keep me from seeing HIS real purpose. I struggle with the dark, with the things that are revealed to me and my countless failures to do and be better.
Fear takes over for if I revealed the true dark thoughts and emotions of my soul, I would scare others away. If they knew the thoughts that cross my mind sometimes they would not recognize me.
When the dark of my soul threatens the light of my life, I pray. I turn to the ONE and talk to HIM. There is nothing about me that HE doesn't already know, nothing about me that HE won't forgive and nothing to keep HIM from loving me.
So, I will carry the dark of my soul into the night knowing that when and where the evil one attacks, the LIGHT of the World will rescue not only my soul, but my heart and mind as well.
Friday, January 8, 2016
Gun Control vs Mental Health !
One of the big stories in the news today was the arrest and seizure of drugs, cash and guns from a local man's home.
From the news report it appeared from the very onset this was a person with questionable mental faculties. Meeting the deputy at your door with a gun on the floor, cash protruding out of your bathrobe pockets and "hearing someone in your house". As well as admitting to having PTSD.
This is a convicted felon, with multiple guns, drugs and excessive cash. He was taken to the NW Medical Center and on to the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center for treatment. Later he was booked into the Washington County Jail and released on $50,000.00 bail.
Do you wonder if the bail money was drug money? Why wasn't he kept for treatment on his disorder? Who made the decision that he was okay to go to jail and then home?
The rest of the story is unknown and I am not Paul Harvey, but for me the greatest crime here is letting a mentally disturbed individual return to an environment he felt was unsafe. It was that initial fear that led police to discover this horrific drug and gun operation.
It is not the fault of the police, it is a much bigger problem. To many lawyers writing to many laws and expecting those who serve and protect to follow every crossed T and dotted I. Not enough physicians to recognize and effectively treat mental illness. To many rules and to little common sense.
This man is a criminal with a mental illness. It is evident when just looking at the minimal facts, but it probably take over 10 years for any of this to work itself out in our current court system. Why, because of the continual delays in trial dates, funding and staffing issues at the state hospital and overburdened justice system.
A friend of mine is severely mentally ill and has been in the county jail for over 18 months for a crime he committed during one of his episodes. Yes, he is guilty, but the fact remains he needs to be in a treatment center getting meds and care. He should never be on the streets again because of his behavior and history, but jail is not the place for him and the enforcement officers are not trained medical personal.
So.......does this make me want to see increasing gun control guidelines, NO ! But I am a believer in supporting of mental health funding now more than ever. Step up and be counted once again. Call the White House, your elected officials or send emails and voice you support for better mental health care for all of us.
From the news report it appeared from the very onset this was a person with questionable mental faculties. Meeting the deputy at your door with a gun on the floor, cash protruding out of your bathrobe pockets and "hearing someone in your house". As well as admitting to having PTSD.
This is a convicted felon, with multiple guns, drugs and excessive cash. He was taken to the NW Medical Center and on to the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center for treatment. Later he was booked into the Washington County Jail and released on $50,000.00 bail.
Do you wonder if the bail money was drug money? Why wasn't he kept for treatment on his disorder? Who made the decision that he was okay to go to jail and then home?
The rest of the story is unknown and I am not Paul Harvey, but for me the greatest crime here is letting a mentally disturbed individual return to an environment he felt was unsafe. It was that initial fear that led police to discover this horrific drug and gun operation.
It is not the fault of the police, it is a much bigger problem. To many lawyers writing to many laws and expecting those who serve and protect to follow every crossed T and dotted I. Not enough physicians to recognize and effectively treat mental illness. To many rules and to little common sense.
This man is a criminal with a mental illness. It is evident when just looking at the minimal facts, but it probably take over 10 years for any of this to work itself out in our current court system. Why, because of the continual delays in trial dates, funding and staffing issues at the state hospital and overburdened justice system.
A friend of mine is severely mentally ill and has been in the county jail for over 18 months for a crime he committed during one of his episodes. Yes, he is guilty, but the fact remains he needs to be in a treatment center getting meds and care. He should never be on the streets again because of his behavior and history, but jail is not the place for him and the enforcement officers are not trained medical personal.
So.......does this make me want to see increasing gun control guidelines, NO ! But I am a believer in supporting of mental health funding now more than ever. Step up and be counted once again. Call the White House, your elected officials or send emails and voice you support for better mental health care for all of us.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Videotape Or Call 911 ? Our Cellphone Obsessions
Reading the paper today there was an article about a mailman who was chased and taunted while on his route. A video from a witness captured this incident as not one but four teenage boys assaulted this man. There was no record or mention if the person videotaping had intervened on behalf of the mail carrier !!!
You see this over and over again in the news - videos shot of assaults, murders, fires, robberies and then posted for everyone to watch, expecting people to be in awe of your attempts to get the most profound scenes on camera.
When is it better to film an assault than to call 911 ? When is it better to stand on the sidelines and film an accident than to try to provide assistance to someone in need ? When is it better to video than stop a negative action with positive intervention? I say "NEVER !"
WE can not stand on the sidelines continuing to allow thugs and irresponsible people take over our world. If you are afraid, call 911 and get out of the area. If you are willing to help someone else at a risk to yourself do so, but don't just stand there and watch someone else be beaten, robbed or raped while you stand around and video tape it.
Sometimes in order to be a better person, you may have to take a leap of faith, put yourself in harms way and help someone else. Call 911, put the phone down and get involved when and if you can.
You see this over and over again in the news - videos shot of assaults, murders, fires, robberies and then posted for everyone to watch, expecting people to be in awe of your attempts to get the most profound scenes on camera.
When is it better to film an assault than to call 911 ? When is it better to stand on the sidelines and film an accident than to try to provide assistance to someone in need ? When is it better to video than stop a negative action with positive intervention? I say "NEVER !"
WE can not stand on the sidelines continuing to allow thugs and irresponsible people take over our world. If you are afraid, call 911 and get out of the area. If you are willing to help someone else at a risk to yourself do so, but don't just stand there and watch someone else be beaten, robbed or raped while you stand around and video tape it.
Sometimes in order to be a better person, you may have to take a leap of faith, put yourself in harms way and help someone else. Call 911, put the phone down and get involved when and if you can.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Joshua - The Type Leader We Need Today ! - The Perfect Executive Order !
Yesterday, I caught bits and pieces of our President as he spoke to the nation concerning gun laws and safety. He cried from anger like a defiant child trying to make a point to get his way. While I don't necessarily disagree with some of his points, I almost always disagree with his methods.
Chicago, his hometown has one of the highest murder rates in the country. What did he do to correct this problem when he lived there? Gang banger's don't follow the rational channel and processes for purchasing guns. The mentally ill go unnoticed until tragedy strikes. The lost children in our schools and homes continue to hid behind their doors, locked in a world of darkness, bullied by their peers for for being different. Parents are afraid to report questionable activities in the neighborhood because their kids might not like them any more.
NO ONE WANTS BE RESPONSIBLE !!!
What changed in our world? One thing for sure is we have moved from leaders of great character and faith to leaders of very questionable morals and no faith. When it is acceptable for the leader of the free world to practice adultery in the very rooms of nation's capital, when it is acceptable for our leaders to focus more on themselves than on the people the represent, when it is acceptable for our leaders to lie, steal and cheat their way into our bank accounts, our lives and our homes......chaos happens. When we allow, vote for and continue to recognize bad behavior in our leaders rather than standing up for our beliefs and principles, we have failed as much as the leaders.
I pray for the day our nation will once again have a Joshua Leader. Joshua was a brilliant military leader and a strong spiritual influence. The key to his success was his submission to God. When God spoke, Joshua listened and obeyed. His obedience served as a model. As a result, his people were faithful to God throughout his lifetime.
What would happen in our nation if our leaders got down on their knees and prayed to be like Joshua before they ever opened their mouths, acted or lashed out at others? We need to pray for our leaders to be confident in God's strength, courageous in the face of opposition and willing to seek God's advice.
We can make a great difference in the leadership of our nation. We don't have to wait till election day, we can begin today and pray earnestly for our nation's leaders. Daily prayers lifted up to Abba to provide guidance, a moral compass, compassion, honesty and so much more.
Don't delay your involvement and your chance to make a difference. Start praying today !!!!
Chicago, his hometown has one of the highest murder rates in the country. What did he do to correct this problem when he lived there? Gang banger's don't follow the rational channel and processes for purchasing guns. The mentally ill go unnoticed until tragedy strikes. The lost children in our schools and homes continue to hid behind their doors, locked in a world of darkness, bullied by their peers for for being different. Parents are afraid to report questionable activities in the neighborhood because their kids might not like them any more.
NO ONE WANTS BE RESPONSIBLE !!!
What changed in our world? One thing for sure is we have moved from leaders of great character and faith to leaders of very questionable morals and no faith. When it is acceptable for the leader of the free world to practice adultery in the very rooms of nation's capital, when it is acceptable for our leaders to focus more on themselves than on the people the represent, when it is acceptable for our leaders to lie, steal and cheat their way into our bank accounts, our lives and our homes......chaos happens. When we allow, vote for and continue to recognize bad behavior in our leaders rather than standing up for our beliefs and principles, we have failed as much as the leaders.
I pray for the day our nation will once again have a Joshua Leader. Joshua was a brilliant military leader and a strong spiritual influence. The key to his success was his submission to God. When God spoke, Joshua listened and obeyed. His obedience served as a model. As a result, his people were faithful to God throughout his lifetime.
What would happen in our nation if our leaders got down on their knees and prayed to be like Joshua before they ever opened their mouths, acted or lashed out at others? We need to pray for our leaders to be confident in God's strength, courageous in the face of opposition and willing to seek God's advice.
We can make a great difference in the leadership of our nation. We don't have to wait till election day, we can begin today and pray earnestly for our nation's leaders. Daily prayers lifted up to Abba to provide guidance, a moral compass, compassion, honesty and so much more.
Don't delay your involvement and your chance to make a difference. Start praying today !!!!
Friday, January 1, 2016
Fried Hog Jowl and Black Eyed Peas !!! Happy New Year 2016
Fried Hog Jowl and Black Eyed Peas, it's what's for breakfast at our home today. Why ? Her name was Grannie Ralston and she taught me so many wonderful things when I was working at Springdale Memorial Hospital way back when. She was my mentor, teacher, friend and guidance counselor.
She ran the hospital on the 11-7 shift and took me under her wings to teach and mold me into a nurse and person she could be proud of. She was the first person to feed me black eyed peas and hog jowl on New Year's Eve back in 1976. It was pot-luck at the hospital and she said no matter what, "you should eat this the first thing of the day for your new year to start out right."
Not sure if it works, but she imparted so many words of wisdom on me that I bought into it. Every year there after, we had black eyed peas first thing.
So today, I fondly remember my sweet, sweet friend Grannie Ralston and as I eat these wonderful little black-eyed peas I will thank GOD that He put this amazing woman in my life. She taught me so much more than traditions and I cherish the memory of her.
Happy New Year !!!
She ran the hospital on the 11-7 shift and took me under her wings to teach and mold me into a nurse and person she could be proud of. She was the first person to feed me black eyed peas and hog jowl on New Year's Eve back in 1976. It was pot-luck at the hospital and she said no matter what, "you should eat this the first thing of the day for your new year to start out right."
Not sure if it works, but she imparted so many words of wisdom on me that I bought into it. Every year there after, we had black eyed peas first thing.
So today, I fondly remember my sweet, sweet friend Grannie Ralston and as I eat these wonderful little black-eyed peas I will thank GOD that He put this amazing woman in my life. She taught me so much more than traditions and I cherish the memory of her.
Happy New Year !!!
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