You know, sometimes in life, things just go completely wrong. I was absolutely stunned today by some crazy events. It started with me heating some oil so that I can fry some chicken. I was using a different oil than I usually use per a Rocco Dispirito recipe. I like Rocco, he's a good cook. Well, I've heard that anyway. Well, I'm in the kitchen bouncing from place to place when all of a sudden, I hear a huge pop and my pot's in flames on the stove. I tried to reach for the baking soda but the flames were already too high and couldn't get to it without burning my arm. I called 911 immediately, trying to get help. My upstairs neighbor was already knocking on people's doors, getting everyone out. Thank God that the Roanoke Fire Department Engine 1 got there within minutes of me calling them. To say I was frightened would be the understatement of the century. This was probably the first time I showed fear in a situation since my childhood.
I thank God that no one was hurt. I thank God that the damage was cosmetic. I'd take a picture, but honestly, I'm not up for reliving that right now. I thank God that I can sleep in my own bed tonight because it's not nearly as rough as the fireman thought it would be. I thank God that I still have a microwave, a toaster, a George Foreman grill, and my Keurig machine, so no hunger here.
I often wonder why bad things happen. However, I was quickly reminded of my pastor's words over the last month. When you're doing things right for God, the Devil is at his most sinister. I don't think he said it like that, but it fits. I serve in a lot of capacities at my church. We just had a great meeting about Easter Sunday and all the wonderful things we want to do for the community. I, involuntarily, became the point of contact for the children's activities portion of the meeting. I'm okay with it, but I've never been the administrative type. Just tell me what to do, I'll do it. So this is really outside of comfort zone. We came up with some awesome ideas, and today was going to be the day I did some research on prices of things, but this fire happened. I guess I was a little distracted. This fire, as crazy as this sounds, was exactly what I needed to know that I'm doing things the right way. Even when I've disappointed God, and I have, trust me, I still get the opportunity to serve Him. When I serve Him, the Devil fights back. He tries to keep me from doing things the right way and doing what I ought to be doing.
Some of you reading this may not believe that a good God would allow this to happen in the first place, and that's okay. Believe what you want, but I know my God. I know that God has a plan. I comforted my neighbor who was scared to death. My landlord was more than gracious to me. My other neighbor, who actually called me a sweetheart yesterday while I was walking with my laundry basket, was calmed down and had no damages. I know that God will use this in a remarkable way.
A good bit of you friends have been nothing but supportive of me, and I thank you so much. Your prayers kept my place in tact and still livable. The firemen did an outstanding job of keeping abreast of the situation and keeping my place in tact. Again, thank you to the Firemen of Engine 1 in Roanoke for their quick response and calming words.
I think some cookies are in their future, when I get my stove...
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Free and Brave
I've noticed that there is a huge commotion over a law that has been passed in Arizona. If you're not familiar, basically the Arizona State Legislature passed a bill that would allow business owners to refuse services based on religious beliefs. I'm pretty sure that this law was made to give Christian business owners the right to deny Gays and Lesbians services to their establishments. As you can guess, there is a huge stink. People are shaking their fists at the state of Arizona, calling them bigoted and intolerant. Other groups are saluting the lawmakers for allowance of religious freedoms.
I always ask this question: Why are people so enthralled with getting something from people who clearly don't want anything to do with them? If you're one of those people who are being discriminated against, why go through all the trouble? If someone doesn't want to give you business, go somewhere else. Here's how it usually plays out: person goes to business; business says, "no"; person files huge lawsuit, spending hard earned money on lawyers who couldn't give two spits about your predicament because they just want your money; and you still didn't get the service you were looking for. Sounds kind of stupid to me. Instead of wasting all your time, money, and energy on silly things like lawsuits and picket signs, why not just go somewhere else. Then when someone asks why you didn't go to the original, you can calmly say, "they weren't good enough."
Look, I understand that discrimination exists and isn't right. However, we can't be so in love with getting someone back that we forget that other people have rights, too. No matter how archaic and medieval the beliefs are in your mind, it's still theirs. You don't have the right to try to ruin someone because they don't think like you do. Again, I know about discrimination. I grew up in a town that thinks the Ku Klux Klan is just misunderstood and that Martin Luther King, Jr was just a troublemaker who didn't know how to leave well enough alone. I get it. However, I will always believe in every person's right to whatever they choose.
People might ask me what God thinks about my stance. God believes that people should ultimately follow His will. What that will is, you have to let Him tell you. I do believe that God isn't going to go out of His way to make sure a gay couple can't marry in a garden because the owner has convictions. If the owner values money, it really won't matter who comes walking through the door. However, if the owner has convictions and beliefs, no amount of money is going to change his mind.
This happened in the 60s and 70s with black people. Except, of course, they were hosed down and had dogs released on them. If someone doesn't want my business, I leave. I go about my business and find a place that will take my money. No need to go fussing and complaining and spending my money on a lawsuit. Just roll out.
American businesses have the freedom to choose who they serve. American people just need the bravery to accept it and move on.
And this is Arizona, you should be used to this by now, right Chuck D?
I always ask this question: Why are people so enthralled with getting something from people who clearly don't want anything to do with them? If you're one of those people who are being discriminated against, why go through all the trouble? If someone doesn't want to give you business, go somewhere else. Here's how it usually plays out: person goes to business; business says, "no"; person files huge lawsuit, spending hard earned money on lawyers who couldn't give two spits about your predicament because they just want your money; and you still didn't get the service you were looking for. Sounds kind of stupid to me. Instead of wasting all your time, money, and energy on silly things like lawsuits and picket signs, why not just go somewhere else. Then when someone asks why you didn't go to the original, you can calmly say, "they weren't good enough."
Look, I understand that discrimination exists and isn't right. However, we can't be so in love with getting someone back that we forget that other people have rights, too. No matter how archaic and medieval the beliefs are in your mind, it's still theirs. You don't have the right to try to ruin someone because they don't think like you do. Again, I know about discrimination. I grew up in a town that thinks the Ku Klux Klan is just misunderstood and that Martin Luther King, Jr was just a troublemaker who didn't know how to leave well enough alone. I get it. However, I will always believe in every person's right to whatever they choose.
People might ask me what God thinks about my stance. God believes that people should ultimately follow His will. What that will is, you have to let Him tell you. I do believe that God isn't going to go out of His way to make sure a gay couple can't marry in a garden because the owner has convictions. If the owner values money, it really won't matter who comes walking through the door. However, if the owner has convictions and beliefs, no amount of money is going to change his mind.
This happened in the 60s and 70s with black people. Except, of course, they were hosed down and had dogs released on them. If someone doesn't want my business, I leave. I go about my business and find a place that will take my money. No need to go fussing and complaining and spending my money on a lawsuit. Just roll out.
American businesses have the freedom to choose who they serve. American people just need the bravery to accept it and move on.
And this is Arizona, you should be used to this by now, right Chuck D?
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Comeback Blog
It's been a while since I posted a blog. My bad on that.
Today is my birthday. I decided not to do too much for my birthday. However, this could be one of the best birthdays I've had in a while.
It actually started yesterday when I baked a bunch of cookies for my co-workers at school. I said I would do it, so I did. They were a hit, thank goodness. I got some goodies from some co-workers. It really made my day. A lot of well wishes from people, as well as perplexed looks when I told them how old I was. It was nice.
I had a nice time with my folks at church and the youth group. I got my Burger King crown. The folks went around and said one thing they liked about me. It was special hearing those things.
I know that my birthday is the day where I'm kind of a big deal, however it's just humbling to know that your life is regarded so highly by people you love and respect.
In general, I have to say that this was an awesome birthday. Just knowing that people care so much about you is really encouraging.
As I'm thinking about this birthday, it's a chace to look back at last year. A lot of things have happened to me. I moved to my own place. As sad as having no roommates is, it's good for me to live alone.
I've cut the cord. I have dropped cable television from my life. I now use the Roku box. I basically pay for the Internet and subscriptions to Netflix and HuluPlus. Cut about 50 bucks from my monthly budget. That's a good thing. I have about 50 Roku apps that range from sports to movies to classic TV shows.
I recently witnessed the Ken Ham-Bill Nye debate. Atheists will tell you that Nye won. Christians will tell you that Ham won. God won the battle. His Word was shared to millions of people. Even if the people didn't want to hear it, they got it. I think that was Mr. Ham's mission. As a Christian, I am proud of the testimony and witness that Ken Ham showed. Christianity isn't about outdoing someone or proving someone right or wrong. It's about sharing Christ's love. One thing I saw in Ken Ham was God's love. You can hate the things of God all you want, but God isn't one to show off, so have at it.
Apparently, George Zimmerman wants to do celebrity boxing. One, when did he become a celebrity? Two, if he wants to be a boxer, why didn't he just outbox Trayvon instead of shoot him? I wish Jason "Mayhem" Miller was still doing Bully Beatdown. George would get crushed.
I want to keep this blog going, so I'll try to post one a week. Just talking about life and what I go through.
Today is my birthday. I decided not to do too much for my birthday. However, this could be one of the best birthdays I've had in a while.
It actually started yesterday when I baked a bunch of cookies for my co-workers at school. I said I would do it, so I did. They were a hit, thank goodness. I got some goodies from some co-workers. It really made my day. A lot of well wishes from people, as well as perplexed looks when I told them how old I was. It was nice.
I had a nice time with my folks at church and the youth group. I got my Burger King crown. The folks went around and said one thing they liked about me. It was special hearing those things.
I know that my birthday is the day where I'm kind of a big deal, however it's just humbling to know that your life is regarded so highly by people you love and respect.
In general, I have to say that this was an awesome birthday. Just knowing that people care so much about you is really encouraging.
As I'm thinking about this birthday, it's a chace to look back at last year. A lot of things have happened to me. I moved to my own place. As sad as having no roommates is, it's good for me to live alone.
I've cut the cord. I have dropped cable television from my life. I now use the Roku box. I basically pay for the Internet and subscriptions to Netflix and HuluPlus. Cut about 50 bucks from my monthly budget. That's a good thing. I have about 50 Roku apps that range from sports to movies to classic TV shows.
I recently witnessed the Ken Ham-Bill Nye debate. Atheists will tell you that Nye won. Christians will tell you that Ham won. God won the battle. His Word was shared to millions of people. Even if the people didn't want to hear it, they got it. I think that was Mr. Ham's mission. As a Christian, I am proud of the testimony and witness that Ken Ham showed. Christianity isn't about outdoing someone or proving someone right or wrong. It's about sharing Christ's love. One thing I saw in Ken Ham was God's love. You can hate the things of God all you want, but God isn't one to show off, so have at it.
Apparently, George Zimmerman wants to do celebrity boxing. One, when did he become a celebrity? Two, if he wants to be a boxer, why didn't he just outbox Trayvon instead of shoot him? I wish Jason "Mayhem" Miller was still doing Bully Beatdown. George would get crushed.
I want to keep this blog going, so I'll try to post one a week. Just talking about life and what I go through.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Just Take A Minute
By now, I'm sure you all know the verdict that was just handed down. I won't lie to you, I'm flabbergasted that the jury couldn't even get manslaughter out of it. To be exonerated of all charges, I can guarantee you that George Zimmerman is luckiest man on earth. I don't understand this, I'll be honest. I've watched the case for the most part. I've kept up with the evidence. I've kept up with the phone calls, the animations, and the experts.
I'll start with the elephant in the room, was this racism? Depends on what you're asking about. If you're asking me if I think George Zimmerman's reaction to Trayvon Martin walking around in his neighborhood in the rain in a hoodie (a perfectly natural thing to do when it's cold and rainy), then yes, I think George Zimmerman was being a racial profiler and a bigot. If you're asking me if I think the case and the verdict was racist, honestly no. I think the jury went with what they got and came up with a verdict. I don't really like to jump on the "that's racist" bandwagon unless the N-word or other terrible words are being used or if horrible crimes against black people are being committed. I personally thought that Zimmerman was guilty because he became a vigilante. I'd feel the same way if the races were reversed. I'd feel the same if these were women or one person was a woman. It doesn't matter. I really believe that Zimmerman was looking for trouble that night.
I want to jump to what this means. I feel like this means a lot. First of all, Florida has a history of racially charged incidents and crimes. This does nothing to put more faith in Florida as far as that goes. Florida laws have been written, re-written, and translated in the hopes of stopping this. However, loopholes seem to be more prevalent there than most places. Second of all, I think this could lead to some really bad things. With the uprising of social media, Internet, and instant information being transferred in seconds, this could really start a firestorm. Remember how bad it got in Los Angeles after the Rodney King verdict announced? There was no Facebook or Twitter to spread that word. This could be bad for the state of Florida. This could be terrible for Zimmerman. I honestly think "Not Guilty" was the worst verdict for him considering how we're all vengeful people in some ways. There are people out there that will attempt to end Zimmerman. This is dangerous.
This also means that a lot of Gun Control supporters are going to be hitting this place hard. I'm not a big gun person. They just don't appeal to me. However, I'll always support a person's right to have and own a gun if they are proven worthy and competent enough. However, I do believe that Florida needs to revamp the "Stand Your Ground" law. They really need to make it clear when someone can use their gun to defend themselves. If I see someone unfamiliar, I'm not chasing them down to see what they're up to, whether I have a gun or not. Seems like "Stand Your Ground" invites that attitude. Someone needs to re-write that a little better.
The worst thing about this case is that a 17, would be 18, year old boy is no longer with us. Parents have lost a son. A senior in college lost his little brother. An unfairly vilified young lady lost her best friend. The world lost a young man to, in my opinion, a senseless act. There is nothing that a "guilty" verdict would have done to change that. I'm looking at my Facebook feed, and I'm seeing people seemingly happy or okay with this. I don't think anyone can be okay with this. At peace, maybe. Understanding that there is a higher purpose in all this, absolutely. But, just okay? People have lost someone. It's terrible. There is no justice in that.
I look back to times in my life where things seemed completely unfair. I've been brought to tears over some things. However, I know that there is a better tomorrow. The Martin family will heal. It will probably take a very, very long time. The Zimmerman family will heal. It will probably take a very, very long time. The best thing to do is rely on God. God's provision will suffice. I know Zimmerman got a lot of flack for saying that this is "God's plan." I do have a hard time believing that God wanted Zimmerman to shoot an unarmed teenager going to his dad's house. Just like I have a hard time believing that the people who murdered my dad were carrying out God's plan. I do believe that God will stand with us through these terrible trials. We just have to be patient and trusting. We also have to be sensible. I'm pretty sure most, if not all of you reading this aren't going to start a riot. So the next best thing is to pray and hope that those in Florida who are hurt, crushed, humiliated, and unsure don't do anything rash. I'm typing this as I see Black Panthers on the television screen.
Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. That's how I'm going to cope with this thing. You do what you do.
I want to jump to what this means. I feel like this means a lot. First of all, Florida has a history of racially charged incidents and crimes. This does nothing to put more faith in Florida as far as that goes. Florida laws have been written, re-written, and translated in the hopes of stopping this. However, loopholes seem to be more prevalent there than most places. Second of all, I think this could lead to some really bad things. With the uprising of social media, Internet, and instant information being transferred in seconds, this could really start a firestorm. Remember how bad it got in Los Angeles after the Rodney King verdict announced? There was no Facebook or Twitter to spread that word. This could be bad for the state of Florida. This could be terrible for Zimmerman. I honestly think "Not Guilty" was the worst verdict for him considering how we're all vengeful people in some ways. There are people out there that will attempt to end Zimmerman. This is dangerous.
This also means that a lot of Gun Control supporters are going to be hitting this place hard. I'm not a big gun person. They just don't appeal to me. However, I'll always support a person's right to have and own a gun if they are proven worthy and competent enough. However, I do believe that Florida needs to revamp the "Stand Your Ground" law. They really need to make it clear when someone can use their gun to defend themselves. If I see someone unfamiliar, I'm not chasing them down to see what they're up to, whether I have a gun or not. Seems like "Stand Your Ground" invites that attitude. Someone needs to re-write that a little better.
The worst thing about this case is that a 17, would be 18, year old boy is no longer with us. Parents have lost a son. A senior in college lost his little brother. An unfairly vilified young lady lost her best friend. The world lost a young man to, in my opinion, a senseless act. There is nothing that a "guilty" verdict would have done to change that. I'm looking at my Facebook feed, and I'm seeing people seemingly happy or okay with this. I don't think anyone can be okay with this. At peace, maybe. Understanding that there is a higher purpose in all this, absolutely. But, just okay? People have lost someone. It's terrible. There is no justice in that.
I look back to times in my life where things seemed completely unfair. I've been brought to tears over some things. However, I know that there is a better tomorrow. The Martin family will heal. It will probably take a very, very long time. The Zimmerman family will heal. It will probably take a very, very long time. The best thing to do is rely on God. God's provision will suffice. I know Zimmerman got a lot of flack for saying that this is "God's plan." I do have a hard time believing that God wanted Zimmerman to shoot an unarmed teenager going to his dad's house. Just like I have a hard time believing that the people who murdered my dad were carrying out God's plan. I do believe that God will stand with us through these terrible trials. We just have to be patient and trusting. We also have to be sensible. I'm pretty sure most, if not all of you reading this aren't going to start a riot. So the next best thing is to pray and hope that those in Florida who are hurt, crushed, humiliated, and unsure don't do anything rash. I'm typing this as I see Black Panthers on the television screen.
Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. That's how I'm going to cope with this thing. You do what you do.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
No Offense...
I kind of laugh when I hear that phrase. People say that to kind of soften the blow of their words when they know for certain it's not a good thing to say. Seems like words are getting more and more offensive. You can hardly say anything without a watchdog group or a special interest group sending protesters to your front door. Every other phrase causes a boycott, petition, or rally to pop up. It's really starting to get annoying. However there are a few words that don't need to be said, ever. There is no excuse for it. There is no reason for it. There is no justification for it.
Lately, it's been about Paula Deen and her words. Apparently, Paula Deen recounted in a court case how she's used the N-word in the past. As a result of her admission, she was vilified by the public and fired by Food Network. This has caused an outpouring of support by Paula Deen supporters as well as applause by those who felt her words were unforgivable.
I'm pretty glad that Food Network did what they did. I'm glad they took a stand against this kind of behavior. I'll go into more detail on why I'm glad they did it, but it's not because of her use of the N-word. I'm going to say this about the N-word. It's a terrible, awful, horrendous, and evil word. It tears people down. It rips people apart. It's a word that causes strife and brings to mind the terrible atrocities done to Black people since they were brought to America as slaves. I know I wasn't there for slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, or segregation; however the remnants from those times before are very well prevalent. I'm bothered that Ms. Deen used those words, however I'm even more bothered that people in general use that word. Rap artists, kids on the streets, racists, and bigots all use that word as loosely as my jeans are since I did Insanity.
The use of that word is terrible. I can pretty much guarantee you that if Ms. Deen used that word once, she's used it 1000 times. How would I know? I grew up in the South. Anyone who can use that word once, can use it over and over again. And not just Paula, but the rest of the people I listed have probably used that word easily. So yeah, I'm going to go ahead and call it like I see it. If Deen used that word like that, I'll venture to say that at the very least, she feels black people are slightly inferior to her. I couldn't care less what the circumstances are. I work with a young man with Autism. He has done some things to me that hurt, a lot. It sucked. However, if I were to call him the R-word because he's hurt me, I'm no better than Ms. Deen. Being hurt by someone is no justification for using any totally offensive words.
Now to why I think Ms. Deen was rightfully fired. It really has more to do with her attitude about Black people. The reason I believe her firing was justifiable was because of her plans for a family member's wedding. She felt it would be a good idea to hire a bunch of African American wait staff and dress them as 19th Century slaves. Please give me one way that that is a good idea. For someone to have that kind of flippant attitude about a whole group of people is shameful. That's why I'm glad Paula Deen was fired. She doesn't think everyone is on equal ground. She believes her group of people are better. That's my issue. Her treatment of an African American general manager at her restaurant is the reason her firing was good in my book.
I do think that Paula's actions are just a small problem. There is a terrible epidemic of people thinking other people are beneath them. There is a terrible problem of Black people treating other Black people wrongly. The use of the N-word probably being the most evil of all. How in the world can we expect other people to treat us with respect if we can't do it ourselves? You know how we avoid saying bad words around our kids because we don't want them to repeat them? Well, I think Black people should do the same. Avoid using things that upset us so that other people don't do the same.
Paula Deen didn't make a mistake. She chose to use that word. Let's stop calling it a mistake. Let's call it what it is, sin. It's a sin to say horrible things about other people. It's a sin to consider people lower on the totem pole than you. It's a sin to consider people less than you. Paula Deen's problem isn't a use of a word "once." Paula Deen's problem is her believe that she is superior simply because she isn't Black. Like I said, if she's said it once, she's said it too many times. And from past experience, that once isn't all.
Lately, it's been about Paula Deen and her words. Apparently, Paula Deen recounted in a court case how she's used the N-word in the past. As a result of her admission, she was vilified by the public and fired by Food Network. This has caused an outpouring of support by Paula Deen supporters as well as applause by those who felt her words were unforgivable.
I'm pretty glad that Food Network did what they did. I'm glad they took a stand against this kind of behavior. I'll go into more detail on why I'm glad they did it, but it's not because of her use of the N-word. I'm going to say this about the N-word. It's a terrible, awful, horrendous, and evil word. It tears people down. It rips people apart. It's a word that causes strife and brings to mind the terrible atrocities done to Black people since they were brought to America as slaves. I know I wasn't there for slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, or segregation; however the remnants from those times before are very well prevalent. I'm bothered that Ms. Deen used those words, however I'm even more bothered that people in general use that word. Rap artists, kids on the streets, racists, and bigots all use that word as loosely as my jeans are since I did Insanity.
The use of that word is terrible. I can pretty much guarantee you that if Ms. Deen used that word once, she's used it 1000 times. How would I know? I grew up in the South. Anyone who can use that word once, can use it over and over again. And not just Paula, but the rest of the people I listed have probably used that word easily. So yeah, I'm going to go ahead and call it like I see it. If Deen used that word like that, I'll venture to say that at the very least, she feels black people are slightly inferior to her. I couldn't care less what the circumstances are. I work with a young man with Autism. He has done some things to me that hurt, a lot. It sucked. However, if I were to call him the R-word because he's hurt me, I'm no better than Ms. Deen. Being hurt by someone is no justification for using any totally offensive words.
Now to why I think Ms. Deen was rightfully fired. It really has more to do with her attitude about Black people. The reason I believe her firing was justifiable was because of her plans for a family member's wedding. She felt it would be a good idea to hire a bunch of African American wait staff and dress them as 19th Century slaves. Please give me one way that that is a good idea. For someone to have that kind of flippant attitude about a whole group of people is shameful. That's why I'm glad Paula Deen was fired. She doesn't think everyone is on equal ground. She believes her group of people are better. That's my issue. Her treatment of an African American general manager at her restaurant is the reason her firing was good in my book.
I do think that Paula's actions are just a small problem. There is a terrible epidemic of people thinking other people are beneath them. There is a terrible problem of Black people treating other Black people wrongly. The use of the N-word probably being the most evil of all. How in the world can we expect other people to treat us with respect if we can't do it ourselves? You know how we avoid saying bad words around our kids because we don't want them to repeat them? Well, I think Black people should do the same. Avoid using things that upset us so that other people don't do the same.
Paula Deen didn't make a mistake. She chose to use that word. Let's stop calling it a mistake. Let's call it what it is, sin. It's a sin to say horrible things about other people. It's a sin to consider people lower on the totem pole than you. It's a sin to consider people less than you. Paula Deen's problem isn't a use of a word "once." Paula Deen's problem is her believe that she is superior simply because she isn't Black. Like I said, if she's said it once, she's said it too many times. And from past experience, that once isn't all.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
What If...
So obviously it's Fathers' Day. If your Facebook friends' random pictures of their dad didn't tell you, I'm sure some suit store commercial did. Fathers' Day has a completely different meaning to me. You see, I was only blessed to have my father in my life for six years. I won't go through all the details, but he passed away tragically. I had a stepfather who wasn't quite sure how to be a father, or any kind of man for that matter. I have a stepfather now who I know loves my family very much. I don't get too choked up or concerned about Fathers' Day because of all those factors.
I always wonder, "what if my father were still alive today?" It's quite the haunting thought. I think about if I would be in the position I would be in right now. I wonder if I would have the life I have. Would my family have moved to South Carolina if Dad were still alive? Would I have been as active in church? Would I have even gone to church? It's a really deep line of thinking. It's almost like soul searching, really.
I think it's better not to think in those terms. In the end, God has me exactly where I need to be. Everything that has happened in my life is exactly the way my life was supposed to go. We always talk ask, "why do bad things happen to good people?" The truth is there really is no such thing as good people, just people doing good things. We're all kinds of messed up sometimes. I think things happen to us to teach us lessons. Sometimes, those lessons are hard. Sometimes, those lessons come days, weeks, months, even years afterwards.
I think that happened to me. My father's death when I was six was very confusing. However I truly believe that God had a plan. It took pretty much my college career to truly realize that plan. I know some of you are rolling your eyes at the idea that God had a plan through all this, but it's the truth. When I saw God leading me to teach youth, I saw the light. When the Good Lord led me to be in special education, I really got the idea.
My father's death was truly saddening. It was maddening as well. It was just a bad time. However now that I know that it was the catalyst to how my is life now, I'm not as bothered by it. I also know that my father is in Heaven, watching down and cheering me on. It has taught me about faith, strength, and patience. Patience especially. Patience for God's plan. Patience with other people. Patience with life in general.
I want to wish all those fathers out there. Not babydaddys, that's a stupid and disrespectful term. I'm talking true fathers. Those who dedicate their lives to their kids. Those who do everything to make their kids better, including treating their mothers with respect. I want to say Happy Fathers' Day to you. Be blessed.
I always wonder, "what if my father were still alive today?" It's quite the haunting thought. I think about if I would be in the position I would be in right now. I wonder if I would have the life I have. Would my family have moved to South Carolina if Dad were still alive? Would I have been as active in church? Would I have even gone to church? It's a really deep line of thinking. It's almost like soul searching, really.
I think it's better not to think in those terms. In the end, God has me exactly where I need to be. Everything that has happened in my life is exactly the way my life was supposed to go. We always talk ask, "why do bad things happen to good people?" The truth is there really is no such thing as good people, just people doing good things. We're all kinds of messed up sometimes. I think things happen to us to teach us lessons. Sometimes, those lessons are hard. Sometimes, those lessons come days, weeks, months, even years afterwards.
I think that happened to me. My father's death when I was six was very confusing. However I truly believe that God had a plan. It took pretty much my college career to truly realize that plan. I know some of you are rolling your eyes at the idea that God had a plan through all this, but it's the truth. When I saw God leading me to teach youth, I saw the light. When the Good Lord led me to be in special education, I really got the idea.
My father's death was truly saddening. It was maddening as well. It was just a bad time. However now that I know that it was the catalyst to how my is life now, I'm not as bothered by it. I also know that my father is in Heaven, watching down and cheering me on. It has taught me about faith, strength, and patience. Patience especially. Patience for God's plan. Patience with other people. Patience with life in general.
I want to wish all those fathers out there. Not babydaddys, that's a stupid and disrespectful term. I'm talking true fathers. Those who dedicate their lives to their kids. Those who do everything to make their kids better, including treating their mothers with respect. I want to say Happy Fathers' Day to you. Be blessed.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Here we go again...
So apparently this commercial has caused a lot of issues. There is a healthy amount of people, and by healthy I mean an amount larger than 1000, that believe that this commercial is awful simply because the family is interracial Considering that scientifically speaking there is only one race, it's more like the family has differing amounts of melanin in their systems. However for the sake of this blog and the controversy, we'll just go with different races.
Anyway, I wonder why people have such a problem with interracial relationships and families. What is the big deal with someone dating someone that isn't a match? In particular, why do people avoid the interracial relationship for themselves? I've kind of narrowed it down to five reasons. The first four can be fixed with a little open mindedness and introspection. The fifth, well there's really no hope, but you'll figure that out when you read it. Anyway, here we go. And if you're one of those that had a problem with said commercial, maybe you should figure out your hang ups and try to fix them.
1. No Opportunity
Sometimes you just don't get the opportunity. You have nothing against it, you just haven't met anyone in that category. And that's cool. Some people live in neighborhoods where it's not possible to do so. Sometimes, you meet that childhood sweetheart and don't even bother to play the field. Nothing wrong with that. Maybe the opportunity will come for you and you'll see that they're not all that bad.
2. Not Your Preference
You don't have anything against it, but you like your future husband or wife to have certain traits that quite frankly aren't possible with other races. I mean I guess it's possible, but you'd need surgery, hair dye, contacts, and drugs to accomplish it, see Michael Jackson. You don't have anything against it for anyone else, but you don't find that particular side of the melanin scale. If you're wondering, Asian women aren't really my thing. However if I find that particular future wife and she happens to be Asian, I'm not going to complain. God has a sense of humor, I'm used to it.
3. Family Issues
You may not have an issue with it, but you're deathly afraid of being disowned by your family. I totally understand. Family is important. They shaped and molded you into who you are today. However, there has to come a point where you make a decision. You have to decide if your happiness is less or more important than your family. And trust me on this, if your family has issues with who God may have for you, God will set you up anyway. I've been in that situation where the family wasn't a fan. Once I realized that that person was more interested in keeping their family happy than keeping themselves happy, I eliminated that person. At some point, you became a grown up. Time to make grown up decisions without fear of consequence.
4. Biblical Reasons
Now it gets dicey. There are verses and passages that tell the Jewish people to avoid other nations and races. However, we have to remember that the Jewish people back then were quite gullible to other religions and forgetting God's grace and word. This doesn't apply to us Gentiles, or anyone really. God really doesn't have an issue with two Christians being together, even they're different colors. So once you realize that it's not a sin and it's okay, you're good again.
5. Inferiority
This is the reason that I believe is hardest to get over. Once you believe that any race is inferior, you're pretty much not going to change. You have to really think about your thoughts on other people going forward. When you see a commercial with an interracial family, you first ask "what's that doing with that?" That's not a good look. Point being, thinking anyone is inferior is terrible. You need to work on that. You're not that perfect, so stop thinking that.
I've thought about this thing for a while. I used to just think that people who were against it were just racist, bigoted, ignorant folks. However, I've had to adjust my thinking. There are reasons things like that happen, and it's not just people being against me or others. I've had to humble myself to the fact that people have extenuating circumstances.
It's time we as Americans realize that people that aren't like you and me exist. We also have to realize that people that don't look like you or me date each other. We also have to realize that sometimes, they have kids together. They also get married. They live long, happy, healthy lives. And their kids are great looking, for what it's worth. It's time we stop fussing and complaining and start accepting. Like I said, nothing illegal is happening, so whatever.
I'm open to discussion, friendly banter, and what not. If you feel like giving me your side, feel free. I enjoy it. I embrace it.
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