Let Him Who is Perfect…

I was not going to enter this horrible race war when Paula Dean had her problems with the past.  I wasn’t going to get into the mess with all the white policemen when they started getting into trouble.  I wasn’t going to say much for or against Hulk Hogan when he got dragged (or dragged himself) in to the race war.

Then, I read this article about a woman of 4 who accidentally left her child in a carrier in the grocery cart at the store for 45 minutes when she got home, realized, and drove back.  By then police had been called and she was charged with child endangerment.

Now, I have to say something for all of these.  Ferguson may be the exception, but the rule still fits a little.

First, here’s the article:  http://my.xfinity.com/video/mom-charged-for-leaving-child-in-shopping-cart/516308547709/Comcast/Today_in_Video?cid=hero_sf_TIV

Now here’s what I found on FaceBook:  https://www.facebook.com/search/str/istandwithcherish/keywords_top

I am not going to stand up particularly for any of these people or situations.  What I am going to do is to take a second and yell at all the people who made instant decisions to “hate” all these people, policemen, celebs, whoever.  I understand the horrible feelings if your loved one was killed and it looks like prejudice or bad judgment or even selected error.  But, people, where did all your compassion go?  Where did the treat people like yourself go?  Where did your positive feelings go?  The network has dropped Hulk Hogan because of one thing said, something he has apologized over and over for and has said where he was at the time and how low he felt.

Paula Dean has fought to climb back a little from something that, may have been said, but was brought about by a disgruntled employee who may or may not have been totally accurate.  I won’t get into the Ferguson deal.  Sorry…that one’s a bomb ready to go off…

Then, here is this mother, horrified and mortified that she made a mistake.  Sure, it could have ended up very badly.  The child could have been hit or kidnapped, or died.  Yes, it could have happened.  But, she did everything she could as quickly as she could to fix it.  And, in the end, because of people with feelings, the child is okay.  I am not saying that the parents (or, at least, Mom) should not have some sort of punishment, but, hey, in this case couldn’t we make it a minimum thing, write it up, file it, make sure she can’t make another mistake like this, but ease off…

People lately must be really scared for themselves, because they jump at the first chance to “put someone away”, “make them pay,” “show them who’s boss”.  And, it is, mostly — CRAP!

Help each other a little, smile a little, yep, you may get knocked down once in awhile for being nice, but the world in general raises up a bit with ever nice thing that happens.

I better stop and let you speak your pieces, good or not-so-good.  I don’t judge and I am not here.  I just notice and speak my piece, too.

Namaste,

Scott

Who are You?

Recently, and not for the first time, I received a list of 12 things about you (me) that I identify more and more with.  Bert made a comment to me, today, about approaching the point where there were no more ethics, just limitless compassion.  I like that.  And, in accordance with that ideal, here are the 12 things and my comments on them.  I hope you like and identify with several, if not all.

Scott Westerfeld, I believe, wrote “Uglies”, a wonderful book admiring imperfection.

(Image from http://cupcakesniper.blogspot.com/2009/12/operation-beautiful.html)

1. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way..

if you think about this, there are many different types of love.  My Mom and Dad love me, so does my sister.  But, my best friend does too.  I love myself.  There are people here in this blog world that I love, so I can also imagine that they could love me, too.  It doesn’t have to be romantic or even a, “I would do anything for you” type of love.  Love can be very simple and light-hearted.

2. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don’t like you.

Did you ever think about the power of a smile?  I often meet people’s eyes in stores and out walking and give them a big smile.  They, usually, smile in return.  Sometimes, they even stare.  I assume it’s because they can’t understand why I am smiling.  I feel confident that it brightens their day; I know it does mine.

3. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

My mother and my sister both tell me that they pray about me every night.  That makes two.  My aunt told me that she does, too.  I don’t know if I count, but I think about myself each night before going to sleep.

4. You mean the world to someone.

When I was in high school (I didn’t find this out until much later), there was a girl who admired me greatly and never told me so.  I don’t know about romance, but she looked upon me as a role model and thought the world of me.  It unnerved me when I found out, because someone was paying attention to me and I didn’t have any idea.  After that, I realized and tried harder to watch how I acted around others and the type of impression I might make.

5. If not for you, someone may not be living.

I dated a young woman years ago.  She was bent on killing herself in a few years.  She told me she was waiting because she made a promise to someone that she would, at least, wait until a certain age.  We broke up because I told her I couldn’t live under the pressure that someone I cared for might kill herself like that.  I didn’t want to fall in love with someone who was planning to go away so soon.  After we broke up, I called her.  She was much happier.  She said she had thought about what I had said and decided to try counseling.  She was doing well and was on anti-depressants.  I think she qualifies as my one.

6. You are special and unique.

This should go without saying for me.  It is at the center of my entire belief system.  I told this to my children every day for about five years.

7. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won’t get it, but if you trust God to do what’s best, and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get it or something better.

This is even more central.  Restated:  “All things work out in the end.  If it hasn’t worked out, it isn’t the end.”  My mantra for life.  God may not always give me what I ask for, but He knows best.  Whatever I get is what I truly need.  It doesn’t mean not to ask; it simply means to accept.

8. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.

See number 7 above.  It’s just a natural result of 7.  If you trust that all things work out, then, mistake or not, it will all be fine – so, quit worrying and just live.

9. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.

Most of the time, when you think all is lost, it is merely that you are giving up for the time being.  Turn yourself around and realize that God (the world) never turns His back on you.  He will always be with you, watch out for you, and give you what you truly need.

10. Someone that you don’t even know exists loves you.

I can believe this for one big reason:  there are some women out there who I truly believe I could (perhaps, do) love and they have no idea I feel that way.  There is a book entitled “The Dance” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer.  I read that book and fell head over heels in love with her just from her writing about her life.  I even wrote a letter to her telling her this, but never mailed it.  She had no idea I was even alive, so yes, it happens.

11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

There will always be someone who wants to rain on your parade.  When I think about poor Amanda Todd, I know that she remembered the rude remarks.  There were compliments, even if she didn’t pay attention to them.

12. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you’ll both be happy.

This is something I am learning to do now.  Since the stroke I am more prone to tell people things and be truthful about it.  If I am a little upset, it helps me to tell them and it, eventually, helps them to know.  If I care a lot about them, I need to share that, too.  They may feel the same or may like me more when they know.  Since I don’t hate anyone at all, I shouldn’t have to deal with that part.

There you are; 12 things that center my being and make my world a good place to be.

How about you?  What things really make your world worth it?

What makes you happy to get up each morning?

At least, know this:  I love each of you and hope your day is beautiful.

Namaste,

Scott

That Question of Death

It is early evening on Sunday.  I, generally, try to write my blog post in the morning.   However, with my Dad in the hospital, I visited with Mom, stayed quite awhile, and came home late this afternoon.

I have been dealing with several issues lately and will throw them out to you for discussion if I may. My belief in death is that we all go to God when it’s done. I have never been big on judgement and punishment; I know that statement will bother a lot of church-goers; I apologize.  I am not trying to offend, just explain.

Dad doesn’t like to show worry, but I believe he is.  I am.  I am not worried for anything except his physical body, the deep emotions he would leave behind, and the problems with him being gone.

My faith in God watching over us (over him) and bringing all things together for good, does not leave death out of the picture. I understand that. I also understand it is not always better for someone to continue living. I don’t believe this is Dad’s case at all. He has many years left in him and he doesn’t want to die. My dilemma is simply the pain of leaving behind people who have issues.

I know it’s not my place to worry about everyone and I don’t really. But, I have just been trying to work and word the idea of “everything works together for good” and the idea of death. How do we talk with people about this and still sound compassionate?   I am sorry, but “he’s in a better place now,” just doesn’t cut it well with me. Nor does “you know, he lived his whole life preparing to leave and be with God.”

Perhaps, that makes me selfish, but, if so, it does most of the population of the world, I think. Opinion?
Namaste,
Scott