Saintly Old Lady vs. Murderous Young Thug

Earlier today, being tired and a shade too grumpy, I pondered over being judgmental, as I tend to get when I'm in such a state. I know, in theory, it's wrong, but then I thought about how I do it all of the time; I prefer good people over bad, that's just how I roll. But then I got to thinking about the intrinsic value of the individual, and how much character plays in how much I like them as a person. I suppose this is natural because this helps us decide whom to embrace and whom to steer clear of. But what about God: since God loves us all equally, shouldn't we strive to do the same?

Well, of course. Sure, God loves us each the same, but our behavior...needless to say, that's how God judges us in the end. So how can it be wrong to judge others when that's what God does? Frankly, it's not. That's how we deem who should be in our lives and who shouldn't be. But being human, we must be careful how we use our judgments of others. At worst, our judgments must yield a neutral result, and at best, it should yield constructive help for the ones around you with the character flaws. Loving all people, even the worst of the worst vile and evil murderers, is based on their God-given value, not on their character. And while you may despise what the murder does, one must accept that even murderers, while they are still alive, have the potential to be saints. And that potential is what is to be loved, obviously not their present behaviors.

So then, that got me to thinking (how, I'm not terribly sure): if I saw a burning car wreck with a saintly old woman and a murderous young thug trapped inside (how the two got in a car together is peculiar to begin with, I know, but I digress), and I could save only one of them, which would it be?

Originally, I was thinking that I would save the old lady, as she's a good person (and remember, I like good people), but then I thought, what is really important? The old lady has no worries (as far as I can tell) with being with God after she dies, but the thug...well, the thug only has the potential. But it's that Godly potential that is to be loved and valued. Ultimately, the most important thing in this life is where we end up in the next. With the old woman obviously squared away with God, I would have to save the thug, as hard as that would be to do. The thug needs the salvation, the old lady already has it.

Who would you save, and why? Post a comment here:

On Racism

My sister and her hubby, my bff, turned me onto Flight of the Conchords (from HBO), and loaned me the first season on DVD. If you haven't seen the show, you really should try to. It provides great joy through being absurd, clever, and absolutely hilarious.

Earlier today, I watched the episode in which the Indian guy who runs a fruit stand gets extremely "racist" against Jermaine and Bret (the two white guys who make up the novelty band, Flight of the Conchords) because he thinks they are from Australia. Apparently, the fruit vendor has great hatred towards Australians; so much so that he adamantly refuses to sell them any fruit at all, and even has the apple that Bret touches destroyed. All turns out fine, however, when the Indian guy finds out that they're actually from New Zealand and not from horrible Australia. After that, they become friends.

This is a fantastic example of how stupid racism is. Racism is not based on judging an individual based on merit or character, but rather on negative stereotypes or assumptions of a group. Racism is a pitiful character flaw, often based in ignorance. And while it is perfectly natural for people to fear what they do not know, as healthy fear helps keep us safe, fear of unfamiliar races and cultures is not rational, since it is based on unenlightened, and oft unexamined, negative emotional responses. But then again, how can ignorance be anything but irrational?

But ignorance isn't always the problem. Sometimes, highly-educated and worldly people are extremely bigoted, because the other source of racism is low self-esteem. People who feel bad or insecure about themselves (and usually lack morality or common decency), tend to want to insult or diminish the value of others so that their own stock rises. Obviously and objectively, that doesn't work, and only makes the racist appear sad, desperate, and truly pathetic (to which the racist is almost always oblivious).

The differences in race and culture of the people of the world are not at all scary, but are beautiful, interesting and intentionally created by God. And no, it is not racist to point out that certain people are a different color than you (or even joke about it). That's not racism, that's descriptive dialogue. Racism only enters into the equation when anything negative (in thought, word, or deed) is attached to the difference.

I know that, eventually, in our growing global community, racism will atrophy until it will only be found in history books. But we can only get there if we all strive to be enlightened and accepting of all others. Play your part in getting us to this better future. Stay rational and embrace the differences amongst God's children. And remember: God loves us all the same and won't judge us on the color of our skin, but on the content of our character. Emulate God always.

Everything Happens for a Reason, Revisited

When things tend to be random, seemingly meaningless, or are going down-right terribly, I have a bad habit to get self-involved and have doubts that God has a plan. I know it's based on my selfish opinion of how I want things to go, but nevertheless, I get wrapped up in my self too much to step out and accept that even the mundane has a purpose. But it does. Everything actually happens for a reason, and today was a great affirmation of that fact.

I took my brother to the emergency room to get a doctor's note so that he could return to work, after having broken his clavicle seven weeks ago. While there, the doctor found my brother's blood pressure to be critically high. So high, in fact, that my brother's life could be at risk if he left it untreated. Well, what a convenient bit of luck, then, that it happened to be discovered. The overall odds of my brother having gone to get his blood pressure checked and treated was next to none, as he lacks insurance, and would never have gone to see the doctor had he not been injured.

But praise God for the wonderful blessing of my brother's broken clavicle (which is already healed). He is now on medication to get his blood pressure in line and is earnestly going to try to stop the habits that caused it. When a turn of events happens in such a way that a bad accident turns into a blessing...well, I can only thank God and be reminded from this that everything truly does happen for a reason. God is marvelous!

Don't Get Mad at Yourself, Get Even

In reflecting on why I spend so much time beating myself up over poor decisions in the past, I came to accept, with God's help, it's because I'm a good person. I strive to do good and right things and when I screw up, I feel bad. Sometimes, I feel downright wretched.

But God reminds me, as often as I allow myself to listen, that the past is unchangeable, so I have to just accept the facts and move forward. I know first hand how incredibly difficult this is. And while I know that all humans make mistakes, which is our nature, I still want to strive to be the best person I can be, to try to be as perfect as possible.

And therein lies the rub: it is impossible to be perfect while we are on Earth with our free will. Free will, by its nature, includes the entire spectrum of deed, word, and thought. And sometimes bad or negative things result. Sometimes out of ignorance, but usually out of selfishness.

So what does one do with past decisions that one laments? Learn the lesson that needs learning, let go of the emotional pain (made possible through acceptance and prayer), and then really push forward with making the future better. And with focus and keeping God in mind as often as possible, you will get to a better place.

Reflect and Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is my sentimental favorite holiday. Christmas has all the glitz and glam, but Thanksgiving is so rustic, so simple, it brings me great joy. But the primary reason I love it so is because of my family. Spending time with my dear and wonderful family is the best thing in my life, and then add a FANTASTIC meal to boot...well, that's just a winning combination for a perfect day. Truly.

So here's a list of my most sacred and appreciated blessings (yes, I do love my lists):

1.) Life (necessary for all other blessings)

2.) Family (I truly cannot stress enough how lovely and fun they make my life. My life is perfect because of them.)

3.) Friends (they can be like family, just less blood related)

4.) All good people (they are the salvation of this planet)

5.) Nature (For real, have you see it? I mean, God's beauty and creativity are off the hook!)

6.) God's mercy, patience, and limitless love (without these, I would be in big trouble)

7.) My house (to me, it is perfect, as flawed as it is)

8.) My car (as banged up as it is, I am greatly blessed, as many go without)

9.) My job (I've been HUGELY blessed as far as my job security and lack of job stress)


Appreciation requires focus, and Thanksgiving is the one day in particular during which proper focus is paid towards one's blessings. And I have an embarrassment of riches as far as blessings are concerned. I hope you have as well. God be with you on this important and precious holiday. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Wake up call

There are things that happen in one's life that force immediate change of ways, and my recent health scare was that for me.

As altruistic and positive as I make myself out to be, I am still just a human, with the ability to make bad choices, do dumb things, ride an emotional roller coaster, and be selfish. And lazy, don't forget lazy.

Which brings me to my wake up call: I have abruptly realized that it actually is important to pay attention to one's body (your most intimate gift from God) and take the best care of it as possible. Needless to say for anyone who knows me, I have room for improvement in this area. I plan to stick around for at least 100 more years, so I have to be sure to take care of the vessel that will let that happen.

Living is a wonderful blessing, so I want to be sure we are all around for a long time, especially you. By the way, I'm not kidding. If you read this, that means you vow to take care of your body with proper nutrition, stretching and exercise, regular check-ups, and rest. Ha ha, now you have to, no take backs. You'll be glad you did, anyways. Take good care of yourself.

Facing Death Successfully

Death is one scary s.o.b., no doubt. The idea of it is so final and so unbearably sad. Yet we all have to face our own mortality sooner or later. (I pray for us all much later.)

Having faith in God is a wonderful comfort, but doubt is a natural human response to anything and everything. So when one faces that what comes after this life is truly unknown, with or without God, the fear of this mystery can grow exponentially.

Through a recent cancer scare, I came face-to-face with the abyss. Not literally, but in my mind. I came to realize that infinity is an overwhelming idea and that dwelling on things over which you have no control is quite literally madness. And then God reminded me return to center, grab back my focus, and live the heck out of the rest of the time I have, no matter how many decades it is.


So here's my Inspirational Guide to Facing Impending Death, Yet Appearing Cool as a Cucumber:

1. Don't think twice about the inevitability of death. Seriously, what's the point?

2. Clear your conscience, make amends for wrongdoings, say everything good you can to your loved ones, and live righteously with God guiding you through your conscience as you take your final bows. It's all about approaching the finish line properly.

3. Do your own prep: I know it's not fun to think about, but write down and share with your loved ones your final wishes and such. Yes, have a will.

4. Give your junk away: pass treasures along to those you wish while you can actually share with them the sentiment. (Come to think of it, you don't even have to be dying to do this one.)

5. Organize your legacy of pictures, journals, books, keepsakes, etc. Share with those to whom you pass these most precious heirlooms their importance and catalog what you can. (Ditto.)

6. As you get closer to the checkered flag, stay focused on how much God loves you, God's truly limitless mercy, and focus on the wonderful people who have passed before you. They're already there, where ever there is, so maybe they're keeping an eye out for your welcome. Ya never know.

7. Thank God for everything, as every second on this Earth is a beautiful blessing. Short stay or long, everybody leaves this life with some memory that is worth cherishing. Perpetually remember all of the love you shared during your life and all of the loved ones with whom that love was shared. Focus on all of the great and wondrous creations in nature, and thank God for how perfect it all is.

8. And, if you can, try to go in your sleep. I hear it's better.