Yesterday's News

We are able to watch peoples’ lives fall apart.

The media is on steroids with the Internet. No matter what happened, no matter where it happened, it could turn into today’s news. Eventually, it turns into yesterday’s news but not before a person’s life is torn apart by public opinion, intrusion on their family, and every stone of their past turned over and dissected for the whole world to see.

I am not sure what gives the media the right to call someone repeatedly and then say calls where not answered or returned. Or to go to their door and then say the door wasn’t opened or the person who answered refused to comment.

But in a week or a month the media and public will have moved on to another topic. But the person’s life will be damaged and uncovered in such a way that it’s painful to put back together.

The media drives me crazy.

For example, when a person in the public’s eye dies, the media is there like a virus. If your mom, dad, brother, sister, or friend died how would you feel? So to ask a person how they feel is quite dumb in my opinion. Grief is an emotion we all understand and feel at some point in our lives.

I’m not quite getting this out the way I want to, but I feel really strong about it.

Yes, people choose to be in the public eye but even they need to have some privacy.

I think of the sins of my past, present, and future. I would not want them exposed in a way that would injure those closest to me.

I think sin is sin. I don’t believe one sin is greater but society seems to. I also don’t think anyone is beyond repentance. I mean anyone. Someone once asked, well what about Saddam Hussein. In my opinion, Saddam Hussein was not beyond repentance. If one person is beyond repentance then guess what, that means none of us are. And believe me some of what I have done is not pretty. And who knows what I am capable of doing given the chance, temptation, and opportunity.

I am particular offended when people who don’t go to church or believe in God act like those of us who do are supposed to be miraculous perfect. I wish. I can go over a number of stuff I’ve done post salvation that would send tongues wagging and make people say, oh well she is a hypocrite or she is not saved.

When what it boils down to is that I am human and will make mistakes. This does not justify me going out and purposefully committing any sin against God. But it does say hey I make mistakes and will continue to make mistake because that is part of the journey.

I began thinking about this when the story came out about the governor from South Carolina.

Rent

In March, I wrote about Moment’s in Time. Today I had such a moment. I went and saw Rent with my dear friend, Des. I had seen Rent before in New York City, but this Broadway tour had two of the original cast members, Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp. When Pascal sang “One Song Glory,” I felt emotional and deeply moved.

In my case it would be more along the lines of getting that book out of me or putting together that book of testimonies or poetry.

There were some songs like “Will I?” that make me ache with sadness at the thought of someone dying alone with AIDS or cancer. It would be very lonely and there are people who are very much alone and that makes me sad.

There truly is no day like today. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is not promised. Today is the day to use any special occasion items you have. Today is the today to work towards your purpose and destiny.

It was just another reminder to live life to the fullest.

I am the Cure

Last Sunday, I took part in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. My job had a team that was co-captained by two breast cancer survivors. One of my coworkers is in chemo right now for breast cancer, and one of my friend’s mother is a survivor.

The first thing that struck me was the number of people who took part in the walk. A voice inside my head kept repeating this is only one type of cancer.

As I walked, I was moved to see breast cancer survivors surrounded by their daughters, granddaughters, husbands, etc. I was also struck by the families who came together in honor of a loved one who passed away from the dreaded disease.

It was a pretty emotional morning, but I felt like I was taking part in something way bigger than me. I felt like I was walking in a community even though I didn’t know most of the people around me. We were all there for the same purpose and cause.

When I first woke up, a part of me lazily wanted to sleep in. Then I realized I had made a commitment to take part in the walk. I had an obligation to the people who donated money on my behalf and an obligation to the word I had given my coworkers that I would participate.

I am glad I got over myself and my own wants/desires in order to be part of a community.

Facebook’s fifteen books you've read that will always stick with you.

1. The Bible
2. Wuthering Heights
3. Pride and Prejudice
4. A Tale of Two Cities
5. In Search of Satisfaction
6. One Hundred Years of Solitude
7. Sense and Sensibility
8. Emily Dickenson poetry
9. Edgar Allan Poe short stories
10. A Taste of Power
11. To Die for the People
12. Lord of the Rings
13. Chronicles of Narnia
14. I’ve Been A Woman
15. The Wounded Healer

A Journey of Kindness

A few days ago, I had to talk myself out of bed. Getting out of bed led to what I will refer to as a series of unfortunate events, which almost led to a breakdown. By the time I was leaving my house, I was convinced I should have stayed in bed. Nevertheless, I pressed on. I got on a crowded bus, and I sat down. A woman across from me gave me a tentative smile, and I gave her what I hope was a blank look. Hopefully it was not a death glare. For some reason, I just wouldn’t/didn’t smile back.

Once I arrived at work, I went through what I will refer to as a series of fortunate events. It culminated with me remembering the signature I put on my hotmail account. It simply says, “Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.” Immediately, I thought about the woman on the bus who smiled at me. The only thing it would have cost me to smile back at her was me getting over myself, my mood, and my woe is me attitude of that day.

It was actually a shame and not one of my finer moments.

I few years ago, a woman came to my church and spoke. During the service, she said to the usher in the back (me) that God wanted me to go a journey of extra kindness. She said that my kindness to others would unlock doors for me. She went on to tell me to do what God is promoting in me and for me to walk alone with God. She said that God was setting me up and that God was ready to blow my mind. She told me to come alone with God through a kindness, a trail of being kind.

That day a few days ago, I forgot about my journey, and unfortunately I cannot that moment in time back to be kind.