Forgiveness Changes The Present

Obviously, not everyone sees it this way, but forgiveness is essential. It is necessary. It is Godly, God inspired and the will of God. Sometimes it is not easy. However, in some ways it is common sense because it can relieve a person of a serious burden. On the other hand, some people refuse to forgive because that is their way of acquiring revenge, or of punishing the offender. Look at it this way: I know people can (and do) hurt us. But do we need to continue hurting ourselves over the matter? Today, on the back of a magazine, I found a hand-written quote that discusses forgiveness. I do not know the author, and I am unable to give the person any credit for writing it. Here it is:............"Forgiveness changes the present, not the past. Forgiveness is a personal choice. It is not about changing the person who hurt you. It is not about condoning their actions or even reconciling with them. It is a choice you make to heal yourself."

Hey......Mr. Anthropologist......

He has never called himself an anthropologist. He may even be unfamiliar with the academic discipline of Anthropology. What is anthropology, anyway? According to Webster's definition, it is "the scientific study of the origin and the physical, social and cultural development and behavior of humans." I have talked to tourists, travelers, vacationers, visitors and the like about their trips to Mexico, Central America and South America. I get the impression sometimes, that they do not like to see other travelers where they are visiting. I get the impression that they have preconceived notions about how conditions "should be." How the indigenous people "should be." They act disappointed because an "Indian" has a cell phone or a computer and knows how to use it. What did he expect? "Mr. Anthropologist" finds solace in studying indigenous peoples of Latin America. But sometimes he doesn't realize that those people are sometimes exposed to technology and are able to view different ways of living, and at times, these ways have proven to be very attractive to them. But sometimes, "Mr. Anthropologist," in his condescension, does not see it that way. He prefers to see a living textbook in front of him, that conforms to some sort of mystique he has developed in his mind and expectations.

Patriotism, Flag Salutes And National Anthems

The following entry is a letter I wrote to GOP-USA, in response to an article they published regarding a lack of patriotism in our country.......... "Patriotism or no patriotism, flag salute or no flag salute, National Anthem or no National Anthem. If this country is NOT a great place to live, if it is NOT a great place for opportunities, if it is NOT a great place to practice your freedoms and pursue your dreams…..then why do many people risk their lives to get here? Why do they give their life savings to a stranger, who has promised to bring them here, who may mistreat and/or physically harm them? Why do unescorted children come here? Why have small-statured men and women been found under hoods of cars, and hanging on to a car by way of a chassis? Why do they swim the Rio Grande and Pacific Ocean or take unsafe boats? Why are they willing to hide inside of suitcases and attempt to be cargo on board ships and planes? I’ll tell you why in 5 words: It is a great country! I did not say it is a perfect place. There are no perfect places. And there won’t be any. Not on this planet at least. I have no problem loving this country. I might hate or dislike this country if I had a great deal of bitterness, anger, hatred and jealousy. But those are issues I must deal with myself, and no country in this world can help me with them."

Craig Hicks: "Live And Let Live"?

Several days ago, Craig Hicks murdered three people, he left a man and two women dead. All 3 were Muslims. This happened in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Craig Hicks is an atheist who claims to hate all religions. He has a problem with religious people. Everybody has problems. The big question is: How do we deal with them? Murder is an inappropriate way/substitute/excuse for dealing with one’s problems. I believe in the Second Amendment. However, people who are angry, fed up, annoyed, depressed, confused and desperate need to seek other means to resolve their unrest. I am a firm believer that every problem has a solution. Hicks is a problem to society. There is a place reserved for this individual. It is called prison or penitentiary. He needs to be held there for the rest of his life. The irony is that sometimes people like him find the Lord in there. Their lives are changed. They repent and obey God. They become students of the Bible. They go from guns to God to glory. The truth is.........I have seen it many times.

An Emma Lazarus Quote

On the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor appears the following sonnet. It was written by Emma Lazarus. It was placed there in 1903. I have one question: Is there another nation in the history of the world, that has welcomed immigrants the way the United States has? "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door."

Super Bowl 2015

I have no beef with Bill or Pete. They are both great coaches. They would not have been where they were on February 1, 2015 if they were/are not great coaches. I had a great time. I felt as if I had been in Glendale, Arizona on that day. It was a great game. I was rooting for the Seahawks, nevertheless, I was not fanatical about it. And yes, I think the best team won. My congratulations to the New England Patriots. I have no doubt that they are literally the best football team in the world. They proved it last Sunday. All of the second-guessing, critical analysis, evaluations and commentary have their place. However, it does nothing to change the outcome of the last NFL game of the 2014/15 season. The Patriots won......and that is that. My advice to all of the NFL teams that did not win the Super Bowl: Play better ball next season.