My maternal grandmother, 'Mammy' Bennett, the family Christianity lightening rod often said, "The Lord won't put more on your plate than you can handle and He will never abandon you." That is comforting and I do believe it. Mammy's husband, E. V. once told me that lessons learn in the school of hard-knocks are never forgotten." That is not comforting but I believe it because I've experienced it and so have you who are reading this rant.
As a former competitive athlete and athletic coach, I more readily recall setbacks and defeats than I do the more frequently experienced victories. I can only conclude this is a reality because the 'agony (sting of loss) lingers nearer the emotional surface for recall than does the ecstasy of victory.' Furthermore, I understand quickly the 'why' for defeat rather than the 'why' for victory. I suppose those are the 'hard-knock' lessons E.V. was suggesting.
The fallout-lessons being learn from this worldwide coronavirus pandemic certainly are relentless and shall be remembered for a lifetime. Here are but a few of my coronavirus lesson perceptions:
1. I can protest with a firearm, which is not seen as weapon but my hug or handshake is a weapon.
2. I've learn that my government leaders have a similar philosophy as my father who once told me to "Do as I say, not as I do," thus explaining why those leaders reject all virus mitigating protocol.
3. The nation's economic well-being is more important than the life of its senior citizen. Oldsters would be better off as an unborn fetus today. All the Evangelical preachers, i.e., Franklin Graham and others must be on board with this notion since they don't speak out as they do on abortions.
4. I must lear n to deal with the emotional angst not being able to embrace, hug or kiss a child, grandchild or great-grandchild.
5. I am sorting through the logic of a people that would invade a land, capture the natives and place them on reservations, then after telling them to "shelter-in-place" due to a killer virus are then told they must reopen to travelers. Does this mean anybody may now enter my property?
6. I must now listen more carefully to spoken words and voice tone/inflection since face masks now deny 'reading another's facial expressions.
7. I discorevered during my 81-year journey that I took for granted restaurant dinning, touching objects, shopping ventures, concert and theater attendance and breaking bread at church.
8. I must re-invent graduation, wedding and life-ending celebrations.
9. This pandemic has deprived me of my sports' following and proven to me that Hero personalities can change on a dime or should I say, a virus. I would anticipate that soon teachers will be signing multi-million dollar contracts, nurses and doctors' photos will begin appearing on bubble gum cards and first responders and reasearch scientiests will be inducted in the Health Care Hall of Fame while political leaders will receive Golden Globe and Academy Awards in areas of Science Fiction and Cartoons.
10. Learn to pray more often for those fighting for air, those running towards infection to help and those who cannot be bedside holding the hand of a dying loved one..
Finally, the most difficult lesson to process and bitter to learn is the 'open' dismantling of the American free press and the take over of a Trump White House informational propaganda.
I can say that which I fought to never say, "I long for the good old days," when America WAS great!
Monday, May 11, 2020
Friday, May 8, 2020
I Wish I Was 18 Again
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, we just needed the right circumstances to create the narrative. I'm talking about age expectancy behaviors. Let me elaborate.
In life's journey, we American mortals can anticipate certain events, expectations and occurrences as age-levels come. About the age of four, children are introduced to the educational journey with something called pre-school. A year later the 'tag' is kindergarten and at age six we begin the 12-year grade countdown towards a high school diploma with the first grade.
There are other perceived and arbitrarily assigned age-ready plateaus. At sixteen young people can become automobile drivers and at age eighteen they may drive to the polls to vote and the fellas best find their way to register for the military. Generally speaking age twenty-one is deemed the proper age for folks to legally 'belly-up-to-the-bar.'
All Americans who reach age 50, are eligible for AARP Membership although age 65 is still considered the 'Senior Citizen Club.' If one chooses one may begin drawing Social Security benefits at age 62. And of course, insurance companies have bought off the necessary 'for sale politicians' to parlay age levels when we expect you old men to get prostate cancer so no more PSA testing for you fella and you old ladies can forget that Pap smear.
Well, I thought for years that pretty well covered all the age related behavior expectations but then came along a virus pandemic. A pandemic that dictated sheltering in our homes and closing down the economy. Soon the economic health was pitted against the most vulnerable of our population and several Republican lawmakers agreed with Texas LT. Governor Dan Patrick who suggested that grandparents are willing to die to save the economy for grandchildren. He said, "There are more important things than living." So, the party that pontificates the sanctity of life at its potential beginning is more than ready to throw grandma's ass on the alter of sacrifice for money.
Considering all the tax concerns GOP folks embrace it makes sense. Kill off your old people and the economy could truly benefit. The healthcare cost plummet, social security and retirement funds become more solvent and you get a better parking spot at Walmart with the reduction of handicap parking spaces.
(Touch)
I Wish I Was 18 Again
In life's journey, we American mortals can anticipate certain events, expectations and occurrences as age-levels come. About the age of four, children are introduced to the educational journey with something called pre-school. A year later the 'tag' is kindergarten and at age six we begin the 12-year grade countdown towards a high school diploma with the first grade.
There are other perceived and arbitrarily assigned age-ready plateaus. At sixteen young people can become automobile drivers and at age eighteen they may drive to the polls to vote and the fellas best find their way to register for the military. Generally speaking age twenty-one is deemed the proper age for folks to legally 'belly-up-to-the-bar.'
All Americans who reach age 50, are eligible for AARP Membership although age 65 is still considered the 'Senior Citizen Club.' If one chooses one may begin drawing Social Security benefits at age 62. And of course, insurance companies have bought off the necessary 'for sale politicians' to parlay age levels when we expect you old men to get prostate cancer so no more PSA testing for you fella and you old ladies can forget that Pap smear.
Well, I thought for years that pretty well covered all the age related behavior expectations but then came along a virus pandemic. A pandemic that dictated sheltering in our homes and closing down the economy. Soon the economic health was pitted against the most vulnerable of our population and several Republican lawmakers agreed with Texas LT. Governor Dan Patrick who suggested that grandparents are willing to die to save the economy for grandchildren. He said, "There are more important things than living." So, the party that pontificates the sanctity of life at its potential beginning is more than ready to throw grandma's ass on the alter of sacrifice for money.
Considering all the tax concerns GOP folks embrace it makes sense. Kill off your old people and the economy could truly benefit. The healthcare cost plummet, social security and retirement funds become more solvent and you get a better parking spot at Walmart with the reduction of handicap parking spaces.
(Touch)
I Wish I Was 18 Again
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Easier Said Than Done
Today, I finished trimming and cutting the grass before sitting a spell on the backyard swing with pup,Yodie to ponder a bit. I need to stop doing that. Not the grass thing or sitting with Yodie but that dadgum 'pondering.' It fatigues a fella!
I got to thinking about my restless night of sleep. I spent much of the night worrying about my kids, grandkids, their spouses and great grandkids and this horrible virus lurking about our daily lives. I am much aware of the folly found in my thoughts knowing that I am to recognize things I cannot control and let go and let God. I truly stumble in these areas and interestingly enough, I do so because of the four attitudes instilled in me, which served me, mine and others very well in accordance to a Master's plan. Those attitude traits? 1) Look for ways the improve things in your midst, 2) prepare, 3) orchestrate outcomes and 4) serve others.
Okay, when it comes to this virus thing my wife and I are focused on doing our best to stay safe by following all medical advice and protocol. I want that for my loved ones but when I ponder, I conclude they are at various stages of the journey I know so well. The young are invincible just ask them; I recall those days. The middle aged are emmersed in the demands of professional work and providing. Been there done that!
I never the less speak out of turn and give my advice. I remind the family members of my aforementioned concerns and I'm told not to worry. And I don't worry when cutting the grass or watching a movie or working in the garden but man those 'midnight hours' can surely kick my butt.
I got to thinking about my restless night of sleep. I spent much of the night worrying about my kids, grandkids, their spouses and great grandkids and this horrible virus lurking about our daily lives. I am much aware of the folly found in my thoughts knowing that I am to recognize things I cannot control and let go and let God. I truly stumble in these areas and interestingly enough, I do so because of the four attitudes instilled in me, which served me, mine and others very well in accordance to a Master's plan. Those attitude traits? 1) Look for ways the improve things in your midst, 2) prepare, 3) orchestrate outcomes and 4) serve others.
Okay, when it comes to this virus thing my wife and I are focused on doing our best to stay safe by following all medical advice and protocol. I want that for my loved ones but when I ponder, I conclude they are at various stages of the journey I know so well. The young are invincible just ask them; I recall those days. The middle aged are emmersed in the demands of professional work and providing. Been there done that!
I never the less speak out of turn and give my advice. I remind the family members of my aforementioned concerns and I'm told not to worry. And I don't worry when cutting the grass or watching a movie or working in the garden but man those 'midnight hours' can surely kick my butt.
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Glory To His Name
Although I am undoubtedly in need of 'The Word,' I do find myself getting a lot of religion these days due to this coronavirus 'time out' circumstances. Let me explain. Currently, I don't 'go' to church but I tune into church...and not just one church but on a Sunday these days, I'm checking our three services. I watch my home church Grace United Methodist then I check out Dr. Charles Stanley's 'In-Touch' ministries and finally, I pick up on The Rock & Roll Church in Miramar Beach, Florida. Even tho the collection plate is not passed, my wife will send tithe money to Grace and periodic donations to In-Touch Ministries, I usually purchase CD's of Rock & Roll services and send to my children.
These three services offer three completely different message and music styles, which underscores the modern day reality that God's Word these days is marketed with a desire to attract the consumer. This eighty-one year old writer grew up in a traditional throw-back Methodist Church that had one style, which was old gospel hymns and a simple straightforward message of choice, repent of your sins to gain salvation or burn in hell. Praise the Lord and don't forget the week-long tent revival meeting beginning next Sunday night.
With a hell-fire-damnation sermon exposure background, I can handle just about any preacher's message and apply it. That said, I will admit I do turn off some messages. I don't cotton to preachers who suggest, "God came to me in a vision or God spoke to me and blah, blah, blah." That's all . hearsay. I'm like Judge Judy, hearsay ain't admissible. I'm not going to listen to a politically laced sermon because those sermons have nothing to do with my soul. Now if churches start paying taxes I will likely change my attitude. Finally, I'm not interested in that worn out doom and gloom message suggesting we Christians are persecuted. That's simply poppycock; hogwash! In my lifetime and in my country, I've seen three faith based religions verbally attacked, persecuted and terrorized: Jews (Synagogues), Muslims (Mosques) and Black Chruches of any denomination. So spare that foolish talk about not being able to say, "Merry Christmas," or "They won't let us have prayer in school."
(You cannot have prayer in school because the damn constitution won't permit it, dummies). "They won't let us place the Ten Commandments in The Public Square." (Again, its that Constitution).
Please spare this Christian that persecution language. Christ was persecuted and died in my place for my sins. Therefore, Punch my ticket for the 'Glory Hallelujah Shout for Joy Train.' I've never felt persecuted; only blessed.
I must stop here before I lose what religion I've got. These time out days find me meditating frequently and realizing the need for more forgiveness.
(Touch)
People Get Ready
These three services offer three completely different message and music styles, which underscores the modern day reality that God's Word these days is marketed with a desire to attract the consumer. This eighty-one year old writer grew up in a traditional throw-back Methodist Church that had one style, which was old gospel hymns and a simple straightforward message of choice, repent of your sins to gain salvation or burn in hell. Praise the Lord and don't forget the week-long tent revival meeting beginning next Sunday night.
With a hell-fire-damnation sermon exposure background, I can handle just about any preacher's message and apply it. That said, I will admit I do turn off some messages. I don't cotton to preachers who suggest, "God came to me in a vision or God spoke to me and blah, blah, blah." That's all . hearsay. I'm like Judge Judy, hearsay ain't admissible. I'm not going to listen to a politically laced sermon because those sermons have nothing to do with my soul. Now if churches start paying taxes I will likely change my attitude. Finally, I'm not interested in that worn out doom and gloom message suggesting we Christians are persecuted. That's simply poppycock; hogwash! In my lifetime and in my country, I've seen three faith based religions verbally attacked, persecuted and terrorized: Jews (Synagogues), Muslims (Mosques) and Black Chruches of any denomination. So spare that foolish talk about not being able to say, "Merry Christmas," or "They won't let us have prayer in school."
(You cannot have prayer in school because the damn constitution won't permit it, dummies). "They won't let us place the Ten Commandments in The Public Square." (Again, its that Constitution).
Please spare this Christian that persecution language. Christ was persecuted and died in my place for my sins. Therefore, Punch my ticket for the 'Glory Hallelujah Shout for Joy Train.' I've never felt persecuted; only blessed.
I must stop here before I lose what religion I've got. These time out days find me meditating frequently and realizing the need for more forgiveness.
(Touch)
People Get Ready
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Check Signing Optional for this POTUS
My wife and I got our coronavirus induced stimulus check last week. I'm not stupid enough to make the claim that the money was 'our' / 'my' tax money...because it is NOT! Most stimulus monies come from the treasury from the selling of bonds while some monies come from other federal budgets. So don't be one of those doofus that say the government is just giving back what was in fact once mine.
I did not actually 'see' my stimulus check due to the direct bank deposit process. I did however get a letter from President Trump who wants to take a 'glory-praise-me-lap' around the country by being the first United States president in history to put a personal signature on a federal stimulus check or IRS check. Trump's reasoning for signing 'our' stimulus check is to give the appearance that he (Donald Trump) paid us the money. Observing and listening to interviews counducted with Trump followers, I would easily believe they would buy into his smoke and mirrors charades.
There was another 'stimulus-transaction' involving Donald Trump that he did not want credit for signing the check. Nope, somebody else signed Stormy Daniels check.
I did not actually 'see' my stimulus check due to the direct bank deposit process. I did however get a letter from President Trump who wants to take a 'glory-praise-me-lap' around the country by being the first United States president in history to put a personal signature on a federal stimulus check or IRS check. Trump's reasoning for signing 'our' stimulus check is to give the appearance that he (Donald Trump) paid us the money. Observing and listening to interviews counducted with Trump followers, I would easily believe they would buy into his smoke and mirrors charades.
There was another 'stimulus-transaction' involving Donald Trump that he did not want credit for signing the check. Nope, somebody else signed Stormy Daniels check.
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Sorting Things Out...Best I Can
Legendary Major League Baseball pitcher, Leroy 'Satchel' Paige when asked what he did in his spare time said, "Oh, sometimes I sits and thinks and sometimes I just sits." Me too, Leroy and I mostly enjoy just the 'sits' because thinking these days can cause brain-clutter-confusion.
Here's just a few things that I attempt to sort out:
1) As soon as the coronavirus hit us and we were told to stay home, why did folks buy up all the toilet paper in stores? I didn't hear that one of the virus symptoms was the howlin'-skitters. Toilet paper?
2) Shorty after that 'run' on stores, we were told that we must wash our hands frequently and for a duration of two 'Happy Birthday' songs. If we didn't have soap available then use hand sanitizer. I could not find hand sanitizer anywhere after that warning.
3) Also, when bringing groceries into the house, we were told we needed to use sanitize wipes on every product plus all counter tops, door knobs and light switches. Upon that warning all sanitizing wipes disappeared from grocery store shelves. In fact, the local Target Store manager told me that all Target stores in the States of Washington and California bought up all his sanitizing products before he could put them on his local shelves.
4) More recently, President Trump suggested that disinfectants might attack the virus in the lungs and make it disappear...then two things happened: disinfectants sold out and poison control calls increased 40%.
5) Why does the President frequently say, "I'm not a doctor," and then gives doctoring advice?
6) If the director of The Center for Disease Control and the infectious disease expert, Dr. Fauci are going to counterdict the President at these Coronavirus briefings shouldn't somebody just stay away?
7) First awe were adamantly told that we did not need face masks and now we have cities across America where one cannot bebin public without wearing a mask. What's a flea to believe?
8) Currently, we have this ridiculous debate regarding re-opening businesses or not re-opening businesses. That's easily resolved>Seems to me that we should re-open all businesses when all the nation hospitals re-open. Simply stated, when family members are once again allowed to sit at bedside of a dying loved one then open the tattoo parlors and bowling alleys.
Oh, by the way there will be a shortage of pork and chicken at the grocery stores due to coronavirus shutdowns at processing plants. And...you best hope your freezer does not go out as did my friends. She cannot find a freezer for sale in the entire city of Decatur. Wonder why? Speaking of wondering, I wonder if the Berean Christian Book Stores have sold out Bibles?
Here's just a few things that I attempt to sort out:
1) As soon as the coronavirus hit us and we were told to stay home, why did folks buy up all the toilet paper in stores? I didn't hear that one of the virus symptoms was the howlin'-skitters. Toilet paper?
2) Shorty after that 'run' on stores, we were told that we must wash our hands frequently and for a duration of two 'Happy Birthday' songs. If we didn't have soap available then use hand sanitizer. I could not find hand sanitizer anywhere after that warning.
3) Also, when bringing groceries into the house, we were told we needed to use sanitize wipes on every product plus all counter tops, door knobs and light switches. Upon that warning all sanitizing wipes disappeared from grocery store shelves. In fact, the local Target Store manager told me that all Target stores in the States of Washington and California bought up all his sanitizing products before he could put them on his local shelves.
4) More recently, President Trump suggested that disinfectants might attack the virus in the lungs and make it disappear...then two things happened: disinfectants sold out and poison control calls increased 40%.
5) Why does the President frequently say, "I'm not a doctor," and then gives doctoring advice?
6) If the director of The Center for Disease Control and the infectious disease expert, Dr. Fauci are going to counterdict the President at these Coronavirus briefings shouldn't somebody just stay away?
7) First awe were adamantly told that we did not need face masks and now we have cities across America where one cannot bebin public without wearing a mask. What's a flea to believe?
8) Currently, we have this ridiculous debate regarding re-opening businesses or not re-opening businesses. That's easily resolved>Seems to me that we should re-open all businesses when all the nation hospitals re-open. Simply stated, when family members are once again allowed to sit at bedside of a dying loved one then open the tattoo parlors and bowling alleys.
Oh, by the way there will be a shortage of pork and chicken at the grocery stores due to coronavirus shutdowns at processing plants. And...you best hope your freezer does not go out as did my friends. She cannot find a freezer for sale in the entire city of Decatur. Wonder why? Speaking of wondering, I wonder if the Berean Christian Book Stores have sold out Bibles?
Friday, May 1, 2020
Wish I Was a Stable Genius
On September 22, 2017, President Trump said to the NFL owners, of players protesting police brutality by kneeling during the National Anthem, to say, "Get that son-of-a-bitch off the field right now, you're fired." Of course it was no coincidence that Trump made such remarks in Huntsville, Alabama. For weeks thereafter, we observed a great deal of ugly rhetoric, which stirred the pot of racial tension and division. I guess Trump does not view the likes of Colin Kaepernick as "My African-American over there."
Yesterday the Michigan State Capital lobby was filled with 'white' protesters wearing the American flag in disrespectful ways, carrying assault weapons, ignoring social distancing pleas and shouting demands to remove the coronavirus 'stay-at-home' policy and re-open businesses. Nobody has referenced these protesters as "son-of-a-bitches."
Don't forget that prior to these Michigan demonstrations it was President Trump who 'baited' his base by saying, "Liberate Michigan!" "Liberate Minnesota!" "Liberate Virginia and preserve the great second amendment!" This baiting after repeated television moments showing Vice President Mike Pence holding up Trump's placard calling for social distancing.
I see a leader who promotes divisiveness and a nation that gives a nod to 'White' entitlement. However, since my Evangelical Leaders, who pontificate the 'love' teachings of Christ like Franklin Graham, John Hagee, Robert Jeffress and Jerry Falwell, Jr. remain quiet on these inconsistencies, I will conclude that I see it incorrectly due to my slightly above average intelligence.
Yesterday the Michigan State Capital lobby was filled with 'white' protesters wearing the American flag in disrespectful ways, carrying assault weapons, ignoring social distancing pleas and shouting demands to remove the coronavirus 'stay-at-home' policy and re-open businesses. Nobody has referenced these protesters as "son-of-a-bitches."
Don't forget that prior to these Michigan demonstrations it was President Trump who 'baited' his base by saying, "Liberate Michigan!" "Liberate Minnesota!" "Liberate Virginia and preserve the great second amendment!" This baiting after repeated television moments showing Vice President Mike Pence holding up Trump's placard calling for social distancing.
I see a leader who promotes divisiveness and a nation that gives a nod to 'White' entitlement. However, since my Evangelical Leaders, who pontificate the 'love' teachings of Christ like Franklin Graham, John Hagee, Robert Jeffress and Jerry Falwell, Jr. remain quiet on these inconsistencies, I will conclude that I see it incorrectly due to my slightly above average intelligence.
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