Updated on February 7, 2011
Awareness Awareness Day
Awareness Awareness Day
Call me a cynic, you probably will, but I get a chuckle when I see these wristbands or “awareness bracelets”. Yea, I understand it makes the wearer feel better about him/herself and possibly raises some awareness for a noble cause. But it just seems like another feeble attempt of symbolism over substance. Sure there might be a small donation made to Breast Cancer Awareness (pink band), but I doubt it. More than likely it is just another act of slacktivisim. A word created by combining activisim with slacker. Although I would love to claim credit for coining this term, alas I cannot. But it is a perfect description of this practice.
But one must wonder, if you see someone from a distance and they are wearing a green wristband what do they support? Is it rainforest preservation? Or maybe they support the US Army? Quite possibly they would like to see cannabis legalized? Perhaps they want you to donate your organs or give to Tsunami relief?
Maybe a loved one suffers from Ovarian cancer or Kidney Disease? They could have just attended the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince release night. Maybe they are a member of the German Green Party? Or they just refuse to forget the Srebrenica Genocide? They could be pro hunting or pro ecology. Its all just so confusing.
Consider the red wristband. You could be a supporter of the Labour Party, the Socialist Party or Republicans. You could be for AIDS or Multiple Sclerosis Awareness, a supporter of the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. Perhaps you are never going to forget the Armenian Genocide, or were a big fan of Pat Tillman? Maybe you are a Christian, or against child abuse or just plain MADD. UNICEF may be an awesome organization in your mind or maybe you are an anti-smoking Nazi.
Or maybe you are a Boston Red Sox, Montreal Canadiens or Extreme Championship Wrestling fan. You could really screw with people’s perception of you with just a simple red wristband. Hmmmmm.
Now I can’t forget the “awareness bracelets” kissing cousin, the ribbon now can I? You know the ribbons that celebrities insist on wearing at those obnoxious awards ceremonies. They are just as confusing, with ribbons supporting everything from AIDS awareness to Native American Reperations to freedom for former Soviet Republics. What’s a good concientious, self-absorbed, celebrity to do? Decisions. Decisions.
One more related topic – the dreaded awareness months, weeks and days. We all know that February is African-American History month and March is Women’s History Month.
Hispanic Heritage doesn’t get a calendar month. Instead they get 30 days from mid-September through mid-October. The Jews celebrate their heritage in April while Asian-Americans get the month of May along with Older Americans. The Irish get a week in March – guess which one? German-Americans only rate one day in October. I guess beer and bratwurst is only good one day a year. American Indians get the month of November which includes Thanksgiving which somehow seems appropriate. Although I couldn’t really say why.
December is Drunk and Drugged Driving Month – for raising awareness and prevention of course. Shouldn’t it also be Christian Heritage Month? I guess they are not enough of a disadvantaged group quite yet.
June is Black Music Month and also Home Ownership Month. I guess a White Rappers Month is out of the question – talk about an oppressed minority!
National Condom Week is celebrated in February. It would seem December would be a better fit with all the drunk and drugged driving going on. But since December is so busy with Safe Toys and Gifts Month and National Handwashing Awareness Week maybe its better if it stays in February. Although April is Alcohol Awareness Month AND Sexual Assault Awareness Month – maybe we’ve found a perfect home for condom week!
In an odd twist, Poison Prevention Week comes in March along with National School Breakfast Week. However, in a rather bold move, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month is not until April.
And now the long awaited conclusion.
Many of these are important causes and I will not belittle anyone who is or has experienced any these diseases or conditions. But come on. There are just way too many of these awareness months/weeks/days. So here is the solution. We have one Awareness Awareness Day. We celebrate/mourn/learn all about everything on this day while wearing all our ribbons and wristbands. I think then, the world would truly be a better place.
But what about the other 364 days you might ask. We could actually DO something to help the world be a healthier, happier place!
Originally published October 2006.
Updated on February 7, 2011
Suggestions For Earth Day!
Suggestions For Earth Day!
As luck would have it, today is Earth Day, that wonderful day we celebrate the planet instead of its Creator. Al Gore be praised!
To help you make the most of this glorious day, here are some suggestions on how to make the most of it.
10. Vladimir Lenin’s Birthday – To celebrate Earth Day, and the birthday of Vladimir Lenin (one of the most ruthless socialists ever), whose 100th birthday just by pure coincidence fell on the first Earth Day in 1970, make a batch of no-bake cookies. Remember we don’t want to “waste” any energy today, so better do the no-bake kind. Decorate them with a red hammer and sickle in honor of Lenin!
9. Day Without Lights – Go the whole day without lights, music, cooking or computer. Sit in the dark and contemplate how much better your life would be if Al Gore ruled the world.
8. Build a Birdhouse out of Trash – Why send your trash to some landfill to break down into fertilizer for future generations. Grab the wastebasket, and put your creative ability to work making a home for the birds. Remember, this must be done in the dark.
7. Al Gore’s Words of Wisdom – We can’t watch Al Gore’s film An Inconvenient Truth without power, but we can quote Al Gore’s words of wisdom repeatedly. Here are a few to get you started:
Future generations may well have occasion to ask themselves, “What were our parents thinking? Why didn’t they wake up when they had a chance?”
I’m Al Gore, I used to be the next president of the United States of America.
It’s important to rescue the frog.
Should we prepare for other threats besides terrorists?
I don’t really consider this a political issue, I consider it to be a moral issue.
We have here a scales that balances two different things. On one side, we have gold bars! Mmmmmm, don’t they look good? I’d just like to have some of those gold bars. Mmmmm. On the other side of the scales… um… THE ENTIRE PLANET! Hmmmm…
Al Gore sure does love those gold bars.
6. Buy Carbon Credits – If you feel guilty about all the carbon emissions you create for the rest of the year, just buy carbon credits. Of course this will not actually REDUCE the amount of carbon emissions, but it will make you feel better and make Al Gore even wealthier!
5. Don’t Breathe or Pass Gas – Since Carbon Dioxide and Methane are two “dangerous” greenhouse gasses, refrain from exhaling all day. Also, flatulence needs to be avoided as well. Its a lot to ask, but the earth needs your cooperation.
4. Don’t Flush Your Toilet or Take a Shower – We want to save as much of our precious water supply as possible, so refrain from using any water today. If you have a low-flow toilet you may have to flush several times tomorrow to remove all the waste that has accumulated, but that is OK. You’ve done your best for the Earth today!
3. Wear Brown or Green Today – I’m not really sure how this helps the earth, but this is one of the wacky ideas the enviro-Nazis are suggesting for Earth Day. I would think blue or white, would be just as appropriate.
Maybe this is in honor of the Brownshirts in Nazi Germany? These were the thugs that helped Hitler takeover Germany. One of their slogans would be appropriate to quote today since it is relevant to the modern “Global Warming” movement:
All opposition must be stamped into the ground.
2. Ride Your Bike – This may be problematic if you are picking up kids or planning on grocery shopping today. Maybe these activities can be postponed for the day. Be careful riding amongst the eco-terrorists who insist on driving their evil SUVs.
1. Feel Smug – While you are sitting at home in the dark holding your breath, think of all the good you are doing for the environment. Don’t you feel special now!
BTW – If you are reading this on Earth Day, you are not participating in Earth Day properly. Shut off your computer, turn off your lights and hold your breath immediately. If you don’t comply, some brown-shirted enviro-Nazi thug will come over and make you!
Melancholy Earth Day!!
Originally published April 2008.
Updated on January 31, 2013
God Does Not Abuse His Children!
God Does Not Abuse His Children!
“My (sickness) is one of the greatest gifts that God has given me.” — A Theologian
Recently, I read an article by a prominent theologian that made the point that his sickness was a “gift from God.” I edited his statement above and do not list his name. The point of this is not to judge or condemn this man.
But I am fascinated by Christians who make statements like the above – accusing my Heavenly Father of child abuse. Has he ever read John 10:10? Satan is the one that kills, steals and destroys. Jesus came to give you abundant life! Jesus healed everyone who believed and he is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. You will never find anywhere in the Gospels an instance where Jesus made somebody sick. And remember, if you have seen Jesus, you have seen God!
He glorified God by healing, resurrecting folks and destroying ALL the works of the devil. Think of how much more glory God would get by this man’s testimony proving that God still heals! Instead, his testimony is that God made him sick. Why would any nonbeliever embrace a God who would make them sick? God is love. And just like any parent, He wants the very best for all His children.
And prosperity – why were Abraham, Job (even more after his restoration of what Satan stole from him), David, Solomon, Joseph, Isaac, Daniel so prosperous? God blessed them all which empowered them to prosper in everything they did. Jesus came to give that Blessing to those that believe in him. Why do Christian ministers continue to preach that poverty is a blessing? The funny thing is, they usually end their message by begging for money to pay the light bill.
Jesus was not poor. He had a money bag with enough wealth that Judas was stealing from him. Jesus had to feed and provide for many followers when he walked on the earth. He provided the very best wine in abundance at a wedding. He gave Peter two of the greatest hauls of fish he had ever seen in his lifetime, as well as a coin from a fish to pay their taxes. He fed 5,000 and 4,000 people with only a few fish and some bread and had baskets of leftovers both times. There was no lack in the ministry of Jesus!
The Gospel will not get spread by a bunch of broke and sick Christians. It takes money to travel, print books, translate, teach and share the Word. It takes health to minister and serve others. Jesus’ ministry flourished because people experienced miracles in every area of their lives. The best way to prove to unbelievers that Jesus lives is by them seeing their lives, spirit and body transformed.
I grew up in a dead church that taught that God was impotent – maybe He will, maybe not, who knows what He might do. I finally said enough. Either God’s Word is true or its not. Since I changed course and began to prove God as He tells us to in Malachi, I am seeing the Blessing work in my life in ways you can’t even imagine. I led the nation in sales and maxed out my budget last month in THIS economy. Remember Isaac’s hundredfold harvest during a drought? Praise God, He never changes!
I am healthy, happy and get up every morning thanking God for what He is doing in my life. I live to give because I’ve found that it truly is more of a blessing to give than receive because God keeps giving it back in abundance as He said He would. And on Sunday, I will leave on a 7 day cruise that was gift from my Heavenly Father who loves me and wants me to enjoy life as any father would want for his children. And I’m looking forward to some quality time with Him while I’m relaxing at sea.
Its your choice: God’s Blessing, or the curse. My house has chosen the former. One thing for sure, if you preach against divine health and prosperity, you certainly will never enjoy it, because you can’t have what you speak against.
But don’t just take my word for it. Get a good Bible translation and read it like you have never read it before. Leave your preconceived notions, religious dogma, traditions, opinions and sacred cows behind and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you God’s will for your life. That’s what I did and it is changing my life. It will change yours too. God loves you and gave His Word to build your faith to overcome any and every obstacle you face in life.
Here are some good verses to get you started:
God Is a God of Abundance
Old Testament: Genesis 26:12-14; Leviticus 26:1-10; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Deuteronomy 30:8-16; Psalm 23; Psalm 36:5-10; Psalm 115:12-15; Proverbs 8:17-21; Joel 2:21-26; Malachi 3:10-12
New Testament: Luke 6:38; Luke 8:1-15; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Ephesians 3:19-21; Philippians 4:19; 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Healing – God’s Will and God’s Gift
Exodus 15:26; Exodus 23:25-26; Deuteronomy 7:9-15; Deuteronomy 28; Deuteronomy 30 – A choice between God’s Blessing, or the curse
Numbers 21:5-9; John 3:11-21 – Moses placed a bronze snake on a poll to heal the people, foreshadowing Christ’s work on the cross.
Psalm 107:13-22; Proverbs 4:20-27; John 1:1-17 – God sent His Word to heal.
Psalm 103; Isaiah 53; Matthew 8:14-17; Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 3:13-14; Ephesians 1:2-14; 1 Peter 2:21-25 – Jesus bore the entire curse on the cross – sin, sickness, death, poverty – to set you free!
Matthew 4:23-24; Matthew 9:35; Luke 4:33-36; Luke 13:11-17; John 10:10 – The thief (Satan) comes to steal and kill. Jesus came to heal.
This has gone long, but I want to share one more verse. These are not my words or opinion. These are the words of Jesus.
He (Jesus) replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” — Matthew 17:20 <NIV>
Meditate on that last line for a few weeks and stop thinking about what you think God will not do, or can’t do. Instead, think of the possibilities of a loving God who gave Himself to save, heal and prosper you so that you can be a blessing to the world and demonstrate God’s love to the lost.
May God richly bless you!
Originally published October 2010.
Updated on February 26, 2011
A Very Special Christmas Blog
A Very Special Christmas Blog
One of my favorite holiday movies is It’s A Wonderful Life. I’ve probably watched it 50 times and it never grows old. If you’ve never seen it, or just forgot the story, it involves a man named George Bailey. Now George has always wanted to do great things. But throughout his life, circumstances have caused him to settle for what he believes is a less than a wonderful life.
The pivotal moment comes when he is faced with a financial loss that will destroy his business and family. As he sits on the bridge considering suicide, an angel named Clarence intercedes to save his life. Since George thinks he is a failure, Clarence gives him the opportunity to see what his community would be like if he had never been born.
The next several scenes reveal that his quaint little town of Bedford Falls has turned into Pottersville, a crime-ridden cesspool full of depressed drunks. At first, George thinks it a trick, but as he retraces his life he sees the impact he has had on so many lives.
For example, Harry, his kid brother who he saves as a child, is dead because George wasn’t there to save him. As a result, hundreds of sailors die when Harry is not there to shoot down the plane that was attacking their ship.
The repercussions of George’s absence ripple throughout the entire community. It becomes obvious that George has touched almost every life in Bedford Falls and he begins to realize the difference he has made.
In the closing scene, he prays to live again and returns home to find the entire 
community rallying to his rescue. If the final scene doesn’t bring tears of joy to your eyes, you aren’t human.
I bring this story up because like George, I have been up on that bridge a few times in my life. One of my angels was my mother, who on more than one occasion was compelled to wake up and enter God’s thrown room and pray for her son without knowing exactly what was happening in my life. But she would not stop until she had divine assurance that I was safe.
Statistics show that contrary to popular belief, there are not more suicides during the holidays. But this season can be depressing for some. It does seem ironic that on the night we celebrate God giving us His very best, demonstrating beyond any doubt His profound love for us, that anyone would consider their life a failure. But it does happen.
If you know someone that has experienced a loss of a loved one, divorce, financial hardship, or just having a tough time, make sure you let them know that they are loved, both by you and by God. Tell them the profound difference that they have made in your life and that the world is a much better place with them in it.
Just like Clarence helped George realize how important his life really was, you may make a difference in someone’s life. They may be standing on that bridge and the only angel they have is you. Give them the same gift that God gave us on that first Christmas over 2,000 years ago. Give them your love. There is no greater gift than this.
And please know that I love and appreciate all of you! You are all very special to me. Thanks for being my friend!
And I know its not PC, but….
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
Originally published December 2006.
Updated on February 6, 2011
True Heroes
True Heroes
The “hero” title gets thrown around a whole lot these days. But since it is Veteran’s Day, I thought it appropriate to highlight a few Medal of Honor recipients through the years. What some of these men accomplished is extraordinary. If you ever have some free time, read all the MOH winners’ stories. These are some true American heroes.
World War 1
Alvin Cullum York (December 13, 1887 – September 2, 1964) was a United States soldier, famous as a World War I hero. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for leading an attack on a German machine gun nest, taking 32 machine guns, killing 28 German soldiers and capturing 132 others during the U.S.-led Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France.
As a devout Christian he had applied for conscientious objector status, but it was denied. With his officers all down, he took command and overran German positions and took over 100 prisoners. His sharpshooting skills were the result of frequent hunting trips used for survival in rural Tennessee.
Sergeant York was a movie starring Gary Cooper that told Alvin York’s story.
World War 2
Desmond T. Doss (January 17, 1919–March 23, 2006) was the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor (Cpl. Thomas W. Bennett, an army medic during the Vietnam war, is the only other). He was a Private First Class (at the time of his Medal of Honor heroics) in the U.S. Army assigned to the Medical Detachment, 307th Infantry, 77th Infantry Division.
Throughout training, his superiors tried their best to break him and make him quit because of his refusal to carry a weapon and his unwillingness to kill because he was a devout Christian. But when he was placed in a combat situation, he more than proved his worth. From his citation during combat on Okinawa:
He was a company aid man when the 1st Battalion assaulted a jagged escarpment 400 feet (120 m) high. As our troops gained the summit, a heavy concentration of artillery, mortar and machine gun fire crashed into them, inflicting approximately 75 casualties and driving the others back. Pfc. Doss refused to seek cover and remained in the fire-swept area with the many stricken, carrying them 1 by 1 to the edge of the escarpment and there lowering them on a rope-supported litter down the face of a cliff to friendly hands.
In a later action, he was twice wounded and while being evacuated on a stretcher he saw another man who was needing assistance. He had the litter bearers stop as he tended to the man and gave up the stretcher for the wounded man to be evacuated. A truly remarkable and brave man.
The Conscientious Objector was a documentary of his experience in the Army. Its a little slow, but does a pretty good job recounting his actions.
Korean War
Tibor “Ted” Rubin (born June 18, 1929) is a Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor who immigrated to the United States in 1948, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Korean War by President George W. Bush on September 23, 2005.
From his citation:
While his unit was retreating to the Pusan Perimeter, Corporal Rubin was assigned to stay behind to keep open the vital Taegu-Pusan Road link used by his withdrawing unit. During the ensuing battle, overwhelming numbers of North Korean troops assaulted a hill defended solely by Corporal Rubin. He inflicted a staggering number of casualties on the attacking force during his personal 24-hour battle, single-handedly slowing the enemy advance and allowing the 8th Cavalry Regiment to complete its withdrawal successfully. Following the breakout from the Pusan Perimeter, the 8th Cavalry Regiment proceeded northward and advanced into North Korea. During the advance, he helped capture several hundred North Korean soldiers. On October 30, 1950, Chinese forces attacked his unit at Unsan, North Korea, during a massive nighttime assault. That night and throughout the next day, he manned a .30 caliber machine gun at the south end of the unit’s line after three previous gunners became casualties. He continued to man his machine gun until his ammunition was exhausted. His determined stand slowed the pace of the enemy advance in his sector, permitting the remnants of his unit to retreat southward. As the battle raged, Corporal Rubin was severely wounded and captured by the Chinese. Choosing to remain in the prison camp despite offers from the Chinese to return him to his native Hungary, Corporal Rubin disregarded his own personal safety and immediately began sneaking out of the camp at night in search of food for his comrades. Breaking into enemy food storehouses and gardens, he risked certain torture or death if caught. Corporal Rubin provided not only food to the starving Soldiers, but also desperately needed medical care and moral support for the sick and wounded of the POW camp. His brave, selfless efforts were directly attributed to saving the lives of as many as forty of his fellow prisoners.
Rubin was repeatedly nominated for various medals and awards, but was overlooked because of Antisemitism by a superior. According to the Washington Post, “in affidavits filed in support of Rubin’s nomination, fellow soldiers said their sergeant was an anti-Semite who gave Rubin dangerous assignments in hopes of getting him killed.”
I first heard Rubin’s story from a PBS special on MOH winners. Most people would have folded under the racism, but instead that just made his character that much stronger. Finally in 2005, he got the recognition that he truly deserved.
There are of course hundreds of stories of courage under fire. These three just happen to be ones that I am most familiar with. If you would like to read more, here is the Official Medal of Honor site. It will make you proud that this counrty has produced so many heroes and hopefully let you appreciate the sacrifice of our people in uniform.
The Medal of Honor Official Site – I noticed the following note at the bottom of this page:
This leaves just 123 living Medal of Honor Recipients, the least number since the medal was first initiated in 1861.
Originally posted November 2008. Please note – as of this new publishing date, there are now only 85 living MOH winners.
Updated on July 1, 2011
Independence Day
Independence Day
Tomorrow of course is July 4th, the day we celebrate American Independence. For some its a time to travel, watch fireworks, go to the lake, or just relax. Few really appreciate all that transpired some 232 years ago in Philadelphia. So of course you have me to remind you.
By July of 1776, the Thirteen Colonies had been at war with Great Britain for over a year. At the start of hostilities, there were still many that had hoped for a peaceful settlement of grievances with the mother country. Among the many issues were excessive taxation and lack of representation. Also, the tyranny of King George and Parliament who saw the colonies as assets to exploit instead of citizens with rights of the Empire.
When the Continental Congress convened, there were few left that believed there was any other alternative but to declare their independence. Thomas Jefferson was tasked with drafting the declaration. He borrowed liberally from many sources including the Bible and John Locke. Chief among these was the concept that all men were created equal and were given rights by God – not government. Government was organized by men and ruled by their consent. And when government turned to despotism, men had the right to change governments. These were pretty radical ideas in the age of monarchs.
The most precious of these God-given rights is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Jefferson pulled these from Locke who said, “no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.” Remember, in Europe the idea of private property was for the most part limited to the nobility at the whim of the monarch.
Jefferson went on to list the various charges against the king and lay out the case for why America was declaring its independence. One of my favorite charges in the document is:
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.
When I have visited Washington and seen the hundreds of thousands of government workers, redundant departments and excessive bureaucracy, I’ve always thought about this line and chuckle at what the Founding Fathers would think of what liberalism has and continues to do this great country. But back to the story.
Once the document was edited, the Congress gathered in Philadelphia and adopted it on July 4th. The adopted version was sent to the printers and later 56 people would sign their names, including John Hancock who signed it first in rather enormous letters. The moment these men signed their names they became traitors to Great Britain and most lost everything.
Here is an excerpt of a short essay on the lives of these Patriots. I encourage you to read the entire essay to really appreciate what these brave men endured for your freedom:
Lives, fortunes, honor Of those 56 who signed the Declaration of Independence, nine died of wounds or hardships during the war. Five were captured and imprisoned, in each case with brutal treatment. Several lost wives, sons or entire families. One lost his 13 children. Two wives were brutally treated. All were at one time or another the victims of manhunts and driven from their homes. Twelve signers had their homes completely burned. Seventeen lost everything they owned. Yet not one defected or went back on his pledged word. Their honor, and the nation they sacrificed so much to create is still intact. — From Our Lives, Our Fortunes, Our Sacred Honor
There are still people out there who continue to attempt to take your life and freedoms away from you. Some try and do it by force and for the most part are external threats. Some do it by nice speeches and promises of “change.”
Freedom comes with a price of vigilance. We must always protect those rights that so many freedom-loving people have fought to protect. Whether the threat comes from terrorists in Iran, or liberals in Washington, always remember that once you lose your freedom, it might never be won back without a bloody fight.
Happy Independence Day!!
Originally posted July 2008.
Updated on February 11, 2011
A Tribute To Audrey
A Tribute To Audrey
It wasn’t until later in life when I began to appreciate older films. It does seem at times like you’re watching a 90 minute smoking commercial with the proliferation of scenes with people puffing away and long dramatic moments involving close-ups of actors lighting their cigarettes. Otherwise, they are generally well acted and entertaining.
With the proliferation of cable television and nostalgic stations like AMC and TCM, there are many opportunities to watch and enjoy the great films around the clock. I especially like the weekends that are dedicated to one specific actor.
One of the actresses that I’ve grown to really admire is Audrey Hepburn. Audrey was born in Europe and lit up the screens in such classic films as Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Charade, My Fair Lady, and Sabrina.
She was a beautiful woman with natural talent, but also someone who truly cared about those less fortunate. She took 
a special interest in helping underprivileged children in Africa and was a special ambassador for UNICEF.
Even after her death, her legend lives on. In 1999, the American Film Institute named the top 25 female actors of all time. Audrey Hepburn was number 3 on the list.
The following beauty tips were reportedly given by Audrey Hepburn. Unfortunately, I have not been able to confirm her as the source. In any event, they still accurately reflect the character of a truly remarkable woman.
Audrey Hepburn Beauty Tips
- For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
- For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
- For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
- For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
- For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
- People, even more than things, have to be restored, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
- Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find them at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
- The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
- The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows.
- The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.
Originally posted December 2001.
Posted on February 6, 2011
What Happened to the “Human” in Human Resources?
Early in my career I was fortunate to work for a wonderful businessman. His philosophy was very simple; “Treat everyone like they are your best customer, and they just might become just that.” I’ve tried to follow that advice throughout my career.
During this economic downturn, I have met many people who are looking for work. One common complaint is the lack of response from resume submissions. Let me explain. Imagine you are looking for work and find a listing that sounds interesting. You spend a couple of hours researching the company, customizing a cover letter and/or resume to fit the position, and then you send it to the company. And then, nothing happens. No call, no letter, no postcard, not even an automatic email reply is ever sent acknowledging your interest. Simply amazing!
Now I know what the HR folks will say, “We can’t respond to everyone.” The volume can be huge, but with email, there is simply no excuse to at least offer some kind of response.
Imagine if you treated prospective customers the same way, “I’m sorry, we don’t think you will buy very much, therefore we will not respond to your request for information.”
But what’s that you say? These are prospective employees not customers. How do you know where they will be in the future? They may be in a position to become a major customer. If they have to choose between your company and another, who do you think they will choose? Its worth thinking about the next time you ignore applicants.
Having experienced the joy of job hunting many times, I’ve had the opportunity to read and listen to a number of HR people on the subject of how to find a job. In honor of this experience, I’ve compiled my own list of advice for HR professionals:
1. Proof your ad or job listing. – Nothing is less impressive than an ad riddled with typos and confusing sentences.
2. Have someone who understands the position and industry write or edit the ad. – Simple things like understanding the difference between marketing and sales will save us all a lot of time and aggravation.
3. Don’t seek perfect candidates. – They don’t exist. The very best hire I ever made had no background in the industry. I interviewed him as a favor. But it turned out, his product knowledge was superb and his work ethic was amazing. If I had gone by the resume alone, I would never had interviewed him. Remember, don’t judge a book by its cover, or a prospective employee solely by their resume.
4. Understand the market value and experience level for your position. – Don’t describe a senior marketing position and only offer an entry level salary. And my favorite example, the company that wanted a person who could manage brand strategy, P&L, research, and market planning, as well as execute all creative and graphic needs for the company. Good luck finding someone like that. Rarely, will one person be great in such diverse disciplines.
5. Remember that every resume represents a person. – Everyone deserves respect. Whether they are qualified or not, your response is speaking for the entire company. Make sure you are sending the right message.
Originally posted January 2002.
Updated on February 6, 2011
Why Do Americans Love Reality TV?
Why Do Americans Love Reality TV?
I must confess, I do not watch much television anymore. There are many reasons for this: lack of interest, too busy, better things to do, and most importantly, television is just plain bad.
The latest truly bad fad to litter the airways is known as reality TV. The concept is fairly simple, put “ordinary” people in awkward situations so we can all laugh at what transpires. What about this attracts viewers is beyond me. I assume it appeals to the same part of the brain that causes us to stop and stare at car wrecks and fires.
But these shows are getting 15 and 20 million viewers tuning in each week to watch another installment of their favorite train wreck. You can’t blame the networks for continuing to churn out this mess. They give the people what they want.
The show concepts vary and I will examine a few of the common types:
1. Dating/matchmaking – One of the older types of reality shows has as its roots in the early dating and newlywed game shows. Although they rarely strayed beyond a little naughty innuendo. The new reality hybrids take it up a notch or two. They get some guy or girl and have them select from a multitude of suitors. There are of course many variations of the same theme. Sometimes the parents are involved, sometimes the audience even gets to vote on who they like best.
With the cameras rolling and America watching, the “courtship” begins. After several weeks of squeezing every rating point out of this nightmare, all of America holds its collective breath waiting to see which contestant was selected. Of course the relationship is a sham and falls apart in the pages of the tabloids a few weeks later. The network PR hacks give each other a high five and move on to the next episode.
And in a really bizarre twist of this theme, the producers even lie to contestants telling them that the man they are competing for is a millionaire. I don’t know what’s worse, having women competing for someone who is rich, or a man willing to live this lie in front of the entire country. Truly bizarre.
2. Real Life – Let me just say this, anyone that desires to spend any time watching the life of Ozzy, or Anna Nichole, or any other combination of celebrities or celebrity wannabes, needs to immediately seek professional help. These are just bad. I had the misfortune of watching part of an episode at a friend’s home. It is not funny. It is not amusing. It is sad, bordering on pathetic. You might as well visit a mental hospital and laugh at the patients.
3. Extreme Game Shows – These reality shows take the basic game show to new heights of absurdity. Placing individuals in “life-threatening situations” or under great duress for the amusement of millions of couch potatoes. It reminds me of the great gladiator fights of ancient Rome, but I digress.
Again the basic theme has many variations. Stick the contestant on an island and make him/her compete to see who is the last person standing. Or make them eat bugs or participate in some dangerous stunt to win the prize. The allure of 15 minutes of fame and a little cash must be a big motivator.
4. The Talent Shows – Or in some cases, the lack of talent is berated by some pseudo-celebrity to the delight of the audience. The original talent shows were a great way for someone to get noticed and break into the business. But now they have evolved into grotesque freak shows with judges who relish the opportunity to criticize the contestants.
And they are not all just about talent. There are some shows that require no talent at all. The celebrity has-been judges vote on which contestant is the sexiest. Maybe the networks will let the audience vote the least talented judges off the panel. We can only hope.
I guess I am a skeptic at heart. People are not themselves in front of cameras and microphones. I also know that the producers could risk huge lawsuits in the event anyone was hurt or otherwise mistreated. Its hard for me to believe for one second that these shows are not carefully scripted, rehearsed and edited for viewing. And even if they weren’t, normal people don’t behave the way the reality shows portray them. If they did, nobody would watch them. Again, I submit that people watch them precisely to see the train wreck happen. Which in itself is really sad.
So next time you find yourself wanting to watch a reality show. Consider doing something else like:
1. Read a good book
2. Call up an old friend or distant relative
3. Go to the gym, exercise or join a sports league
4. Volunteer somewhere
5. Meet a friend for dinner
Originally published January 2000.
Updated on February 6, 2011
Remembering 9-11
Remembering 9/11
Sometimes it seems I’m the last to know what’s happening in the world. I didn’t know we had been attacked until well after all four jets had made their deadly plunge. My first inclination that something wasn’t right, was the lack of air traffic from the municipal airport that was then near my home. It wasn’t until much later in the day when I learned the full truth and struggled with trying to makes sense of the evil that was unleashed on the world.
It has been several years since that day. In the first few weeks, the churches were full of people. Charities were flooded with donations. The world seemed to be united to end the reign of terrorism forever.
Back in 1941 after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, the country united for the common cause of justice. People prayed and rallied the country to stand up against the evil that had swamped Europe and covered most of Asia. After 4 long years and millions of casualties, the hostilities were brought to an end. Peace was short-lived. Wars and struggles for freedom erupted around the globe.
Am I being a pessimist? Absolutely not! On the contrary, our response to global terrorism is admirable and has already produced positive results. Afghanistan is free again and there is finally hope in a country that was completely hopeless. Around the world terrorists are being arrested and brought to justice. The war is not over, but we are making progress.
The more important question is what is our response as ordinary citizens. I have five suggestions:
1. Have No Fear – Terrorists main weapon is to create fear in the hearts of their target. It is also the primary weapon Satan uses to weaken faith in believers. Its not surprising that throughout the Bible we are told not to fear, but trust that God is near and protects those that trust in Him.
I will fear no evil (Psalm 23:4)
The Lord is my light and salvation – whom shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God (Isaiah 41:10)
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18)
2. Know Your Enemy – We face an even greater enemy than the terrorists. It is the same nemesis we faced in 1941 and the same we face everyday we inhabit this world. The father of all lies will twist the minds of anyone who will listen and make them even believe that killing innocent people in a fiery plane crash will win them a spot in paradise. Very sad indeed.
He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44)
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
The thief (Satan) comes only to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)
3. Pray For Terrorists And Those Who Support Them – I can’t imagine how horrible it must be to grow up believing that God wants you to kill innocent people to earn His favor. Only Satan is capable of distorting and using people to come to this horrible conclusion. God is love, mercy and grace. He gave His own Son as a final sacrifice for all. Through the faith and prayers of millions, God brought down the Soviet Union and the Berlin Wall without a shot. If He can do that, He can defeat Satan’s lies throughout the world and reveal His true nature to all who are in bondage to sin. Anything is possible to those that believe!
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44)
I am sending you to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me (Jesus) (Acts 26:17-18)
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:27)
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. (Matthew 21:22)
4. Don’t Give Satan A Foothold – After 9/11, people were naturally angry and demanded revenge against anyone associated with the attack. And we should seek justice and protect ourselves from future attacks. But we must forgive the people that attack us. If we do not, we condemn ourselves in front of God. Anger and hatred will open the door to Satan and we may become just as enslaved by sin as the terrorists. Hate the sin, forgive the people.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in darkness. (1 John 2:9)
For man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (James 1:20)
If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:20-21)
5. Remember That God Is In Control – Its easy to forget who is in charge when calamity strikes. Remember that God loves you and will protect you. Read Psalm 91 and the other verses below. Place it in your heart and stand on it whenever evil is approaching. God will not let you down.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do. But our eyes are upon you…This is what the Lord says to you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:12 & 15)
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those with them.” (2 Kings 6:16)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in who I trust.”
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
If you make the Most High your dwelling, even the Lord who is my refuge, then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against the stone. You will tread on the upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91)
Updated on February 26, 2011
Christmas Memories
Christmas Memories
Do you remember what you received for Christmas when you were 6? How about 7? Or 8? Its nearly impossible for me to remember the gifts. But what I do remember, is priceless. I recall my sisters and me performing a play for my parents. I’ll never forget the great care my mother took in selecting the decorating theme for the tree each year. The year of the purple decorations was very memorable.
I also fondly remember the food, the family gatherings, and the time spent reflecting on what the Holiday was all about. This was especially true while we attended Church for the Midnight service on Christmas Eve. Often, my mother sang “O Holy Night” using the complete range of her powerful soprano voice. I still get chills when I hear that song.
During this Christmas Season, spend some time reflecting on the real reason we celebrate. Maybe you will create some wonderful memories of your own.
In the spirit of the season, here is one of my favorite poems. The author is unknown. Perhaps during a moment of humility, whoever crafted this masterpiece believed it inappropriate to claim credit.
Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village, and that a despised one. He worked in a carpenter shop for thirty years, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a really big city. He never traveled, except in his infancy, more than two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He had no credentials but Himself.
While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. One of them betrayed Him. He was turned over to his enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. His executors gambled for the only piece of property He had on this earth, His seamless robe. When He was dead, He was taken down from the cross and laid in a borrowed grave through the courtesy of a friend. Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone, and today Jesus is the centerpiece of the human race, and the leader of all human progress.
I am well within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built, all the parliaments that have ever sat, and all the kings that have ever ruled put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth like this one solitary personality.
All time dates from His birth, and it is impossible to understand or interpret the progress of human civilization in any nation on earth apart from His influence. Slowly through the ages man is coming to realize that the greatest necessity in the world is not water, iron, gold, food and clothing, or even nitrate in the soil; but rather Christ enshrined in human hearts, thoughts and motives.
Author Unknown