It is a sad day when your son comes to you and ask, “Can the government kick ___ race from the country?”.  At the young age of 11, to ask that question, shows that is truly something wrong with the government of the day!  How do you expect people to have the sense of patriotism when even the children think that they will be kicked out of the country?

Respect

As children, we were always thought to respect others and their culture.   Respect goes both ways.  You should not expect respect without giving respect.   However, all too often, the power that be expect everyone else to expect their culture and religion but do not give back in return.  

One example, is the dishes served in a compulsory training program.  The food served represent sacred animal of a specific religion but is served without any consideration for that culture.   This is hypocrisy in the highest order.

faith (Photo credit: Jeff Attaway)

Natives

In all countries, there are the original natives of the land.   However, in the pursuit of greed, this definition has been hijacked and many of those who claim to be natives and enjoy special privileges are not even from this country.  Meanwhile, the true natives are cast aside and live in abject poverty.  Their land are stolen and people raped by workers in the companies belonging to powerful warlords!

To make things worst, many illegals are given citizenship without due process.  All in making sure those in power continue to remain in power.

Religion

Religion is used and manipulated.  These are all done in the name of protecting the faith.  However, if you analyze the situation, the very act insults the faith, they claim to protect.   

Their believe is their faith is so weak that those of the faith can be easily turned – by reading the the book from other faith or even listening to mp3 of other faith.

Those who convert to their faith are also considered to transfer all their worldly belong to that faith.  Meaning the inheritance cannot be passed to their family if the rest of the family is not of that faith.    You cannot have two masters – you have to choose between God or worldly posession.     Clearly, this sound like the latter.

In that religion, it is compulsory to pay a percentage of the income to help the poor and yet so many of the poor in that religion has to get help from the charitable organizations of other faith.  Since those of that religion makes up majority of the country, where do the collection go?

Language

Language unites the people.  Often the country has their national language for this purpose.  However, it is difficult when

1. you are not allowed to use the language to pray!   
2. most of the original words are discarded and replaced with badly spelt words of another language.

Education

Education standards are lowered to help a certain group of people pass.  The higher education is also restricted to that group of people.  This has resulted in lower level of education quality.   Many of these graduates can’t even do basic communication.

Also a lot of institutions are set up for profit without quality.   Those who have employed graduates from these institutions have complained about the ability of these graduates and quite often these institutions get blacklisted.

As a result, those children who go into these institutions will end up with worthless pieces of paper that is neither recognized locally nor outside the country.   

Conclusion

It is sad to see all these problems and sometimes as concerned parents, we feel helpless.   What would you do?

Other articles of interest:
Vote with Your Wallet
Faith and Religion
Education (Or in Name only)

Therefor, only one who is careless of his or her life… or a fool… approaches, let alone openly seeks out, welcomes, and embraces the unknown wholeheartedly and without caution.

This is not the same as those rare, extreme, but nonetheless real moments in our living and exploration of life when we may be faced with having to choose between the certainty of destruction or death on the one side, and the unknown, which may hold out at least the possibility of success and life on the other…

… those (hopefully few) times in one’s life when hope must, and rationally does, rule against caution in choosing the unknown, our doing so then coming from our thrust FOR life, being at those moments the only – and coldly logical – choice to be made to HAVE a chance to live by experiencing the glory of a miracle in random chance… or the Universe’s (or God’s, if you prefer) blessing… instead of the sureness of non-existence.

But in our everyday lives, what is much more often the case is that we hold on to many things that make us unhappy because, for bad or worse, they are familiar and have become “home” to us… the place inside and outside us to which we have become accustomed or inured (which is often a palpable dullness), but are at least certain that they exist… fearing that to venture outside of and beyond what we know simply for the sake of what only MAY be is to risk that the unhappiness, and the awareness that we feel that we somehow don’t “fit” well in our life as we’ve come to know it, may get even worse, that we might not even be able to return to living even with the degree of unhappiness we’ve become used to and know that we can at least live with (despite our discontent)…

… and prove to us NOT that our hopes for the existence of “better” may be real, but that our fears that we cannot… and will NEVER… experience the happiness and joy that our souls innately know and so BELIEVE life is capable of containing for us are (real)…

… causing the loss of all hope… which we fear would be the death of our soul.

In that way, accepting unhappiness in our lives and becoming content with it is to live by a compromise with our desire for happiness, a kind of wager with our souls, clinging to the hope that we may yet find or achieve happiness, but doing so ONLY by never risking loss of it by ever actually seeking it out and possibly not finding it, or, having found it, finding that it doesn’t last as long as our unhappiness does.

And therein lie the half-lived and continually unhappy lives of countless many…

.. existing in the purgatory of the misery of life, while believing that they may be avoiding something worse, Hell… which is to live with the soul’s having died…

… by never taking the chance – in any way other than in our dreams – to be more fully alive, to look for and possibly find and live our dreams, and to soar.

It is no wonder, then, that depression makes us want to sleep…

… depression being so often the sadness and frustration of feeling only partly alive and hopelessly “lost” without enough of a functioning sense of ourselves and who, and what we are (which is the inner flame of our souls) to even know where to LOOK for happiness and fulfillment… let alone find it.

POOL OF SILOAM

John Chapter 9:  6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

Sages of the Second Temple period were of the opinion that the saliva of the true, legitimate first born heir of a man would have healing properties.  Of course, not all first born sons went around anointing people with spit and healing them of illnesses and infirmities. Jesus did however, and the point of it was seen by those of the early church as a means of proving He was a legitimate son and heir, but of whom?  Mary and Joseph both said that Jesus was not the son of Joseph, and claimed He was the son of God.  Surely since his using saliva to mix with soil to put on the eyes of a man blind from birth, causing him to see once he washed them in the pool of Siloam, was one example of Him doing things in the way of the Sages?  But is there more to all that? 

Saliva holds our DNA. 

DNA, is short for deoxyribonucleic acid.  DNA is the building block for the human body.  It’s a fact that virtually every cell contains DNA. The DNA in people’s blood is the same as the DNA in their saliva, skin tissue, hair, and bone. Importantly, DNA does not change throughout a person’s life which is why it is an important tool used in criminal cases. 

DNA paternity testing is notably done by swabbing a sample of saliva for matching.  DNA testing is a conclusive and definitive way to establish biological relationships.

If Jesus was biologically the Son of God, then He was putting the DNA of the lineage of the Creator into the eyes of the blind man?  If you think that God created Adam out of the red dust of the ground as claimed in Genesis, then you can see that the Son of the Creator could also use soil in performing a creative miracle. Supernatural?

Like many disciples of Jesus, I do not adhere to the philosophy that a man “or” woman can have more than one spouse. Some sects of Mormonism “do.” This faith is unlike any other faith which calls itself Christian, and the most unique part of being a Mormon, is the fact that anyone who “isn’t” is of the “unworthy,” and as thus, “treated” as such. Now we have had “two” Mormons running for the White House, and have been viewing many, many Mormon faith ads on television. I wonder “why?” Romney is not out after the seat of Power to this country for no reason, and from the PR work being done, it all leads back to, not “Romney,” but the “CHURCH.” Being a Mormon is all about POWER and part of being a Mormon, is to have that power to “subject” others to “their” ways of running things.

As a minister, who myself differs from all others of the faith in Jesus, I myself am not even close to being like this “cult.” And yes, I myself, “reject” these of this faith simply because by “example,” they do not show to be of the self-sacrificing, compassion, giving, or loving ways Jesus taught a disciple should be.

Romney made a remark about the poor, and also made a remark about those who are the recipents of Social Security being the responsibility of each individual state and not the federal government. He has not even gotten into the White House yet, and he is showing his true colors, and you guessed it, a “Mormon.” Mormons only care about Mormons and can state that from “experience.”

Know why this Mormon family adopted my wife for? As a “mate” for their son. I met my wife after she had run away from these people. After marrying me, they “disowned” her. It is not the only experience, “bad” experience on record with people of this faith. People think of Nazi’s with disgust, but at least a Nazi during World War Two, would give a person a crumb of bread, or some water, maybe not willingly, but they still “would.” A Mormon, if you are not one, will NOT even give you that, “if” you are not of their faith. How do I know this? I took my wife to Utah to visit a brother who “also” married a Mormon. A “blood” related brother. Had twelve dollars in my pocket when I arrived there at a town north of Salt Lake City.

After many years of not seeing each other, my wife asked her brother where we were going to sleep. Upon hearing this, he told us we could not stay with them, as his wife would not allow us to. So, like an idiot I went and hocked what little I could at the local pawn shop and got a room. The next day, we went to the local LDS center to get some help. “There,” we were told that they only help members of the church, and if we were not active members that we did not QUALIFY. Wonder what they would have done if Jesus showed up and needed a meal? I guess the thousands Jesus fed were not “Mormons” as they would not have met up to “his” standards.

I am not a prejudice person, but over the span of time, I have grown to know that Jesus was right when he said that not all people who proclaim his name are of his kingdom. By example and by their ways, I found out the hard way, just how Mormon believe. If you or I are not “Mormon,” we are not of THEIR kingdom, and not worthy of their help. So what the hell does Romney need our help for? Aren’t there enough Mormons to elect him into office as President?

Once in office, for those who do not know a person of this faith I am describing to you, in my own personal opinion, you would be better off if a Nazi were running for President, for if he won, at least you may get a chance to EAT or have a place to LIVE. Mormons are after one thing, and that is to CONTROL your lives and what best to do it with, than to get the head office of this country.

Romney, slowly is showing that, “first” he is a “Mormon,” “second,” that he is a rich man, and “third” that “if” he gets elected he would in HIS own way, straighten out this country. Problem is, for those of you who are not Mormon and like this candidate, you do not know what a Mormon does to those who are NOT of their faith. Social programs and those on them will get the biggest hit, if Romney gets into office, “for” when I lived briefly in Utah, they did NOT have any help for anyone else who was not a MORMON. How I survived in Utah, was by the help of other persons who also were not Mormons and they gave me a JOB.

Mormon do not believe you or I are “worthy” of their “presence” much less HELP, and from the slip of the tongue lately, Romney is a product of this faith. You and I will not matter to him or his administration if we are elderly or disabled. Obama, though he is consistently put down, HAS given a damn to initiate some changes for health care, and as much as he is subjected to all the condescending comments by the GOP lead house, much of the BS that has not gotten done has been on THEIR shoulders and not Obama.

I am and “was” a devout conservative REPUBLICAN until I looked upon Boehners prejudical behaviors. This is AMERICA and not the United States of “Boehner.” Most of the stumbling blocks within the last year and ahalf have come not from the Obama administration but this one Congressman. One man does not run a country, and if Romney gets elected to be President, he will find out in the end for his church, that we are not ready for another Hitler regime………..

          My senior year through graduation I tried everything to find something I could put my trust in.  I tried friends, substances, art, and finally I found myself lost in my hometown and ready to move to a place that no one knew my name.  I left Tennessee and moved to Oklahoma.  That is where I met my husband.  My entire life I was taught how I was to think and believe.  I lived my life accordingly even though I doubted most of those things.  My husband was someone I could be honest with about my true thoughts without judgement or isolation.  He made me feel like it was okay to have a different view or opinion than my family.  When I finally declared my independence I lost a lot of people.  They didn’t stop talking to me or disown me, but they immediately decided I was troubled and my kids were at risk. 

          Its a scary, lonely world out there when your faith isn’t where the majority of your peers find it to be.  Just being a good person wasn’t and still isn’t ever enough.  No one sees that.  Once you say you don’t believe in a god or supernatural being you are labeled as someone without a conscience.  People find it hard to believe you can be a good person without religion.  I’m here to tell you that isn’t true.  Everyone with a mentally stable mind knows what is right and what is wrong.  When you get into specifics there are many different views, but everyone should work that out on their own turf and live life accordingly. 

          I’ve lost hope in many things, life has gotten me down to the point of giving up.  Once I found myself being true to my own feelings, I found a freedom regardless of the outside opinion.  It meant letting go of how others perceived me and taking hold of my right to individuality. 

          People have asked me how I could be happy or positive when I believed in nothing.  Every time I am questioned this way, I must correct them for they have it all wrong.  Maybe I don’t have faith an a physical or spiritual thing, but I have faith in myself.  I have faith in who I am and hope in what I can be and do.  My life has its ups and downs, and I don’t always make the right choices, but I know that I can. 

          Its very hard to only have yourself to rely on.  Never could I say it was easy.  Its very hard.  One thing I have found to be certain is that when you are the only person to let yourself down its much easier to digest so you can get back up and try again with the knowledge of what failure has given you.  I haven’t accomplished much of anything I have set forth, yet.  But, once I do make it to the finish line I will be able to say I did this on my own and my self worth doesn’t depend on my surroundings.  With this honesty I have motivation.  I only need to prove to myself what I am capable of.  I only have me to impress. 

          Everyone who has something to live for is a winner in my book.  No matter what it is, as long as you are honest with yourself you can make your life whatever you want it to be.  I don’t believe in limitations.  Your only as good as what you accomplish.  I have nothing but respect for those people.  The only thing I desire is the same respect.  That may never happen.  However, those people who I allowed to let me down will no longer have that power over me.  Freedom came when I was honest and success will come when I make it happen.

When people are told to stay postive, they don’t know what to do. They think they should meditate or go help the homeless. Not nessicarily. You just have to know deep down in your mind that God is planning something good for you. Every time you see something bad, just remember that God is protecting you. Every time it appears that “the world will end,” remember, nothing is out of God’s control. Nothing will go according to Satan’s plans, because God’s plan outweighs his. Never forget that, because once you do, you start worrying about all the bad that could possibly happen. When you start thinking like that, you’re definatley not going to be in a postive mood!

“This pain I feel, is from my head to my heels. I’m always doing right, cause I know kindness kills. I have one problem with all the feelings I feel. I would love to know when will it heal. Made lots of good choices, though some was bad, but I’m forgetting a good feeling, so now I’m hanging my head. I’ve always been strong but I’ve struggled to long. Lord when I raise my kids I’ll be ready to come home. I try to make friends and I try not to sin. But lord I seem to continue to give in. Can a have a break, if even just for a day. Oops! Lord I forgot you still letting me breathe!” -Rod

I’ve been struggling for so long and I’ve just been wanting the simple things out of life! A family, kids, wife, running car, and a home! Not a house, a home! I have not yet to get them, but I’m constantly preaching and teaching to do the right thing! Yes! There is a reward for the hard times and doing the right thing but these rewards are in heaven!

For once I’d just like to be without the same issues. I’ve address them in several different manners but getting the same results. I don’t steal, kill, drink, smoke, club or talk bad about others! A trustworthy person, but for some reason I’m always getting the cheating girlfriend, the fake friend’s, the temporary jobs! It’s just I never really get a way out, and yes I’m complaining cause I don’t complain cause I understand it makes thing worst. Some of you have family that loves you and will give you an arm or a leg, and you take it for granted!

Some of you have the perfect woman and won’t treat them like a queen, forget a woman, like a queen! Some you can have any job you want, or can go to any college out there, and you just take these things for granted! But someone that really needs the opportunity is just in the mud! It is just so painful to go through these type of problems and still being a good person! Not walking around hating people, not stealing in desperate situations, allow people to talk bad about you and keep quiet!

I’ve dealt with a lot and all I want out of life is a family and to help as many people as I can in the world! I feel like I can cry for the people that can’t do it, I could cry for the world cause I feel others pain and I hate it! There is barely any love going around in the world anymore, and I know God is love. So we really need to start looking out for one another, it’s people around you barely making it!

And I know everyone has there own story but every chance you get show some love and wipe somebody’s tears away! Cause I could use one million dollars right now, just like you! But right now I need a should, or something to wipe my eyes! If you don’t care about others more then yourself your already dead! Go to the nursing homes, hospitals, jails, yes jails, homeless shelter, or just find someone needing love.

Love is a nuclear weapon for Christian people….  

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The first day I walked by myself to Kindergarten was a Sunny Autumn morning. I cried nearly ever step of the way – but I bet Mom really wasn’t too far away and every tear must have hurt her dearly. But she knew there would be a time I would have to step out on my own. As much as she loved me she knew I would have to go on my own eventually – she knew I’d be okay, but it didn’t make it hurt much less.

For some of us, we know that death is not a final ending. We might not all have the same faith and some of us might not believe in an afterlife and do not believe in what that afterlife is even if we believe in it. However when we are faced with mortality, the separation from our loved ones by that veil of death, no matter how firm our faith, there is a feeling of pain and loss. Like a parent sending their child to school. Or like a child going leaving home to live away from home to go to university or college, we know it is happening and it is proper that it happens, but even though we know that we can still love our loved ones who are separate from us – it will never be the same.

Even as that time approaches, even if the brush with mortality is not mortal on that occasion, it foreshadows the eventual separation. We feel the upcoming pain of separation.

I think, I pray not that someone close does not die. I do not know the proper time of their passing. I know it will happen when it is God’s Will – for that is my belief – and so my prayer is for strength and understanding in the time of tears over the separation. I pray for comfort for those around me and the person who is facing mortality. I pray for strength so that I can help comfort those around me who need it an so that I do not become a burden in taking too much energy in personal needs for comfort myself.

I know that knowing and feeling are different things. I feel the pain even though I know the parting is temporary and if and when it happens it is God’s Will and that in truth my beloved one is not that far away – just not so huggable. I cry just thinking of the separation. Like Mom must have when I walked alone at 5 to kindergarten that first day.

I have known pain in my own flesh. I have seen it in the groans of others. I have read about it and I have listened to stories of how people have suffered, recounted, many times. Pain is born in our flesh. And most of the struggles and sacrifices we have to make in life is about escaping pain and suffering. I will tell you the truth, the more you run away from it, the more you get hurt with it. That isn’t a haughty statement, in any case. The greatest pain is that born from the fear of getting hurt. It is that which is anticipated.

Why not just face it? This is no joke, and I will say it again, unless you embrace pain, you will never understand it. By embracing it, it gives value to the little joys of life and make them grand. By embracing it, you “rob it of its sting” . You learn to treasure the little threads that hold your fragile life with care because you know, from a certain, secret, sacred region of of your existence, that life is short-lived and terribly fragile.

A friend shared a story to me about the pain she has had to suffer because of betrayals, you know like being stabbed in the back by the only person you have grown to love, even jealously. I listened, and candidly, I asked her why she didn’t commit suicide, after all, she has has had enough fill of pain. She looked at me, and said: “I can’t”… I didn’t not want to elaborate, to ask for questions. I knew that in that answer, there was a seed of life, of something that transcends pain and suffering, of something that gives meaning to life through the dark veil of suffering. She had something to live for.

I have always meditated on the question of suffering, death and life. And i have come to the conclusion that death and life, suffering and pleasure are two poles within which vaccinate the very life we live. We would never appreciate light if there was no darkness. We would never value fidelity in friendship except we have suffered betrayal… the very pain in our flesh opens a path through which others pass through to life… Life thus becomes giving, for in living its pain, we die daily while letting others to live. If you haven’t discovered the meaning to life, ask yourself why you haven’t yet considered suicide