Heard The One About A Priest And A Rabbi?

Remember when we were told that laughter was the best medicine?  Well what ever happened to that medicine?  Seems like it expired from sitting too long on the shelf.  Not too long ago, it seemed as though everyone was a comedian.  They all had a joke to share.  The workplace was a virtual comedy club with someone always have a joke to share.  Sometimes they were raunchy, sexist, racist and downright unacceptable but still jokes all the same.  On any given day, I would hear at least ten anecdotes.  What happened?  The well of jokes ran dry?  Has our world become too serious a place?

Some time ago,  I went to a co-worker’s office to tell him a joke that I thought was funny.  At the end of it he stared at me as if waiting for the punch line. I was like ‘err..hmmm…’ and repeated a few lines with emphasis on the punch line in case he missed the joke. He finally managed a weak smile.  Not sure if he got it.  Laughter in the workplace is dead folks!

There are way too many stern faces walking around out there.  Seen your boss lately?  Tell him a joke.  Maybe he needs to lighten up.  Let’s prescribe some old-fashioned medicine, laughter.

Related articles

• Laughter (caslig.wordpress.com)
• Humor (revsandy.wordpress.com)

R.E.S.P.E.C.T, Find Out What It Means To Me

Living in the Caribbean, I was taught as a kid to respect not only my elders but also those in authority.   Respect became a part of my life and I respected everyone until they they wore it out.

Arriving in North America, I was surprised to see that respect was not as forced fed as I was used to it being.  Everyone seemed on the same plain. Old, young, teachers and students, there were no differentiating.  At first I was aghast.  If he said that in my country, he would get such an ass whupping…How could she talk to her grandmother/teacher like that?  Then I got used to it.

Getting used to it didn’t mean I forgot what I was taught and followed the disrespectful crowd.  No, I got used to seeing the lack of respect.  No one seemed to make the obvious connection that lack of respect goes hand in hand with criminal behavior.   Rape, theft, molestation, all direct manifestations of the lack of respect by the perpetrators.  I am not saying that having no respect means one is going to commit a crime but committing a crime is a result of not respecting the victim.  You can’t dispute that.

In my work place, I give due respect to those in authority.  I do not get confrontational unless I feel I have to be, and then I still maintain a respectful attitude.  Unfortunately, many of those who are in supervisory or managerial positions tend to abuse their power.   They expect to be respected by their employees but do not believe that it should be mutual.  Respecting their minions seems weak and unprofessional.  In fact, this is quite the opposite.  Humbling yourself to be able to respect someone who is ‘beneath’ you is a show of strength.  Some consider it sexy.

Respect is dying.  It’s not quite dead yet but it’s terminal.  Unless it is resuscitated, we would continue to be selfish savages.  But again, that’s just MY TAKE.

 

Related articles

• R.E.S.P.E.C.T – Find Out What it Means (zigzagleadership.wordpress.com)
• R.e.s.p.e.c.t. (gonzosoccer.wordpress.com)
• R.e.s.p.e.c.t (sleeplessandthecity.wordpress.com)

Flogging A Dead Horse

I wanted to write something interesting.  A post that captures attention and screams to be read.  I thought that maybe I could write about how God’s grace keeps me alive and without him I’d be nothing.  But then you have heard all about that and can find it throughout my posts.  You’ll find more in my future posts as well, just so you know.  So no need flogging that, right?  In fact, I am doubly certain that you also know about Farrah Abraham of Teen Mom fame, becoming an entrepreneur.  Good for her! I love seeing people doing positive things.  Well so I thought until I read further that she made a sex tape ala Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, etc. etc.  No need to mention names as you know all about it.

Then I thought that maybe I could blog about Celebrities.  Amanda Bynes, the actress who I thought was the cute innocent girl that wouldn’t become like a Lindsay Lohan or Britney Spears.  I could blog about Amanda tweeting topless pics while looking like she’s missing a few brain cells.  But you already know that, right?  And about Lindsay Lohan disappearing from rehab and almost facing sure jail time for violating a court order but being Lilo, it was all just Lilo being Lilo and the law being…well the law.  You already know that.  So no use blogging about that either.  How about America’s sweetheart Reese Witherspoon? Did you know the girl with the ‘squeaky clean’ image was recently arrested for disorderly behavior which included berating an officer?  How about Justin Beiber? Sorry, I guess he’s old news.

I could blog about the Boston bombings, the Obama administration, the Texas blast that came after the Boston Bombing that no one, well except the families of the victims, remembers.  Yet the Boston bombing is still major news.  I won’t even whisper anything about that as you know about that too.  How about the Stanley Cup?  Hockey playoffs that is.  Old news now right?  My Washington Capitals will win it all by the way.  Did you know that a building collapsed in Bangladesh killing over 600 people?  You did?  Then never mind.

You know just about everything so I won’t flog a dead horse.  How about God Loves You?  Don’t believe in God?  Then somebody out there loves you and maybe that’s something you didn’t know.

Related articles

• Lindsay Lohan Finally Made It To Rehab (now100fm.cbslocal.com)
• Fame On A Friday : Amanda Bynes and Lindsay Lohan Should Hang Out and Share Their Crazy (7kindsofmind.com)
• Reese Witherspoon, Jenelle Evans & More: The Wildest Celebrity Arrests (hollywoodlife.com)
• WATCH: Reese Witherspoon Freaks Out In Arrest Video (huffingtonpost.com)

Assisted Suicide Revisited

I don’t mean to flag a dead horse here and no pun intended either but with the news a week ago that the woman from Winnipeg who went to Zurich to die by assisted suicide had died, I can’t help but revisit this very sensitive issue.  Read my take on that here.

After reading about her final moments, a few questions came to me.  take this excerpt for example:  In the moments before she died, Griffiths walked, talked and sang with family members in a sunny, warm garden on the Dignitas property just outside Zurich.  So she had all her faculties before she died, right?  So then why spend all that money when she could have done it herself in the privacy and comfort of her own home?

Next excerpt:  “Then Griffiths settled in and took the first of two drinks that would end her life. The first was bitter, so she ate chocolate to temper the taste.” If someone is really dead set on killing themself, do they really care about taste?  And why does it take two glasses of whatever it was?  Why complicate the process?

Coincidentally, I read in the papers today that the founder of the place where Susan Griffiths died, admitted to disposing of the ashes of those that died there by throwing them in Lake Zurich in the dark of night.  I hope Susan did her research.  She wanted to die with dignity but I doubt being dumped into the lake is dignifying.  

Just my take.

Related articles

• Winnipeg woman dies with aid of doctor in Zurich; wished it could have been in Canada (globalnews.ca)
• Susan Griffiths’s final blog entry (cbc.ca)
• Winnipegger’s assisted suicide completed in Swiss garden (cbc.ca)

A Hand For The Dying

What do you give to someone who already has everything?  Some people are stumped by this but I think the answer is ‘your time’.  When a person is rich and has just about everything money can buy, real friends are usually what they need most.  Someone to spend quality time with.  Someone who is not hanging with them because of ulterior motives.  Now, what do you say to someone who is dying?

There’s a young woman in our church who has terminal cancer.  She has been given a short time to live. Before her situation became almost hopeless, it was easy to talk to her.  “Hey, how are you doing?  How is everything? Praying for you.”  It wasn’t awkward.  As soon as it was public knowledge that she her life was numbered, I couldn’t find words to say after ‘hello’.  I wanted to ask her how was everything but then I already knew how everything was.  If someone asked me that while I was sick and dying, I would be tempted to answer with some smart answer like, “Oh I’m fine.  Never felt better.  I am thinking of taking up rock climbing.”  So I don’t ask that.  Saying “I am praying for you” seems acceptable but what if she’s trying to keep her mind of her illness and just enjoy her last days? Can’t I just pray for her without telling her?  So too is “You’ll beat this!” That’s a bit facetious and misleading.

What do you say?  What should I say?  I sometime just place a comforting and reassuring hand on her shoulder and I think that must convey more than words.  In that touch, I let her know that she’s in my thoughts and I’m praying for her.  It also says to keep fighting and “We have your back, kiddo!” So maybe if you are in that situation, a hand on the shoulder could really speak volumes.

In some cases, the very words I hesitate to say could very well be the words that the sick person wants to hear.

Related articles

• The Last Words of the Dying (thepenbullet.com)
• Are You Really Sorry?

Boston Bombing: And in other news you might have missed…

Breaking news banner logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Last week Monday the United States was thrown into shock and mourning when two bombs exploded at the Boston marathon killing three people.  Since then, our televisions and social media have been bombarding us with Newscasts, sportscasts and talk shows, tweets and statues that keep rehashing the bombing.  You just cannot escape the coverage.   Tributes continue to pour in from everyone from everywhere.  In its quest to be the first with breaking news, CNN keep stumbling over their own feet, bringing us erroneous and contradictory briefs.

Two days later in Texas, a fertilizer plant exploded killing fifteen people and injuring over one hundred, including five firefighters. Homes were flattened including a nursing home.  There were stories of bravery by civilians who pitched in to help save victims. The toll on both humans and property was larger than that of the Boston bombing but you may have missed it.

A few days after, a large earthquake rocked china, killing over 200 people and injuring close to 10,000.  The sheer magnitude dwarfed the Boston bombing but again, it’s quite possible that you may have missed it.

Did you know that Iraq is gearing up for its elections and in the past two weeks 13 of the candidates have been murdered? You may have missed this.  It’s only Iraq.  It was important a few years ago when we sacrificed our loved ones in a ‘war’ to free the people from a tyrannical ruler.  Update:  Since the ousting and murder of Saddam, the country is now even more unstabilized but that’s just my opinion.  A week prior to the the worst terrorist act on US soil since 9/11,  a NATO strike killed 10 children.  Most of us didn’t get that news and heck, sacrificing a few kids to get those elusive militants is totally worth it.  We lost a few good men on the battlefield in Afghanistan too during the week. In fact, we are losing them almost daily but we seem to have given up on them a long time ago anyways so in reality, maybe they are already dead to us.

During the coming days and weeks, we will find out what the surviving brother has to say, if he’s allowed to live.  We will hear what he consumed the day of the bombing. His favorite quotes, his favorite music and maybe even his favorite blogger.  Information overload will be underway.  Some of us will care, some of us won’t give two hoots.  I will be one of the latter.

I do feel for the victims of this heinous crime but unfortunately, it comes with the territory.  It doesn’t matter if the perpetrators were Hindus or Muslims, Chechen or Czech.  These crimes will continue and strike close to home. Sorry for breaking the bad news.  Until someone close to me is a victim, I can be sympathetic but not empathetic.  While we are consumed with the Boston Bombing and whodunnit, babies are born, people are laughing, a kid is learning to walk, and the world turns and life goes on.  And you won’t want to miss it!

If I sound insensitive, it is unintentional.  It’s just My Take.

Related articles

• What separates a death in Iraq from one in Boston? (abc.net.au)
• Empathy for Boston, from Iraqi children (salon.com)
• How Can We Condemn Boston Murders But Excuse U.S. Bombing of Civilians? (blogs.scientificamerican.com)

Assisted Suicide

This morning I did something I rarely do.  Especially at work.  I cried.  I didn’t  sit there and sobbed with my shoulders going up and down but I was choked up and a few tears streamed down my face while I sniffled.

I was skimming through the Monday edition of The Winnipeg Free Press and there was an article by Lindor Reynolds that seemed interesting.   Here.   It detailed a woman’s decision to end her life after being diagnosed with an illness that would have gradually rob her of her quality of life.  Assisted Suicide is illegal in Canada so she was travelling to Switzerland where it is legal.  I cried as I looked at a photo of her walking down the steps of her house for the last time.  As she was wheeled through the airport.  As I read about her saying bye to her grandkids.  I was sad and I cried.

As a Christian, my opinion on this form of self-demise is somewhat bias, I must confess.  I err on the biblical side that teaches that murder in all forms is wrong.  Reading about Susan Griffiths’ choice to die on her terms and not be a ‘dead living’, I softened on my stance.  She knew that her condition would see her confined to a bed unable to even manage the simplest bodily function.  Being a burden to her family, while suffering the indignity of being tended to by impersonal caretakers.  Strong points for the case of assisted suicide.  Under those conditions, what would I want?

I have always have this fear of lying in a hospital bed with my mind intact but  unable to communicate with my loved ones.  A few months ago, I saw a friend in that condition.  Mercifully, he died a couple of weeks later.  When I went to see him, I looked into his eyes and knew he wanted to talk to me but he couldn’t.  I could see the confusion, pain and panic in his eyes.  I turned away and couldn’t look at him.  I never went back.  If he could, would he have chosen death?

Last week, I sent a Facebook message to an old friend.  It was a few months since I had seen her.  I wanted to know how she was doing as her future didn’t look to bright.  She was diagnosed with a serious form of cancer and had undergone the gamut of treatment including chemo.  She was forced to give up her job and her boy friend, who couldn’t deal with her condition.  I messaged her to find out how she was doing and to be honest, was not expecting the response I got.  She was healed! She was back to work! I had prayed hard for her, much like many other prayer warriors on her behalf and it had worked!  In her words,  “I’m doing great docs are really amazed I’m in complete remission & back at work full time a miracle”  She also added,  ”Grace of God & prayers saved my life & for that I am eternally grateful.”

Another example.  A few years ago, my cousin’s boyfriend suddenly fell while in church.  He was rushed to the hospital where he stayed in a coma-like state.  His family and the doctor discussed pulling the plug since his future looked bleak.  Fortunately, they didn’t and today, he’s fully recovered.

Now what if my friend had decided that she wasn’t willing to face what lay ahead?  What if she had offed herself?  What if the plug was pulled in the young man’s case?  In my opinion, when you believe in God, you believe in fighting to the bitter end.  Till the last breath.  Lazarus was dead for 4 days, yet he was brought back to life.  If you are not a believer, things can still change for you.  What if doctors come up with a cure?  I have heard of so many miracles by people like my friend.  So many people have ‘come back from the grave’ so to speak.  Why can’t it be you?  As they say, ‘Once there’s life, there’s hope.’

On the legal side of this issue.  Should it be legal in Canada?  Murder is a crime, right?  If it becomes legal, how do you draw the line about who determines who dies and when?  Who gets to play God?  A co-worker thinks that it is unfair that dogs are put down when they are terminally ill but humans are not given that choice.  Good point BUT, we are our dogs’ masters.  No human is my master.

I am curious though, if someone is strong and able enough, why can’t they do the act themselves?  Why get someone else’s hands dirty?  In Susan’s case, instead of travelling overseas to seek a killer, couldn’t she mix and drink her own poison?  Just wondering.

Sorry, just my take…

Related articles

• Winnipeg woman seeks help to die in Europe (cbc.ca)
• Federal assisted suicide appeal heard in highest B.C. court (cbc.ca)
• No ‘right answer’ when it comes to the assisted suicide debate, government lawyer tells court (theprovince.com)
• http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/a-date-with-death-201884711.html
• http://www.elizabethmcclung.blogspot.com/2013/04/susan-griffiths-72-isnt-tragic-is.html

Highly Sensitive, Are We?

In yet another example of how sensitive we have become, Target store was forced to release an apology after the label on one of their plus-sized dresses described the color as ‘manatee grey’.    How distressing!  How rude! The nerve of them to even associate plus-sizes with a manatee!  One shopper took offense and complained.   She tweeted that it was not fair that standard colors were described as ‘Dark Heather Grey’ while the plus-sizes were ‘Manatee Grey’.

You are kidding me, right?  We have nothing better to do than to dissect and read into everything someone writes, do or say?  Man oh man…Maybe I should complain that some clothing in stores are described as being ‘black’ in color, which I find insulting and racist as I am a black man.  Then I could perhaps have all the offending garments given to me to appease my wrath.

We are so sensitive to everything lately that even our sacred laws are threatened.  Can’t say Merry Christmas or call a Christmas tree a Christmas tree.  Can’t pray in school.  Can’t treat women like…women.  Politically correctness.  What are bunch of whining ninnies we have become!  And, the complainers seem to always win.  When is someone going to take a stand and say enough is enough?  Our poor children…

My take. No apologies.

http://www.upi.com/blog/2013/04/05/Target-issues-apology-for-manatee-label-on-plus-size-dress/2621365160035/

Related articles

• Target Dress Apology: Company Sorry Over ‘Manatee Gray’ Label (theepochtimes.com)
• ‘Manatee gray’ plus-sized dress debacle (newsnet5.com)
• Plus-Size? You Get To Wear ‘Manatee Grey’ At Target! (thegloss.com)

Sex with troubled underage teen lands pastor in unholy water

He said he was sorry and he was a fool.  His wife begged for leniency and blamed his prostate and low lithium levels for his transgressions.  His congregation prayed. His lawyer pleaded.  ‘He was a good man with decades of good works’, they attested.  In the end, the former pastor was sentenced to 12 years in jail.  His crime? He took advantage of a young troubled teen, entering into a sexual relationship with her that was so deep that he allegedly sent texts to her from the pulpit.  The defendant, Mr. Jack Schaap, was pastor to a mega church of 15,000 members. Interestingly, just over 100 parishioners wrote letters of support and only about 70 showed up at the court.

What’s my take on this? Texting and preaching is wrong? Ok seriously, we wonder why some people are religion-shy, there’s the reason right there.  I realize we are human first before our chosen callings but come on…

 

Related articles

• Indiana pastor sentence to 12 years for sex with underaged girl (wgntv.com)
• Megachurch Pastor Jack Shaap Sentenced To 12 Years For Sex With Teen Girl (joemygod.blogspot.com)
• Pastor: Sex With Minor God’s Plan (drudge.com)
• Former pastor accused of telling teen parishioner Jesus approved of their relationship (fox59.com)

 

Monday Musings: Are home-based missionaries irrelevant?

Pardon me here, I don’t mean to undermine or question the good work done by those who unselfishly travel overseas, sacrificing themselves and their families in the name of spreading goodwill and the gospel.   Overseas missions are very important in reaching the hard-to-reach places and bringing them hope.  Saying this, I do however, have some questions.

Recently, I was talking to friend about his church and he boasted to me that they had missionaries in 23 countries around the world.  I casually asked him, with no intent to judge, if they had any in Winnipeg, their backyard.  He thought about it and said he doubted it.  I wasn’t about to start a debate on where and how missionaries should answer their calling but I thought to myself,   “Why does it seem that much cooler to do missionary work abroad than in your own backyard?”  The same thing can be said of adopting.  It’s more trendy to adopt say an Ethiopian child than an aboriginal kid from the reservation.  It even sounds cooler too.  Admit it.  It’s gone Hollywood.

So, is sending aid to poor people in Africa worth double or triple that of giving  our local homeless man or woman money to buy food?  I know many of us do so with altruistic purposes while some of us have personal goals and egos to feed.  but again, it’s not for me to judge and that’s not what this blog is about.

We are usually bombarded with photos and televisions broadcasts of the millions of people starving in the Africa but rarely of the guy down the street.  If I step over that guy to reach out the ones that are across the ocean, would that make me a better missionary?  Is it still considered missionary if it’s only practiced in my neighborhood?  If I don’t adopt my cousin’s kid that she abuses and starves, but instead travel to Uganda to adopt the little girl I always wanted, am I still considered an effective missionary?  Also, is it ok if I maintain the outside of my house, keeping it clean and spotless, while inside looks like it was hit by a tornado?

Just my take.

Related articles

• Living as a Missionary in Your Community (christianitymatters.com)
• The Call to be a Missionary (timothymessenger.com)