Caught in the Middle East Wars

My heart goes out to those who suffer the ramifications of a war between two parties they have no ties to. The innocent humans only live where they were born yet, must leave their homes to stay alive.

As I and the rest of the congregation at my church celebrated our pastor’s anniversary yesterday, I could not help but think of those who pray for God’s mercy as we prayed thanks to Him. It seemed so sad that those in many areas of the Middle East must on a daily basis beg for grace.

Because I live in Michigan, a state still recovering from a recession after 9/11, thoughts of the jobless, homeless, out placed, under paid, the current health crisis and crime wave, and a myriad of other issues concerning residents here, the wars in the Middle East seem so inconsequential.

But the issues of the other side of the Atlantic ocean affects us all. Michigan is home to one of the largest gatherings of practicing Muslims, Shiities and Sunnis. Contrary to how the rest of the country may feel about wars in the Middle East, Michiganians must find peace while the wars are staged.

With many of those of the Islamic faith residing in southeast Michigan possessing much power in their belief and practice, turning an open eye away from the religious wars in the Middle East is a horrific disaster waiting to happen, again. The circumstances of 9/11 were only warnings of the possibilities by zealous Muslims. The sad part is, they most likely are only a very small percentage with very large capabilities.

So what can we do? I really don’t know and I can tell you why. I have spoken with many of the Islamic faith. I have read as much material as I can to get a better understanding of the discord. Yet, I still see what looks like a Hatfield/McCoy fight. Traditions that started centuries ago and are not yet resolved. Each generation carrying on a story told and revised along the way because no one knows the original truth. Like the Hatfield/McCoy feud, no one wants to be the first to stop the conflict. No one wants to follow God’s philosophy to love each other.

I remember while growing up a simple phrase repeated by family members, educators, evangelists, and neighbors. It didn’t matter what the discussions entailed or how many disagreements were displayed, it all came back to the same words.

Ye, who are without sin, cast the first stone. In the Middle East, it looks to me that many firmly believe they have committed no sins. So I find myself asking one question, what can I do? Answer? Pray.

More Random Thoughts

Workplace Philosophy

If men could have babies, workplace environments would change. There would be more flexibility for workers to have a personal life and a work life with no more choosing between the two. Women have to deal with prioritizing family over business or vice versus, when actually the two are on the same level. Both occupations require a multitasker in which women excel. Men have already shown they cannot master the two at the same time.

Bones

Here in southeast Michigan they discovered bones of a Mastodon. That in its self says if bones are preserved properly, people in the future could learn a lot. Imagine if we preserved the bones of humans, hundreds of centuries later, humans would be able to sustain a life span for much longer. How? The human bones could tell them what we did right and what we did wrong by looking at the lasting effects . . . how amazing that would be.

Reality Talent TV

Is it just me, or does it look like every producer and wannabe producers are trying to jump on the band wagon? The current upcoming Fall lineup will deluge us with every so-called talent show you could possibly think of. Has everyone gone brain dead? It sure looks like it. I want to know where those with some imagination are. Why is creativity not producing new ideas that convert into new TV shows? I do know it could be because I don’t have cable. But, the big wigs at NBC, CBS, WXYZ, WB, and UPN seem to have forgotten how to take chances. They are already losing points to cable. Could it be they have no guts anymore?

Elections

In 1971 I turned 18 and registered to vote. I had moved to California but returned to Michigan in 1972. It was one of those years to get ready to elect state and local political officials. I got busy. I read and kept up with every person running for an office. I knew what they had done and planned to do. So for 24 years I have attempted to stay in the know on politicians. It’s a dam shame I’m worn out now, so worn out I don't care who is running for what. Yet, there are three individuals I hope and pray win three slots on the ballot. Why? I have gotten to know them personally for twelve and a half years. I know where they live and worship while knowing exactly how they feel about what affects me. I also know if it affects me, it does the same to each of them. So I’m hanging in there with three signs on my lawn that says so. I may be tired of the political B.S. of the day, but I still have hope.

Random Thoughts

Forgive me for being late. Sometimes it is hard to think of what to write about because so many thoughts run through my head.

Middle East War

Why is it that the innocent are the ones that die when there is a war between political factions? Call it what you may, but it just isn’t fair in my book. Those that die have no say in the dispute yet, they pay the price.

Friendships

Speaking of price. Have you ever noticed that you have no friends when you are in need but they come out of the woodwork when you strike it rich? Get a really good job, hit the lottery, or come into an inheritance and everybody that didn’t seem to know you when you were without suddenly appears out of nowhere.

Cost of Living

Why is it that everything is increasing in price but a living wage? Gas, housing, cars, food, dry goods, utilities, you name it, cost so much more than just a few years ago. Have you examined your paycheck lately? It has not increased in more than three years. Tell me how people are to save any money?

Children

Lately I have noticed that children of today don’t care about common courtesy, respect, and authority. At first I said they didn’t care at all. Now I realize that they can’t practice what they haven’t been taught. So it’s back to the parents. Now I can see where the problem lies. They weren’t taught either.

Patience

We have all heard that patience is a virtue. So why is my patience running out when I am suppose to feel blessed? Could it be my menopausal state or I am just getting cranky with age? Either way, I am losing my patience with the world. All my life I have told people I was born 50 years too early or 50 years too late. Because I know, this isn’t my time period.

School

Isn’t it funny how here in America the politicos and the business crowd say we need to keep up with the rest of the world in education? So, why do we have to pay for it when it is low cost or free in other countries.

Just some passing thoughts running through my mind.

Writing Time

No, you didn’t hear from me last week. It was a holiday. So I took the time off. I find myself thinking, that as a writer, I should never stop writing. I should have something to say every day. Believe it or not, I don’t. The reason being, I’m only human.

I don’t care that writers you know tell you they must write every day; they’re lying. How do I know? I’m a writer too. Because of that I know from personal experience, they could not possibly write each and every day. They have other responsibilities and obligations like me.

First of all, most writers do more than just write. They are speakers, teachers, and tutors on the business side. And on the personal front, they are mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, activists, and a host of other types. This means they do other things besides write. In doing so, there is no way a 24-hour day can always allow for writing.

Since their lives consist of taking care of business responsibilities and personal obligations, writing sometimes has to be put on the back burner. One can’t write while speaking at a conference and networking or correcting student papers. You can’t write if you’re helping someone else with their writing.

As a parent of young children, which I once was, you will find yourself transporting and attending their activities they participate in. Let’s not leave out laundry, cooking, reading, counseling, punishing, guiding, and giving them your undivided attention as needed.

I don’t want to leave out the spouse. If said, a spouse has goals of their own, are you not the support for your spouse? Which means assisting them in whatever way you can and must, to help your spouse succeed. All of this says time management is of the utmost importance. But let’s get real here. No way, no how, can you include everything you want to do in each and every day.

One thing a writer can do every day is take notes. Although you don’t always have time to write the eloquent prose running through your head, you can jot down your inspirations. So when time does provide room for you to write, nothing is forgotten or forsaken after dealing with real life circumstances. Keeping your thoughts as notes also allow you to actually take time off, to enjoy life when the holidays come. So that’s what I did. I watched the fireworks last week, as I took notes.