Are you lonely?

Billions of people on this planet and so many of them are lonely.
What a sad state of affairs that our schedules are such that we don't have time to spend with each other.
What a terrible failure of technology that we're more connected than ever before and yet so disconnected.
What a disturbing glimpse of our society and of humanity that we let people live in isolation rather than reach out to them simply because we don't want to get involved.

I personally do not understand a people who are so wrapped up in political correctness, in not offending anyone or leaving anyone out, yet these same people shame anyone who says or does something that isn't in line with their mindset or beliefs.

So many people say they really don't have any friends.
In kindergarten (back in the day), it used to be so simple. I could go up to anyone and ask "do you want to be my friend?" And they would say "yes". Now, there are countless children who are being shamed by other children because of weight, because of how they dress, how they talk, etc. How does a six-year-old learn how to shame another six-year-old? I know the answer, but leaving it out there for you to fill in the blank.

If you're lonely or if you're not lonely, make a vow today that you will be the one to make a difference in another person's life. Make that vow today and each day after. Smile to a stranger, compliment a co-worker, ask an old friend out for lunch, make a phone call, not a text; not an email, make an actual voice to voice connection with another human being. Be the hero of their story.

So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Peace starts here

I have been deep in thought all week. In these times of "political correctness" and "tolerance", there exists a volatility still, that divides us and may someday destroy us. I'm starting to think that the political correctness is just for show. Maybe people really aren't tolerant, but act like it in order to avoid backlash.

Maybe he was elected because his inappropriate comments are what people are really thinking/feeling.

I pray this isn't true.

I ended up taking this past week off from writing, basically, because someone read this post and advised me to be sure to speak the truth. So, I've spent the week researching and thinking and soul searching. I asked God, "What do you want me to do?" He answered, and I have my work cut out for me; which is a good thing.

I was raised to not talk about religion or politics. Additionally, because of  certain episodes in my past, I withdrew into a silent, weak, middle-of-the-road person, and kept most of my thoughts and feelings and opinions to myself. But, I feel that the time has come to break my silence. Surely, there are people like me, who share my feelings and ideas, who could benefit from what I have to say, if only to feel that none of us are alone.

If there's backlash, then, so be it. I want to hear both sides of every story. It's the only way to honestly, truthfully be able to form my own opinions.  For every truth or fact, there may be many interpretations. Those interpretations could be formed from a bias, only hearing what one wants to hear, or from previous knowledge, or any number of reasons.

For example, if I say "The sky is blue." That's a fact, a truth.
But, for the person who's colorblind, he may say, "No. It's grey." or
for the person who is depressed, "No. It's overcast. Looks like rain."
for the person halfway around the world, "No. The sun is setting. The sky is red, orange, and yellow."

I believe that this is what happens with us, and why we all seem to see the exact same thing but, perceive it differently. Each one of us is an individual, unique. That's a good thing. We just need to know that and embrace it; listen to different opinions with an open mind. Let go of the anger, resentment, hatred. Be the blessing.