Tag Archive for attitude

A Fitting Tribute this Memorial Day

May 25, 2020 Comments Off on A Fitting Tribute this Memorial Day

Today, pause to remember the men and women who died fighting America’s battles.  Their goal was to stop tyrants and regimes that treat people like insignificant, disposable, unworthy non-humans.  This was their contribution to upholding the dignity of man and working toward peace.  A fitting memorial to them is to carry on their mission.  Not fighting in a far-away land but living our daily lives as though those around us, those of different skin colors, religions, socio-economic status–everyone–were human beings.  Such a peaceful, tolerant attitude must start with us individually, in our homes, schools, and workplaces and spread to our cities, states, nation, and, ultimately, the world.  Maybe such a global attitude will prevent tyrants and hate-groups from getting a foothold.  Yes, this is idealistic, but so were all those who died in uniform.  Carrying on their idealism is an appropriate way to honor them.  Even if we succeed in making a more peaceful, tolerant world just in our own lives, that is a tribute to the principle they fought for.

Uncategorized , , , ,

I Get the Caravan

October 23, 2018 Comments Off on I Get the Caravan

I’ve been watching those 3000, then 5000, then 7000 migrants in the caravan from Honduras through Mexico toward the U.S. I’ve heard the statements–none of which have been observed or proven–about the group containing criminals, gang-members, and mid-Eastern terrorists. As I look into their faces on the news I put myself in their midst.

Since I’ve been widowed I’ve been urged to move into a smaller home or apartment in a more affordable area. I think about it and realize I would be giving up all that I’m familiar and  comfortable with, like my friends, local family, my church, the city I grew up in, and neighbors who support me. I’d move to an area where I’d have to learn to navigate new roads and find the best shopping. I’d face  people with different attitudes towards us senior citizens and/or disabled. My new location would require new ways of doing things, new challenges for me to adapt to. In short, it would likely take a long, uncomfortable while to become “home.”

I believe that these souls who are walking thousands of miles carrying a few meager belongings and their children are just what they say they are. I believe they are giving up their homes and all they held dear to escape violence, danger, death, and poverty that never ended despite their hard work. I believe they’re looking for a better life where fear and uncertainty is not a daily occurrence. I believe they are willing to work hard to give their children a chance to survive and grow into productive adults.

I’d be leaving behind so much less than they are, taking a far less of a chance than they are, working a lot less hard than they will have to work to achieve their new life.

And I have a real choice, while they do not. I get it.

Uncategorized , , , , , , , , , , ,

What a Grouch!

August 14, 2018 Comments Off on What a Grouch!

GROUCH!  He scowls at everyone.  There’s obviously something wrong with him.  Or is there?  Have we wished him “Good morning”–or tried to talk to him at all?  We could approach him with a new attitude, one of openness toward a brother in our human family.  “WON’T DO ANY GOOD!” you say?  Here’s a true story: A woman lived next to a church for many years.  Her family donated much to the church, including land.  But, as she swept in front of her home each day, people bypassed her, thinking the bowed head and grim face belonged to an ill-tempered person not worth bothering with.  Then some  7th graders from the parish school actually talked with her while distributing flyers.  When one said, “We love you,” her eyes brightened and her smile radiated.  As they left and she turned back to her work, the glow remained with all of them.  The spontaneous act of these kids taught me a lesson: to watch for darkness, light a candle, and enjoy the radiance that was there all along.

Uncategorized , , , ,

Women Soccer Champs Not Worth Much

July 7, 2015 2 comments

If your team wins the World’s Cup once–or even three times (more than any other country in the world)–what can you expect to earn?  A lot if you’re a man, not so much if you’re a woman.

Last year, the U.S. men’s soccer team, who lost, earned $9 million; this year’s winning women will get $2 million.  The average salary for these players is $305,000 for men and $14,000 for women.  And the prize for winning the World Cup?  $576 million for men and $15 million for women.

Why the difference?  I think it’s the way the world values women, as summed up by a tweet (now taken down) by England’s Soccer Federation, that their soccer team can now “go back to being mothers, partners and daughters.”

But I’m more concerned about attitudes in my own country, the U.S., including the ones that say that women, no matter how accomplished or hard-working, are worth less than men.

 

Uncategorized , , , , , , , ,

Memorial Day Tribute

May 25, 2015 Comments Off on Memorial Day Tribute

Today, pause to remember the men and women who died fighting America’s battles.  Their goal was to stop tyrants and regimes that treat people like insignificant, disposable, unworthy non-humans.  This was their contribution to upholding the dignity of man and working toward peace.  A fitting memorial to them is to carry on their mission.  Not fighting in a far-away land but living our daily lives as though those around us, those of different skin colors, religions, socio-economic status–everyone–were human beings.  Such a peaceful, tolerant attitude must start with us individually, in our homes, schools, and workplaces and spread to our cities, states, nation, and, ultimately, the world.  Maybe such a global attitude will prevent tyrants and hate-groups from getting a foothold.  Yes, this is idealistic, but so were all those who died in uniform.  Carrying on their idealism is an appropriate way to honor them.  Even if we succeed in making a more peaceful, tolerant world just in our own lives, that is a tribute to the principle they fought for.

Uncategorized , , , , ,

Success, Boobs, & Brains?

March 25, 2015 Comments Off on Success, Boobs, & Brains?

I’m afraid for my granddaughter.  She’s 11 and loves having her picture taken. (Fine with me; I get more pictures.)  Like many of her friends, she copies the movie star stance: standing a little sideways, one leg slightly crossing the other, hand on hip, elbows back to call attention to breasts, posed smile.  It isn’t natural, for her or for the stars.

The women know they’re selling sex appeal.  But what does it say to our young girls?  That they should use their brains and talents to succeed in the world?  That their personalities will help them get along with others throughout their lives?  That they should work hard to achieve what they want?  Of course not.  It says, “Develop a Playboy figure and show it off, because that’s what will get you ahead in life.”

Call me an old-fashioned fuddy-duddy.  I just don’t want my granddaughter to grow up with that attitude.  I love her too much to see her go through unnecessary heartache, feelings of failure, and wasted mind and talent.

 

 

Uncategorized , , , , , , ,