Christian Cooper: Displaying True Compassion & Forgiveness

I often glorify the act of compassion and forgiveness & I genuinely try to live it out too despite finding it very difficult with certain challenging individuals.  But I've often also said that stumbling is okay too.  Continuing to move forward & authentically trying to be a better person (despite sometimes & often failing) is all part of the life journey. I thought I knew what compassion & forgiveness were. But then comes Christian Cooper & now I feel like I really do know what they are.  He's the now famous "bird watcher" who dared to tell a lady to put her dog on a leash in a public place while she feigns danger from "an African American man".  Luckily, he taped it all & well....let's just say, she is now infamously renamed "Karen". (Welcome to 2020) Christian has every right to be angry. And I don't think any reasonable person would blame him if he was bitter towards her & refused to offer any forgiveness.  Instead, he remains gracious & gives her a wide birth to better herself as a human being.  It doesn't matter if she's genuine.  I don't even really care about her response.  My feelings for her are much less gracious than Christian's & hopefully karma & the Universe will deal with her.  But I admire this man so much. There will always be "Karens" in the world. But very few Christians.  So I want to celebrate true compassion. True kindness.  True Forgiveness.  Thank you Christian Cooper for being that man.

Hoping for true change in this world--an end to systemic racism. 

Be the Church

I could never have grasped the concept of my Church closing down for services for any reason I could fathom. Within the past few months of the Covid-19 life, that has become the reality. Fortunately for me, my particular Parish Church has continued to offer Sunday services, as well as daily prayer services. Ironically, I feel like I'm more in tune with my spiritual life these days than I was Pre-Covid.  I hope that I can somehow sustain that indefinitely.

Most recently, a movement has grown to start opening churches because they are "essential" & people "need" them. I recently saw a rather rude argument online for and against opening from two "church-goers" who were not behaving with kindness toward each other.  I can only imagine what a non-believer would think upon witnessing their exchange.  Is this what they stand for?  Attacking one another & working towards invalidating their feelings?   I'm the first person to say, I don't really know what the right thing to do is ALL the time. I may weigh the pros & cons & can completely understand why someone would want to let life go on as normal & open everything up.  But I also understand that people are afraid for their lives and they fear catching the virus or passing it to loved ones who may be unable to recover. I empathize with both perspectives. And I've heard the tragic stories of people who've lost their lives.  And I've also heard of people suffering because their livelihoods have been taken away.  It's sad & awful all around.

But fighting about whether or not Church should open? I would hope we wouldn't do that. Like I said previously, I sometimes struggle with what the right thing to do is.  But one thing I'm fairly confident about is, is that Church WILL open again.  It will.  But in the meantime, being kind to each other is the true manifestation of the Church--service to one another & supporting each other, giving when in the position to do so--that is the Church. Here is something wonderful an online friend of mine posted:

Practical ways to be the church in the world when you can’t physically attend church.

1. Join or start a pay it forward group. These community groups connect those in your area with too much to those in need!
2. Start a “text support” or “mentor” group. This will connect those who need to talk and need support via text or email to those who have the energy and mental resources to offer support and connection.
3. Help the youth leaders start a teen ministry discord group for teens to connect, chat, watch movies, and play games in real in and in a secure environment.
4. Start a food redistribution center. These work by people bringing in their extras, including fresh garden harvests, and exchanging them for goods they need.

I love that idea:  Be the Church.     

 

We Are Not in the Same Boat

Raising two boys that I hope have healthy emotional states & striving to have a healthy communication-filled marriage, I've always tried to validate any & all feelings. So bearing that in mind, I really appreciate this piece I found on the internet about quarantine emotions. I'm not about being condescending to others & invalidating how others choose to live their lives. This is about empathy & compassion.

WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT ...
I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it's not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.

For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, easy in flip flops, with a cocktail or coffee. For others, this is a desperate financial & family crisis.

For some that live alone they're facing endless loneliness. While for others it is peace, rest & time with their mother, father, sons & daughters.

With the $600 weekly increase in unemployment some are bringing in more money to their households than they were working. Others are working more hours for less money due to pay cuts or loss in sales.

Some families of 4 just received $3400 from the stimulus while other families of 4 saw $0.

Some were concerned about getting a certain candy for Easter while others were concerned if there would be enough bread, milk and eggs for the weekend.

Some want to go back to work because they don't qualify for unemployment and are running out of money. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.

Some are home spending 2-3 hours/day helping their child with online schooling while others are spending 2-3 hours/day to educate their children on top of a 10-12 hour workday.

Some have experienced the near death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Others don't believe this is a big deal.

Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come.

So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different.

Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, actually seeing.

We are all on different ships during this storm experiencing a very different journey.

Realize that and be kind.

Unknown author

Please stay safe out there--making thoughtful & kind choices not just for yourselves but for others. Stay home if you can & be healthy. Sending my sincerest sympathies to those hurting about sick or lost loved ones & for those just not feeling their best--physically or emotionally.  Life is a journey. XOXO 😘

I am MOM

I saw this amazing post made by a blogger on one of my Social Media timelines and felt so in tune with it.

I am their safe space.

I am the dinner-maker, the laundry-folder, the planner-signer.

I am the repeating voice who tell them day after day....YOU MATTER!

I am the sideline cheerleader, the swing-pusher the lost-stuff finder.

I am the face of LOVE.

I am their constant reminder... YOU ARE TREASURED, WORTHY, and ADORED!

I am theirs. Forever.

I am MOM!

May the Lord protect them as we maneuver through Covid-19 times. With Faith, Love & Trust, we shall overcome.

  

Glad We Didn't Put off Our Big Vacation

Our family went on a big 3 week vacation to Orlando, Florida in December of 2019-through January 2020. We took off for about 3 weeks & even we were aware that that was a long time to play hooky. But as a family, we decided together that that particular time was as good a time as any. The boys anticipated their schedules next year would be ramped up even more than it already was--the First Born will be a Senior & the Youngest will be a Sophomore (and most people would agree, that 2nd year of high school is pretty challenging academic wise). Personally, I was apprehensive because the boys would miss a couple of days before Winter Break & another day after school came back into session.  I debated. I resisted.  But I was voted out & eventually gave in.  So, The Huz & I made our plans, & the day finally arrived. 

We had an absolute blast for those 3 weeks.  Because the kids are older (we took a similar vacation when they were younger), we essentially vacationed as adults--and that means we weren't restricted about bed times/naps etc & felt truly free to take advantage of all Orlando has to offer us.  We visited the Universal Orlando Resorts & all the Disney theme parks.  I was SO tired keeping up with my guys, but I had an absolute good time & we made the best memories.  

A quick fast forward to Quarantine 2020.  We are now in the middle of a Pandemic that has already ravaged other nations & taken many lives. Rest in peace to all those souls & my sincerest sympathies to their loved ones.  As a huge precaution & to take pressure off our healthcare system, our State & local government has issued "Stay At Home" orders (with schools transitioning to distance learning & people working from home if possible.)  We only go out when necessary (for groceries, supplies & other types of food) & keep with the "social distancing" recommendations of at least 6 feet apart.  We're also wearing masks when we go out.  Times have definitely changed within the past few months.  And it often feels unreal.  

I pray a lot.  But I'm also thankful that my family is doing well.  And I hold on to our memories often. And I'm especially, especially thankful we didn't put off our Orlando, Florida vacation.  We were doing absolutely EVERYTHING opposite of what we're doing now.  We were in crowded theme parks & practiced zero social distancing.  And I'm SO glad we did it.  And I continue to be thankful every day. Thankful for the memories. 

Looking forward to being able to go out again & feeling safe about it.  I'm not sure life will ever really go back to normal.  I can't even believe how close I got to total strangers just a few months ago! LOL! 

I send the world the best wishes.  This challenge will pass & it will be nothing but history.  Until then, be safe. Stay home. Stay healthy.

Walking Safely During a Pandemic

My family & I (pre-quarantine days) hiking Los Penasquitos Reserve. Beautiful memories I hope to continue to make when we all beat this Covid-19 crisis!

Walking Safely during a Pandemic

How do you stay safe when you're out walking? Here's a few tips.

• Practice good physical distancing. Stay away from crowded locations whether they are designated for walking or not, and if you stop to chat, stay back a bit (maintaining 6 feet of separation from others is highly recommended when you are out).
• If you are somewhere where others are walking, walk a little faster or slower to maintain a safe separation.
• Walk in small groups with people and pets you know, or go out on your own.
• Don't push traffic signal buttons with your fingers, wear a glove or use an elbow.
• Wash your hands very well when you get home, and leave your shoes by the door.
• Avoid touching your face when you are out.
• Be extra aware of your surroundings.
• Be aware that there is less traffic and drivers are taking advantage and speeding.
• If you are driving, please be more careful, and look out for the increased number of pedestrians and cyclists.
• Be friendly and kind! We are all in this together.

A Beautiful Message from Pope Francis

So happy to share this:

A Gentle Reminder From Pope Francis

This life will go by fast.

Don't fight with people, don't criticize your body so much, don't complain so much.

Don't lose sleep over your bills. Look for the person that makes you happy. If you make a mistake, let it go and keep seeking your happiness.

Never stop being a good parent. Don't worry so much about buying luxuries and comforts for your home, and don't kill yourself trying to leave an inheritance for your family. Those benefits should be earned by each person, so don't dedicate yourself to accumulating money.

Enjoy, travel, enjoy your journeys, see new places, give yourself the pleasures you deserve. Allow dogs to get closer. Don't put away the fine glassware. Utilize the new dinnerware; don't save your favorite perfume, use it to go out with yourself; wear out your favorite sport shoes; repeat your favorite clothes.

So what? That's not bad. Why not now? Why not pray now instead of waiting until before you sleep? Why not call now? Why not forgive now? We wait so long for Christmas; for Friday; for Reunions; for another year; for when I have money; for love to come; when everything is perfect...look...

Everything perfect doesn't exist. Human beings can't accomplish this because it simply was not intended to be completed here. Here is an opportunity to learn.

So take this challenge that is life and do it now...love more, forgive more, embrace more, love more intensely and leave the rest in God's hands. Amen.