Category Archives: Uncategorized

#inspiration

Again!

Yesterday we had another mass shooting in Allen, Texas. Eight innocent people were killed, and seven more were wounded.

This is a direct result of our continued breakdown in mental health. Suicides are increasing, along with homelessness and hopelessness. We can change this.

Some tough decisions must be made by our legislators. They can no longer talk about mental health, while doing nothing more than kicking the can down the road. We must address the psychotics directly. Their rights must be compromised. We must institutionalize them for their safety as well as for the safety of others. Innocent people have rights, too.

By the way, it’s not the gun. Chicago is a gun-free zone. Just investigate Chicagos annual murder rate, and you’ll see what I mean. Peace, thoughts and prayers to all…

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#inspiration

Surreality

I am in my hometown of Sherman, Texas as I write this. It’s my first time back in 26 years. And it’s weird.

Much has changed, but most has stayed the same. Restaurants and office buildings have exploded, but much of the charm of a small town remains.

I never really fit in here. Even as a child I wanted to be in a city. I got what I wanted, living in Austin, Texas. But this I know: people are pretty similar, whether in a small town or a large city. Everyone has the same wants, dreams and desires. ..

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#inspiration

Void

Everyone has a void they are trying to fill. The world tells us that fun experiences, status, wealth and sex will fill the hole in our hearts, but the world lies. Those things produce temporary happiness, but they aren’t fulfilling.

Only God’s Spirit will sustain us and fill the emptiness. He is our only source for everything we have, and God is our only hope. Trust Him, not the world…

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#inspiration

Medicated

It seems like every third commercial on television is a drug commercial. “Have you ever felt depressed? Try Abilify.” We are being brainwashed into believing pills will solve our problems. They won’t.

There’s a tremendous amount of credible research dating back to the 1940’s which shows the efficacy of psychedelics in treating depression, anxiety and addiction. I’m not surprised they are illegal because the pharmaceutical industry has the largest lobby in Washington DC. Get the connection?

There are people who need antidepressants for chemical depression. There’s no shame in that. But we can control our health through diet and exercise. And we value our health more when we earn it.

Let’s turn the tables on the pharmaceutical industry and reclaim our health naturally. We earn it…

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#inspiration

Love Your Neighbor

Jesus told us to “love our neighbor as we love ourselves.” But how do we show love to our neighbor, and who is our neighbor?

Let’s begin with this: everyone we encounter is our neighbor. Everyone. We should try to follow the golden rule and treat people the way we want to be treated. This includes difficult people and the times we are in a hurry. We have an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on everyone.

We can only show love and compassion to others in ways which equal how we feel about ourselves. If our self-esteem is healthy, we will treat others as if they are equally important. They are.

All of us are works in progress. Keep working on yourself and your connections with others will deepen…

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#inspiration

Posts

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are great ways we can communicate with others. Each post represents a part of our lives.

I use such media to post inspirational thoughts or something funny. My posts are showing the world a bit of who I am. Even inspiring messages get an occasional snarky message. My thoughts are that the person who criticizes me is the one who needs the message the most. I’m not offended.

I encourage you to use your social media to build bridges, not divide. We have enough division in our world…

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#inspiration

Youth Mental Health

Today I want to further address one of my favorite subjects, our young people.

Since the Columbine massacre in 1999, there have been 147 kids killed in school shootings. One child lost is one too many, but there’s something else. Youth suicide has exploded. For each of the 147 deaths, 400 kids have taken their own lives. Mental health has been shredded even more during the pandemic. We can reverse this disturbing trend.

Let’s begin by acknowledging our young people. They are important and need to know they are accepted and loved, whether that love comes from a parent, teacher or someone else.

Everyone needs human connection, and that includes our young people…

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#inspiration

Animals

I love animals. Always have. When I was a kid, my mutt dog “Chipper” was my closest confidante.

Animals have a heightened awareness of their instincts. They must listen to their inner voice to survive in some situations. When a storm is coming, animals go to safety well before the storm arrives. It’s pretty cool, actually.

Pay attention to animals when they meet someone new. If your normally friendly dog acts aggressively towards someone, this tells you everything you need to know about that person.

We have instincts, too. Use them…

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#inspiration

Education

Education is defined as “the receiving or giving of systematic instruction,” but it’s really more than just information. We can read and memorize data from textbooks, but we know thought has taken hold when we apply such knowledge. Application shows proficiency.

The status of education in the United States is troubling in some cases. We are “dumbing down” our requirements so more kids can pass. This isn’t a solution. It merely hides a deeper challenge. We need to increase our standards, demand accountability from our educators, and focus on the areas Horace Mann did: the head, the hands and the heart. Intellect, application and emotion.

We can reverse the state of education, but we must be willing and not give up. Our future depends on it, and us…

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