Encouragement: For Such A Time As This

Now, all I have is now

To be faithful

To be holy

And to shine

Lighting up the darkness

Right now, I really have no choice

But to voice the truth to the nations

A generation looking for God

Chorus:

For such a time as this

I was placed upon the earth

To hear the voice of God

And do His will

Whatever it is

For such a time as this

For now and all the days He gives

I am here, I am here

And I am His

For such a time as this

You - Do you ever wonder why

Seems like the grass is always greener

Under everybody else's sky

But right here, right here for this time and place

You can live a mirror of His mercy

A forgiven image of grace

Repeat Chorus

Can't change what's happened till now

But we can change what will be

By living in holiness

That the world will see Jesus

Repeat Chorus

For some reason, the lyrics to Wayne Watson's "For Such A Time As This" came to mind this morning when I was thinking about what to write for the blog. As a society, it's hard to look around and not be disappointed with the direction America has taken.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a proud American and I will always be one. But there are some things that this country was once founded on that seem to be forgotten in the midst of becoming a "greater" America. As a result, our foundation and integrity is in question.

So where does this leave us?

I don't know about you, but it leaves me feeling inadequate sometimes. After all, I'm just one voice in the midst of a crowd. Why do this if no one chooses to listen?

But then, I'm reminded of the Touched By an Angel episode where I first heard the song. In the episode, the angels try to enlist the help of a senator and an effort to acknowledge the existence of slavery in the Sudan. While Sen. Cooper (played by Lindsay Crouse) is preoccupied with more "pressing" issues, her son takes an interest in the photos they gave the senator as proof. So much so, that he takes the photos to show and tell at his school. That in turn, causes an avalanche of support from his class raising money in an effort to "buy back" the people in the photos. Thomas takes particular interest in one child named Sam who reminds him in a strange way of his brother whom he never got to meet.

"I had a brother once. I never really knew him, but I miss him and I don't know this kid, but it's hard to explain, but I miss him too ! Tomas says to his class during show and tell.

In the end, the senator did go to the Sudan to see it for herself and "buy" back Sam.

What am I getting at? In truth, this post turned out to be quite the opposite of its original purpose. To remind you that on any given day, you have the unique opportunity to make a difference. But now I'm not quite sure if that even makes any sense to me!

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Citation:

Citation for TV program: "For Such A Time As This " Touched By an Angel. Hallmark Channel 240 HALL14 July 2010. Original air date: 9/26/1999

Ready for a change?

Hello everyone,

OK, so I'm not really posting this blog post on Monday. Oh the beauty of being able to post drafts early or later. Anyway, I've spent the beginning of my week on the job hunt. It's been quite difficult actually. I'm kind of limited with my option considering I have difficulty using my hands. But I haven't give up hope yet. My dream job, for the time being, would allow me to work from home writing articles. At least until I get the lay of the land here and Virginia. Wish me luck..

Onto today's post, I don't know about you but I am ready for a change. Since moving here, I haven't really felt like I've done much or made a difference for anyone. That's why I am looking forward to the season premiere of The Biggest Loser on NBC. Oh, I know the show is primarily about losing weight; but the reality is that they are making a real change in their life- a positive one that affects all aspects of their life. I don't know about you, but that's a very inspiring thing to watch. Join me in watching people's lives change for the better. Their journey starts Tuesday with a two-hour premiere. Check NBC.com for details.

Reflections on Personal Life

Okay,

So I had only intended on taking a break for a week but it turned into two weeks.. a busy two weeks at that! But if there is anything I've learned is to be grateful for every moment you're given because you can never get it back. Also, the most memorable moments in life are the unexpected and unplanned. Those are the ones that make life more of a journey, rather than
a deadlock of day to day tasks.

Over the last two weeks, I've witnessed three important people in my life enter into two different stages of life. A baptism and the wedding. They both symbolize the beginning of new life; but in different and unique ways. Through baptism my niece was dedicated to the Lord, in the knowledge that she might grow in faith and learn the ultimate purpose in her life-- to glorify the Lord in everything she does.

During the wedding of two of my close friends, I was reminded of that same commitment. Only this time it involved the unity of three people-- man, Woman, plus God. I watched as two souls became one, two chapters combined to complete a life story that was obviously ordained. I can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for those two. I'm sure it's going to be great and change a lot of people's lives.

That got me thinking. I'm beginning to wonder what God has written on the pages on my heart. I'm trying to be happy with where I am right now. I have a great family, a new house, wonderful nieces. But I can't help thinking that things could be better.

Please God, help me be satisfied with my life right now until I can see the words you have written for my life again.

Encouragement: Just Your Average Young Woman

Okay,

Let me begin this post a little differently than most-with a game. I'm going to give you, my readers, three questions regarding a certain person and it's your job to figure out who I am talking about.

Question One Who has worked for UNICEF during the last couple of months as a representative of the United States?

Question Two: During that time, she served as a teacher, teaching lessons of tolerance and acceptance?

Question Three: Her students simply know her as "Jenna".


Give up yet?


The unlikely response is Jenna Bush.


Most people simply view her as the President's daughter; but upon deeper reflection, you would learn she is so much more. In her first individual interview in years, this mature young woman speaks out about her life (inside & outside the White House). Although, the primary goal of the interview was to shed light on the devastating impact of AIDS all around the world, her main message is, "Meeting all the kids I've worked with, I've became impassioned. I think a lot of times kids don't realize how they have the power to change the world, "


After nine months of traveling through Latin America and the Caribbean, it's obvious that Jenna has learned as well as grown a lot because of the journey. Jenna carries back to the States an empowering message of change. One that she hopes will open people's eyes to the adversities and struggles around the world. "My job for UNICEF was to document the lives of kids living in exclusion, which means, you know, in extreme poverty, living with HIV/AIDS, living in abusive households. Kids that don't have access to school or medical care," she said.


With many years of teaching students in the inner city, Jenna seems in her element here. She listens intently as students’ talk of the realities of living with HIV/AIDS in Jamaica. In fear of their lives on a daily basis, some of their faces could not be shown.


"Knowing that you’re infected, you know, would probably cause you to be hurt, maybe even killed," one child said. (Note: This part of the interview was taken on location in Jamaica while Jenna was teaching.)


This fact seems surprisingly ironic especially considering Jamaica is right "in America's backyard".


As well as teaching about tolerance, Jenna also talks about such controversial topics as protected sex and abstinence.


Despite these debilitating circumstances, some choose to see their life as "A Journey of Hope". It is this remarkable view that Jenna hopes to portray in her new book, Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope. The book follows the courageous life story of one girl living life with AIDS. For obvious reasons, the main person's name in the book have been changed. In the beginning while writing this book on location, Jenna viewed Ana's story as a life of sickness [this word was translated from the Spanish word], but Ana quickly corrected her.

In paraphrase, Ana said that her AIDS was not an illness; but rather a "situation of her life".


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Citation for TV Program: "20/20" News segment, Diane Sawyer reporting. ABC channel 7 WXYZ Detroit, News at 10 pm, September 28, 2007

What Are You Staring at?: Small Voices For a New Generation

Hello everyone,

A lot of people talk about the technological advances being made in an effort to help people live more independently as a productive citizens of the USA. Some simply view these advances as just another useful tool helping them to get through another difficult day with a disability; whereas, others view this technology as in "opening to a whole new world". Either way, people view technology, I think we are missing out on a fundamental truth.

What is that truth?

Change begins from within..


To put it more simply, change begins with me. Or anyone that is, wanting to make a difference in this world. I may have written about this topic once or twice before, but I think it's worthwhile mentioning again. (Note: Although from now on, I think I am going to start using the labels to make sure I don't end up repeating myself over and over again! LOL..) Anyway, this point was reiterated to me again through a unique Nick News Special called What Are You Staring at? The show featured a panel of outspoken people (both young and old) living with the a variety of disabilities. In this 30 minute panel discussion, the group attempts to answer some difficult questions. Some of the questions centered around the age-old dilemma To Help or not to Help: when does the line stop? as well as when exactly is the appropriate time for questions. The panel is also joined by well-known disability advocates John Hockenberry and Christopher Reeve (1952-2004). Although this program is over five years ago, I think there are many important lessons that still can be heard through the voices of these wise young children.

In order to save time, I will attempt to consolidate the most poignant answers to all these issues. The first being, is it appropriate to stare at someone because they are different.
The obvious answer is no. But here's why.. Christopher Reeve put it best when he said, " No matter what kind of condition you're in, we're all part of a big family and we only become strangers when we look away." He continues, "There is no reason for us to be strangers."

The debate over whether to help someone with a disability has also brought controversy. In my case, I can often understand why. Usually disabled people want to have the opportunity to try to accomplish things on their own before finally asking for help. However, it is not impolite to ask if they need your assistance in any way. Danielle who has CP and is also blind explains, "if I am struggling and if the door is really heavy, mainly out of common courtesy, most people open the door."

Why is the response so little?

Hockenberry says it is most often fear that holds people back. He says people are often afraid they will be judged by their offer to help "as if if they say or do the wrong thing, I'm going to whip some 911 and get the disability police to come." He goes on to explain that a person's experiences and personality should be the first thing that people see when looking at someone with a disability.

Christopher Reeve adds that people should not shy away from possible awkward experiences just because someone is disabled. Take for example the simple act of shaking hands. "I'm not offended by that at all because it's just a habit that they want to greet me. Anything that comes from a legitimate motivation to make contact is great," Reeve said.

Where does this fear come from? It can come from a variety of sources.. Sometimes even family members. "I think a lot of the time, parents, adults don't know, so they keep their children from learning.. because they don't know and they 're scared," said Danielle

To ask is always a better thing to do.

Let's take a look back at the history of disabled people as well as efforts to ensure the rights of the disabled, shall we?

Originally, the disabled population was considered second rate in the United States. In fact, before 1975, there were no laws protecting the rights and freedoms of the disabled. The truth is, ensuring our rights is still sometimes difficult. In 1975, Congress passed the individuals with Disabilities Act. This law guarantees that all children, no matter what their physical or mental limitations have access to a free and public education. This includes any special equipment needed to encourage the learning process. But what about when you become an adult and start looking for a job? This is where the American With Disabilities come into play. This law ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights as someone else. Building accessibility is just one of the major issues discussed in this law.

In general, the theme of the show was patience and persistence during any difficult time. Here are just some of my favorite quotes from some wise youngsters.

Daneille: "We can do anything that anyone else can do. We just do it differently."

Jon: "What I've got is what I've got and I think it's much more interesting for me to make the most out of what I have been to think about something that may be possible sometime in the far future."

Danielle: "You look at what you can do. You don't dwell on what you can't do."

Christopher Reeve: "Whatever happens, you gotta press forward and not just say oh well this is the end. It's never the end, you've gotta move forward,"

I think it is about time as the host said, to focus more on what we can do and what we can't.

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Citation for TV Program: "What Are You Staring at? , Nickelodeon channel 59 Detroit, at 6 a.m. , September 26, 2007. (Original air date: September 6, 2001)