Let us pray.

I went to the cinema today for the opening of Sound of Freedom, a true story about child sex trafficking.

Armed with my popcorn, I settled in to watch the movie. Nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to experience.

Though we all know that the subject of trafficking is disturbing, I believe most of us choose not to think about it. We may hear stories about the border, cartels and high risk, as well as likelihood, of trafficking. We remember convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s playground with underage prostitution. Yet it stops there. Not because we are insensitive or cold, but because it doesn’t really touch our lives. It happens to others – other people’s children, other countries or states. It’s a shame, we think, but we are somewhat removed. Or, it’s too ugly for us to to imagine. We don’t want the image in our minds or even fathom the unfathomable.

Did you know that the United States is one of the top destinations for child trafficking and is among the largest consumers of child sex?

Did you know that child sex trafficking is reported in all 50 U.S. states?

Did you know that it is a $150 billion business?

Continue reading “Let us pray.”

Some points to ponder.

This evening I heard someone say proclaim that we have every bit of information at our fingertips and people are dumber than ever.

My disclaimer is – not everyone, never everyone.

But I have to agree.

When I’m faced with those who wildly defend a position or who make absolutely no sense when arguing a point, a lightbulb goes off above my head.

They’ve read a headline. They caught a news clip. Or they chatted with someone in line with them at the supermarket, bank, or some random place. Maybe they overheard people talking and walked away with information that they then passed on – nothing substantiated.

That’s how rumors start. That is the definition of ‘misinformation’ if it is not researched, sources cited, and facts checked. Continue reading “Some points to ponder.”

When did kindness go out of fashion?

While taking a late night Facebook scroll, I counted six posts within seconds that asked people to ‘please be kind when responding’ to questions that seemed quite sincere in requesting advice.

The people placed trust in an online community, hoping that someone else experienced what they are currently enduring and could offer some words of wisdom.

Repeatedly the plea was made for kindness, asking others to reply in a gentle and compassionate manner.

Continue reading “When did kindness go out of fashion?”

On being your own best friend.

Do you find yourself irritated by selfish partners, friends, and family? Upset because as much as you reach out to them, remembering their important events and what ails them, it’s never reciprocated?

Here’s some tough love. It’s not them. It’s you.

If you find this happening not once, but again and again – what’s wrong with you? Why do you continue to put effort into those who care nothing about putting effort into you?

Yes, we accept people for who they are but at some point, we should cut our losses. We should seek to find partners and friends who meet us where we are. Who step up and be present in our lives. Because it goes both ways.

And if one way is all you’ve been experiencing, maybe it’s time to reconsider your relationships.

At the end of each day, you need to be your own best friend. That’s who you have at the end of any day – and a pet, if you’re so fortunate. Most, not all, people are inherently selfish.

Learn how to thrive alone. Learn how to channel your energy into activities that make you feel good – and give back to the world at large. Appreciate your solitude and manage your time wisely.

Stop focusing on those who continuously let you down and remember – you’re the only one who will be there for you at the end of each day.

What is Memorial Day?

There is confusion among some on the difference between Memorial and Veterans Day. Ask a child today what the difference is and many don’t know. Something to do with veterans. Something to do with the military. Something to do with flags.

I respect anyone who tries, anyone who respects our military and those who have served and sacrificed. I respect those who fly the flag, even if they’re unaware of proper protocol. I respect the fact that they are patriotic and harbor a love for country and national pride.

Continue reading “What is Memorial Day?”