Copy Cat Culture

 I am watching via streaming the World Under 20 track championships being held in Lima, Peru.  As the athletes are being introduced several are displaying the same self promoting behaviors they have learned over the years from so called professional athletes and our culture.  Some are pulling at their jersey promoting the name of their country.  Some are making gestures taught from watching videos of entertainers.  A few are just being stone faced and not making the worldly gestures.  They haven't sold out and have not gone into a copy cat mode.

What I am seeing is that many of the youth, who talk about originality, are not displaying any originality.  They are only displaying the antics of others whom initiated the selfish "it's all about me" behavior.  It would be even more impressive if they gave honor and thanks to God for their being able to do what they are doing.  Instead people make an image of a heart with their two hands.  At times I see athletes acknowledging God via a prayer or by pointing to the sky.  They get it.  It's not about our human selfishness and what we can do as humans.  It's about humbling ourselves, acknowledging and following God, and then taking actions that glorify God and carry out what God wants us to do in terms of our human inactive behavior.  The opening ceremonies of the Olympics wasn't complete because the ceremony did not make time to acknowledge God.  That came later in the comments of individual athletes who gave God the glory and credit for their performance.  Human stupidity and self centered actions continue.  Let's turn it around.  Think God first.

"The Forge" - an alternative to the madness of the world

 I found "The Forge" to be a realistic story with an ending that is achievable.  In an error when bloody, violent, horror films are appearing more and more at theaters, I enjoyed "The Forge".  I urge families to see the movie together, especially if you have middle school boys or teenagers.   The lesson of a religious/spiritual alternative to your lifestyle is realistic.  Life is not easy.  "The Forge" presents a way boys, and men can bind together to combat the issues we encounter in life.  Please go see it.  If you are short on cash, try Regal theaters on Tuesdays as that is the discount viewing day.

A prayer for Kamala Harris using Psalm 72

 Tonight may be a beginning to a change in the spiritual morality of these United States of America.  Kamala Harris speaks to the citizens and also to the world tonight as a candidate for President of the United States.  The first woman to hold the office.  The first woman of color to become this country's leader.

God, we ask you to empower her even more with a love of Justice and righteousness.  Help her judge your people in the right way and empower her to always ensure the poor are treated fairly and with respect.  Allow her to lead the way for spiritual and emotional prosperity for all.  Help her to defend and rescue the poor and needy and to oversee punishment of those who oppress them.  May her leadership be as refreshing and inspiring as rain on freshly cut grass.  May all who honor and obey God flourish during her leadership.  May she oversee the opportunity for humble prosperity for all.  May leaders around the world respect and follow her support for spiritual decision making.  Guide her to lead us spiritually to turn away from the violence that overwhelms us.  Guide her to make decisions that support the Earth remaining fruitful and food abundant for all.  May this country be blessed by decisions she makes with God in mind.  It's in Jesus name we pray.   Amen

Social Media - Time for a reboot

 I have believed for years, that in general people want their views and opinions heard. Then people want an action taken or some result from their opinion being hears. Sometimes a person's comments are an emotional release. An opportunity to tell a famous person off, or at least embarrass that personality. There are some who express original ideas, but I have come across no one in this social media era who fits the saving grace and great idea category.

Social media has turned into a bully pulpit. An emotional non stop hurricane of emotional vitriol, nasty, disrespectful comments devoid of any redeeming value. Social media 1.0 championed by a number of brands, has been a failure of ultimate proportions. 85% of the comments need to be filed in a garbage can and immediately sent to a dump or incinerate, never to be seen again. 

With that thought, I deleted one of my main social media accounts and am debating closing out the remaining two. Some items on social media are interesting,  but none of what I have seen has made me a better person. Plus most lack a spiritual foundation that brings me closer to a relationship with God. If that objective is not met, what is the point of the comments?

Someone I met created a video commentary platform where he basically focuses on criticism of celebrities. He does not focus on providing helpful tips on how to become a better spiritual person. So what does he accomplish? He has over 1,000 followers but they do not view all of his videos.  People just want their viewpoints heard, The same as I am doing now. My message. If what you have just read does not impact yor view of social media, I have wasted my time and yours!