SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2024 - MISCELLANEOUS

 SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2024 - 

Some internet “gems’ (at least to me)

*****

I CHOOSE LOVE

I choose inclusion, empathy, compassion, equality, dignity, and diversity.

I choose community, kindness, integrity, honesty, respect.

I choose facts, peace, the planet,

( choose humanity.

I CHOOSE LOVE

*****

SOME SOCIAL RULES THAT MAY HELP YOU.

1. Don’t call someone more than twice continuously. If they don’t answer your call, presume they have something important to attend to.

2. Return money you borrowed before the person who loaned it to you remembers or asks for it. It shows your integrity and character. The same goes for umbrellas, pens, and lunch boxes.

3. Never order the expensive dish on the menu when someone is treating you to lunch or dinner.

4. Don’t ask awkward questions like, ‘Oh, so you aren’t married yet?’ or ‘Don’t you have kids?’ or ‘Why haven't you bought a house?’ or ‘Why haven't you bought a car?’ For God’s sake, it isn’t your problem.

5. Always open the door for the person coming behind you. It doesn’t matter if it is a guy or a girl, senior or junior. You don’t grow small by treating someone well in public.

6. If you take a taxi with a friend and they pay now, try paying next time.

7. Respect different shades of opinions. Remember, what may seem like 6 to you might appear as 9 to someone else. Besides, a second opinion is suitable for an alternative.

8. Never interrupt people while they are talking. Allow them to pour it out. As they say, hear them all and filter them all.

9. If you tease someone, and they don’t seem to enjoy it, stop it and never do it again. It encourages one to do more and shows how appreciative you are.

10. Say “thank you” when someone is helping you.

11. Praise publicly. Criticize privately.

12. There’s rarely a reason to comment on someone’s weight. Just say, “You look fantastic.” If they want to talk about losing weight, they will.

13. Don't swipe left or right When someone shows you a photo on their phone. You never know what’s next.

14. If a colleague tells you they have a doctor's appointment, don’t ask what it’s for; just say, "I hope you’re okay." Don’t put them in the uncomfortable position of having to tell you their illness. If they want you to know, they'll do so without your inquisitiveness.

15. Treat the cleaner with the same respect as the CEO. Nobody is impressed by how rudely you treat someone below you, but people will notice if you treat them respectfully.

16. If someone speaks directly, staring at your phone is rude.

17. Never advise until you’re asked.

18. When meeting someone after a long time, don’t ask them their age or salary unless they want to discuss it.

19. Mind your business unless anything involves you directly - just stay out of it.

20. Remove your sunglasses if you are talking to anyone in the street. It is a sign of respect. Moreover, eye contact is as important as your speech.

21. Never talk about your riches among people with low incomes. Similarly, don't talk about your children amid the barren.

22. After reading a good message, consider saying, "Thanks for the message."

APPRECIATION remains the easiest way of getting what you don't have.

*****

From my cousin Julie in Oregon:

WOMAN’S WORLD

The silent majority

Sits, smiles, waiting

And waiting and waiting

While holding up the hills

While paying all the bills

While holding her tongue

While saving what she can

In the silence of her grief

She waits to be recognized.

The good gentle woman

But she cannot be seen

Not heard, nor known

Her caste is invisible

Her heart is canceled

Her thoughts buried

In the tombs of men

She waits and waits

While guarding the mother

Raising the children

Hoping for the call

To speak, to be worthy, to know

As she was never known

In the tumultuous, quiet

The deafening roar of generations

Oh, speak! I implore you

Just this once say the forbidden:

“I am that I am. I, too, am a god

made in her image of truth.”

Words and images by J. Akins

******

We are a diverse group.  I can’t imagine 100% of us liking anything.  If it rains in Central Texas, many will say, “Hurray,” but the family who took this week off for vacation might not be happy.

Some will see the good in everything - Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

LOVE ALWAYS WINS - RIGHT PAUL?

LOVE ALWAYS TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, August 3, 2024