WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024

 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024 - JUST ONE HOMELESS COUPLE

There is an old adage, one picture speaks a thousand words.

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, November 13, 2024

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024 HIDDEN FIGURES

 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024 HIDDEN FIGURES

The book and movie “Hidden Figures” was based on a real story.

Let’s do a review. Three Black Women were hired at NASA prior to John Glenn’s multiple orbits of the Earth. Previous NASA events were to send monkeys and then men on suborbital flights. But this was going to be different. John Glenn was to go into orbit around the Earth three times. At some point, he would fire his retro rockets and return to Earth.  

There is a lot of math involved here—and as a person with a bachelor's and master's in mathematics, it is complicated. For reentry, there is the earth's rotational speed, the spaceship's speed, and a desired landing site. My calculus is old, but with multiple factors and the rate of change in velocity so that the spaceship would reenter not too fast and burn up through the atmosphere or too slow and not return.  

One of the scenes in the movie shows one of the women being scolded for leaving her desk for longer periods.  The movie claims that she needed to use a “Blacks only” bathroom, and there wasn’t a black bathroom in the building she was in.  I vaguely remember two drinking fountains somewhere - whites and blacks.  (When I was in junior high school, we drove to Alabama to visit my aunt Geri and family, and I think someplace on that trip to the “deep south”, we ran into the phenomenon.

The slogan was “separate but equal”.  That was struck down in 1954 with the Brown vs. Board of Education court ruling.  But it took years for some white environments to implement it (if they have even implemented it).  There were white schools and black schools - both with the charge to educate children - but the white schools were far above the black schools in terms of facilities. In towns, drinking fountains (some people called the bubblers) were on the streets and other places.  How dare a black person take a drink out of a white drinking fountain.

In 1963, the University of Alabama admitted its first black students - and Governor George Wallace tried to stop it.  “STATES RIGHTS”  over “FEDERAL RIGHTS.”  Could the federal government issue mandates to integrate schools?  

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Eventually, instead of white and black bathrooms and drinking fountains.  There was one bathroom for women and one for men.  [Note, in the Movie Hidden Figures, the administrator took a crowbar to knock down the signs for “white women’s bathroom”, and “black women’s bathroom”.  In my research, the central black woman finally started using the white restroom.[

It hasn’t always been easy since then.  But it isn’t as overt as it was.  We’ve had a black man as President of the United States.  We’ve had a black woman running for President of the United States (and - behind the scenes, racism and genderism).  

Yesterday I wrote about the new rules to separate transgender women from using the ladies restroom.  Hmm - it seems the same type of discrimination about white and black women, but now, it is CIS women and transgender women.  

Did the segregated restrooms in the South work?  What if a black woman had just been in one stall, and then a white woman entered the same stall?  Would the white woman somehow get “cooties” from sitting on the same toilet seat?  

Likewise, would a CIS woman get “cooties” from sitting on a toilet seat that was used by a transgender woman?

And, yet, it is happening. 

From Odessa Texas, we have this from July 23, 2024

“ODESSA — The City Council on Tuesday banned transgender people from using restrooms outside of the sex assigned to them at birth, following an emotionally charged exchange between residents and city leaders.

In a 5-2 vote, members of the council expanded a 1989 ordinance that prohibits individuals from entering restrooms of the opposite sex, suggesting they were doing so to protect Odessans and their own families.

Residents pleaded with the council, arguing that such proposals were divisive, stoked fear among the community, and would further stretch city services.”

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I have commented before that the pastor of my previous church forbade me from using the larger, multi-stall bathrooms, and I could use the single bathrooms located at other locations in the church. I am not sure why this was done. Am I a threat to other women who would be in that room? I really can’t use the men’s bathroom—my body is no longer designed to use a urinal.  

It seems as if history is repeating itself.  Black women fought to use white restrooms; transgender women fought to use women’s restrooms.  

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, November 12, 2024

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2024 - MEN PLAYING WOMEN''S SPORTS

 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2024, TRANSGENDER ARE TAKING OVER OUR SOCIETY

Yes, every female college (and high school) has fifty (or more) formerly male students wanting to play on female teams. I’m not sure if these formerly male students have had a “gender sex change” (that is, the male organ has been replaced with female “parts.”)  

Let alone, on the streets, in schools, at every grocery store, or even (gasp) churches, transgenders are spreading their poison and venom.  

TIME OUT!!!

ACCORDING TO RECENT RESEARCH, APPROXIMATELY 0.5% OF AMERICAN ADULTS IDENTIFY AS TRANSGENDER, MEANING ABOUT 1.3 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES IDENTIFY AS TRANSGENDER. (USA FACTS)

And why would any of us want to spread anything?  

*****

1 Corinthians 13:1-4 “If I speak in the tongues of men or angels but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. f I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. f I give all I possess to people experiencing poverty and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

I found I was not as loving as I should have been. guess I had some loving traits, but not the ultimately agape—unconditional love I should have.

I was hit by a ton of bricks, and a two-by-four smacked me. felt like I was a phony - loving only Christians (and even then - with some judgmental tendencies).  

*****

So, by some back road brain twists, I became a woman.  

*****

The political process we just went through says: ‘Transgenders are spreading their poison and venom.”

Yes, I like to get a child - preferably a boy - and tell him how much better it is to be a girl. r, I want to get a girl in a lady’s restroom and do sexual things with her.

NO WAY.  

*****

Yes, I did play Granny Basketball - and I was tall but could have been a better player. could stand near the basket and still only get about 20% of my shots to go in. y knees and legs ached. fter a diagnosis of osteopenia, I didn’t want to fall - and break a leg, hip, or knee. o I am the official scorekeeper for the Georgetown Fire Ants team. t’s fun, and it is a team. like my teammates. sn’t that the important thing? or Granny Basketball, age seems to be significant. y teammates in their 50s are more agile than those in their 70s and 80s.  

*****

Politics distorts things. Did a senate candidate in Texas say that fully transformed males (into full females) could play college sports? Es, he did. as he advocated for hundreds or thousands of not-quite-so-good male basketball players, swimmers, or volleyball players to go through the deep and debilitated angst to become women so that they could play their sport at the college level? gain, no way.  

Yes, there have been a FEW (VERY FEW) that have done this. One swimmer was picked out as the negative poster child of transgender failures).  

If a man (and I’m talking of college-level age)  deep inside - through consoling and lots of introspection - decides to become a female,  it almost certainly is not so she can play college sports.  

Gender change is pretty much forever. he surgery cannot be reversed, but if the transgender woman wants to live as a man, that is her choice. n her 30s, she is a woman - not an athlete. aybe, like many people in that age group, she wants to play a sport - to me, that is okay.  

The reality is that men generally make more money in a company’s specific role than women. So an who might have made (say) $100,000 a year is a woman who might earn (say) $80,000 a year in the same job.  

I have discovered the humility that women have to live with - “You’re JUST a woman.”

Friends - don’t worry about transgender people spreading their poison and venom. Wor about the men who abuse younger boys (the Catholic Church is still fighting that battle; worry about the band directors who build a relationship with children for sexual deviancy. 

At age 77, with an attitude of agape love - I don’t have (much) poison and venom.  

It is a scare tactic of a political fight.  

*****

And, unfortunately, that scare tactic worked in the last election. (OU

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, November 11, 2024

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2024 - LEADERSHIP THOUGHTS

 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2024 - RANDOM THOUGHTS OF LEADERS.

Today, after this week’s election, I bring three leaders’ thoughts - King David, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln:

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KING DAVID’S LAST WORDS (AS A SONG)
2 Samuel 23:3-4

3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

***
Karen adds:  Composer Randall Thompson put these words into song, and my high school choir sang the music.

My analysis: Leaders must be JUST and rule under God (in God’s “fear” or “awe”). They must be like the “light of the morning—fresh, no pollution, clear (and implying—at least to me)—pure and honest.  

“Just” can be a difficult concept. Is it just to fine (or tax)  everybody $1,000, or is it just to have a graduated fee, with the rich paying more than the poor?  

“Just” (at least to me) needs to be tempered with “mercy.” Micah 6:8 - “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

If God were acting entirely justly, all people would be in hell. We are all sinners!! But, I believe in justice with MERCY. (“Lord be merciful to me - a sinner”)

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GEORGE WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS: (SUMMARIZED)

In his 1796 Farewell Address, George Washington warned Americans of the dangers to the nation’s unity and stability and announced his decision not to seek a third term as president: 

Regionalism
Washington warned against putting local politics above the good of the nation.  

• Political parties

• Washington warned that political parties could divide the nation and be used by those seeking to become tyrants. 

•  

• Foreign influence

• Washington warned against becoming involved in the affairs of foreign nations, as he feared it could lead to those nations influencing America’s direction. He also urged Americans to avoid permanent alliances with foreign nations and instead rely on temporary alliances for emergencies. 

•  

• Two-term limit

• Washington set the precedent for the two-term limit, avoiding the possibility that the presidency would become a lifetime appointment.

***

KAREN’S THOUGHTS AS WE CHANGE ADMINISTRATIONS. 

We don’t follow Washington’s suggestions very well. We are a divided country—some states vote red, and some vote blue. Regionalism is partison. of it. Some states say, “It’s alright to fund private school students with tax breaks,” while others say, “Only public schools get funding.”  

So, it is acceptable and proper to help fund Catholic, Lutheran, and evangelical schools. In twenty years, will we agree with that when Muslim families start their own schools?  

***

Washington warned “that political parties could divide the nation and be used by those seeking to become tyrants.”  

Well, guess what, George (in his tomb at Mount Vernon)—political parties have divided this nation. (Some have worried that the incoming president might be a tyrant.)

 

• ***
  It is a harsh world out there. Do we support our allies (aka - Ukraine and Israel) or remain neutral?

• 
  

• *****

• AND EXCERPTS FROM LINCOLN’S GETTYSBURG ADDRESS:

• 
  

• “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. 

Having a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people” is almost impossible. My United States Congressman has a district of over 840,000 people. Can my representative be fair and just with nearly a million people in his district?   (Yes, I know and understand that my congressman has aides, and I sent him a note, but he probably won’t see it. An aide will read it and handle the matter.) “We the people” has become the following: “We are the people's representatives, belonging to a political party with a party agenda.”

*****

My God gives all our leaders wisdom, understanding, mercy, and grace. 

First, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—  for kings and all those in authority- so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (2 Timothy 2:1-2)

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, November 9, 2024

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024 - ELECTION THOUGHTS

 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6th, 2024

I know better.

Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, But we will remember and trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

Yesterday was the 2024 Election.  My heart wanted the election to go one way - but it didn’t.  

But I know better.

Psalm 20:7 says, “Trust in God”.  That statement is important. Our American money says, “In God we Trust.”  

Or, as the old hymn says,

This Earth is not my home

“I'm just a-passing through

My treasures are laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue

The angels beckon me
From heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home
In this world anymore.”

I had a friend ask, “Why.”  I don’t know is my answer.  It seems like money “bought” the election.

US News and World Report said, “The 2024 election cycle will end up costing close to $16 billion, election transparency nonprofit Open Secrets has projected.

Even after adjusting for inflation, that predicted total is more than in any other election cycle except for 2020. It includes a hefty $5 billion-plus in projected purchases by super PACs and other outside groups.

*****

Okay, back to the basics.  Some trust in chariots, some in horses, but I will trust in the Lord my God”.  I HAVE TO LOVE.  That means loving those who aren’t accepting of me, loving my enemies, loving my neighbor - LOVE WINS.

*****

But I am alive; my message still exists!!!

In listening to Dmitri Shostakovich’s music, I read about the Russian Holocaust.

It is estimated that a total of between 100,000 and 150,000 people were murdered at Babi Yar during the German occupation.[

Likewise, “Joseph Stalin is responsible for the deaths of millions of people, with figures ranging from around 6 million direct killings to as many as 9 million when including deaths caused by his policies like starvation and forced labor in camps, during his rule in the Soviet Union; the "Great Purge" being a ruthless period of his regime where many political opponents were executed.

Mao killed millions as he controlled China. Wikipedia says, “His policies were responsible for a vast number of deaths, with estimates ranging from 40 to 80 million victims of starvation, persecution, prison labor, and mass executions, and his regime has been described as totalitarian.

Maybe these were the “lucky” ones.  They got away from this world.  After all (from the song above), This Earth is not my home. I’m just a-passing through.  

And the next administration is promising deportations (at least, it isn’t mass murders):

“The American Immigration Council estimates Trump's plan, potentially targeting between 11 and 14 million people, would cost the U.S. upwards of $315 billion if fully realized.

*****

Hate is strong and mocks the song “Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men.” (Christmas song).  

There is an old statement: “Too heavenly-minded to be any Earthly good.”  Maybe I’m coming into this statement.  LOVE WINS - This might not be possible on this planet, but maybe LOVE WINS will be part of the infinite future (which many call Heaven).

*****

So, I have had my two days of my “pity party.”  Now, I need to be an ambassador for LOVE WINS again.

“Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.”

LOVE IS INFINITE, LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORM

Karen Anne White, November 6-7-8, 2024

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024 - CHANGE IS INEVITABLE

 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024, CHANGE IS INEVITABLE

LUDDITES

In the early 19th century, weaving was a cottage industry in Great Britain. Generally, women sat at their looms and made cloth. They might have used wool from the sheep or linen from flax fields.  

But, there was a big push to get the weavers together.  So, instead of weaving at home, they went to a shop, and maybe ten weavers (and more) would work together.  Some new looms could weave faster (frequently powered by water wheels).  

As I understand it, some people didn’t like the idea of a weaving shop.  They wanted weaving to continue to be done in homes.  So, these people found the development of weaving shops. 

Wikipedia writes, “The Luddites were members of a 19th-century movement of English textile workers who opposed using certain automated machinery due to worker pay and output quality concerns. They often destroyed the machines in organized raids. Members of the group referred to themselves as Luddites, self-described followers of "Ned Ludd," a legendary weaver whose name was used as a pseudonym in threatening letters to mill owners and government officials.”

There were raids on the weaving shops intending to return fabric-making to the previous methods.  

Mill and factory owners took to shooting protesters, and eventually, the movement was suppressed by legal and military force, which included execution and penal transportation of accused and convicted Luddites.

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Change is inevitable

*****

I’m writing that change is going to happen - no matter what.  If you are as old as I am, you might remember the “Look for the Union Label” advertisements:

Look for the union label
When you are buying that coat, dress or blouse.

Remember somewhere our union's sewing,
OOur wages are going to feed the kids and run the house.

We work hard, but who's complaining?
Thanks to the I.L.G., we're paying our way!  (Basically the “International Garments League” (or union))

So always look for the union label,
IIt says we're able to make it to the U.S.A.!

*****

Yet, when you buy a shirt, dress, top, skirt, or slacks and check the label, it might say “Made in Vietnam,” “Made in China,” or “Made in Bangladesh.”  

Yup - very little fabric and shirt-making is happening in the United States today.  It’s been shifted to the Far East - where labor is cheap.  So (in my opinion), instead of buying a shirt made in the United States for $20, you can buy a similar shirt made in Vietnam for $10.  American consumers opted for the cheaper-priced products.  

One way to keep foreign producers from flooding the American market is to establish tariffs. For example, if an item costs $10 from China, if the United States puts a 50% tariff on that item, it will now be $15. Thus, think twice about buying a shirt from China for $15 and an American-made shirt for $20.  

However, many of the things I use regularly come from the Far East. I buy most non-essentials from Dollar Tree for $1.25 an item, but with a 50% tariff, that amounts to $1.85 (or so). So, Dollar Tree would have fewer (or no ) cheaper nylon hoses.  

*****

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE. Staying in the current situation limits us (as individuals and as a country). In tomorrow's election, it seems as if one political party wants to stay the same while the other advocates change.

In a surprise to me, eight years ago I stepped across a threshold and gradually became a woman.  (yes, that was a shock).  However, some states and locations are enacting laws that will require me to use men’s restrooms (the term is “assigned male at birth”).  I left a church because some complained that I was using the ladies’ restroom.  At 77 years old, when I need a restroom - I need a restroom!!!  And I will NOT be using a males-only restroom.

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, November 4, 2024