"I Have a Dream" revisited

Some 50 years later, after sharing these powerful words in Washington, D.C., what would Dr. King think about the state of race relations in our nation? Would he be proud of what we've done? Would he think that we are in the same spot as we were in the 1960s? Would he smile at Americans or frown in disgust at all we've squandered?

It's been a long road for blacks, whites, and all other people of color since this speech. Yet, that road continues on: full of obstacles (some self-created), full of slippery slopes, full of rocks.

Will it ever end? Will we ever be able to truly say that race doesn't matter? Will we ever be able to feel like the color of a person's skin is NOT the first thing many people notice?

I'm ashamed to say that the answer to these questions lies within the hearts of the American people. Hearts that overruled by greed and hatred for all things different, hearts that are governed by the desire for self, hearts that are blackened from distrust of our fellow man. How can we get past everything that has happened and truly be 'one nation, under God'?

"I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood." How can this happen when families cannot even sit down at a table together?

"With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day." We can't pray at all. God has been taken out of schools, courts, events; what's next? No God in churches? How in the world can we stand up for anything together if we can't pray together?

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Given the content of some's character, I think I'd rather them be judged by the color of their skin. What's wrong with us? Are we such miserable individuals that the entire group has to suffer? Have we turned into automatons that have been programmed for hatred and non-acceptance?

"I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream." What is the American Dream? We've lost sight of the core values that once made this nation strong. We've shoved away the ideals of honesty, working hard, making something positive out of oneself and passing that legacy on to children. What is the American Dream today? Watching Jersey Shore or some other trashy reality TV? Exposing everyone's dirty laundry for the whole world to see? Stealing from people and stockpiling their wealth for your own? Denying people healthcare and wondering why Americans are in such bad shape? Letting the rich stay rich while the middle class disappears and the poor grows exponentially? Is that what we've come to? No more owning your own home, having and TAKING CARE of children, working your way up the ladder. That American Dream is now a nightmare of doing the right thing and (gasp) actually working to achieve your goals.

So, I ask you: What would Dr. King think of us today? When the jails are overpopulated with young black men, when white people accuse each other of "acting black" and young black people accuse each other of "acting white", when people who have bi-racial children have to worry about where their child will fit in, when women hold their purses closer as a man with baggy jeans and a hoodie walks by, when all popular music talks about is sex and money, when people are still afraid to discuss 'black' or 'white' issues in mixed company, when 'black' or 'white' issues even exist, when children aren't allowed to be children any more because of all the things that are pushed at them, when parenting has ceased to exist, when middle school students are having babies, when segregation is still alive and well--but it's called something else.

I'm sad to say that I think Dr. King would be embarrassed at what he would see today. I think he would hang his head in shame and wonder how in the world all of his hard work was tossed out the window. I think he would cry out over all the men and women who toiled alongside him to pave the way to racial freedom because their work seemed to be in vain. Dr. King lost his life to make his dream known and to try and make his dream a reality for everyone. Are we so ungrateful that we can't even TRY to make his ideas work? Are we so stupid that we can't even TRY to bring that reality to our children? Are we so slack that we are willing to just let his dream die because it's too hard to uphold, it's too much work, and it's just too sticky to talk about with people? People of ALL races need to get it together; this foolishness has gone on long enough!

Humbling

Just when you think you have it so bad, there is always a humbling from God to show you that someone has it worse than you. Be thankful for what you do have, even if it's not really what you think you want.

Those are my words for the day. It seems that we are quick to complain and say that we need this or we wish we had that... I'm very guilty of this. I need more money, I need a better job, I want a bigger house, I want a new car... and on and on.

What does God think when he hears this? What would you think if your petulant child constantly complained to you about what he/she wanted and needed and didn't have? I suspect that God rolls His eyes, and thinks..what more could I give this person?

I wake up in the mornings, open my eyes to see. I listen for my child's breathing, and I can hear it. I climb out of the bed, after reaching out to touch my husband, who is there. I can get up and walk to the bathroom. I can stretch up and feel the wonderment of my muscles untangling after a good night's rest in a comfortable bed with good sheets, under a ceiling fan run by electricity that powers my home. I can feel the carpet underneath my toes, attached to the floor of the home that I live in. I can walk out into the hallway without pain or assistance. I can go into the kitchen and make coffee or prepare breakfast because I am fortunate enough to have food to eat. I can think about what I need to do that day because I am equipped with a mind that allows me to think and make decisions with ease. All of these things, taken for granted by many, are given to me. And yet, I have the nerve to want more?

I have been humbled many times in my life. One example sticks out in my mind. My mom and I went to Walmart one day. We were talking about something hurting and other trivialities. On the way into the store, as we were fussing about our "problems", we passed a gentleman with only 1 leg. He was smiling and walking out of the store on a crutch. Immediately, we both shut up. We smiled at the gentleman, who smiled back widely. I said a quiet prayer to thank God for what He had given me and the abilities that I was allowed to enjoy. My eyes filled with tears as I felt ashamed for even complaining about my stupid little problems. I looked at my mom, and her eyes were filled too. She said to me, "At least we don't have it that bad."

Look around. Even when you think you are at your darkest hour, the end of your rope, and that you can't go on any longer, there is ALWAYS someone that has it worse than you do. I'm not asking you to feel sorry for these people. They don't need your sympathy. They need your prayers. And, God needs you to realize how fortunate you are. God needs you to thank HIM for the blessings you receive daily because of HIS work in your life.

I'm not telling you to stop complaining. I am a chronic complainer, even though I know I shouldn't be. It seems I just like to fuss...LOL. However, I am telling you to be thankful for what you have. Be thankful for the little things, and take nothing for granted.

Realize that you have no idea what others are dealing with in their lives. (One thing I will always remember as a first year teacher was a colleague telling me, "You have no idea what these kids go home to every day." She was right. I always tried to keep that in mind--and still do-- when I deal with students.) YOU may be the shining star to someone.. YOU may be the person who makes someone's day by smiling at them... YOU may be the one who makes a difference.

Be mindful of what God is trying to show you and teach you.

Nothing is a coincidence.

Everything is a lesson.

Survival Instincts

I spent the midnight hour (and beyond) last night/this morning watching Titanic. Every time I watch that movie, I marvel at the fact that it really happened. A tragedy of such large (titanic..ugh) proportions seems impossible to me. I slept through the middle and woke up to watch the long, drawn out sinking of this massive ship and see the turmoil and terror of the passengers. While I watched this, I wondered...at what point do your survival instincts kick in? When do you realize that it's hopeless and give up? Do you just lay down and die?

My mind raged with thoughts of how I would handle the situation. Would I be like the mother in steerage who put her kids to bed and recited a story for them? They would go in peace and not know the horror of what was going on around them. The mother was calm, just like it was any other night. (I certainly do not foresee myself being calm in such a situation, by the way). Would I be like the elderly couple who got in bed and held each other, aware of what was going on, but not feeling the necessity to do anything differently to save themselves? I'd like to think that I would be like Jack and Rose and fight against the people to get to the bow of the ship, only to hold on until the last minute, staying out of the water as long as possible. Who am I kidding? I'd be the first one in line for the lifeboats--pushing and shoving and demanding that I get on.

But, really, what would I do if I had to fend for myself, my husband, and my child? Would it be different if I only had to fend for myself? When do survival instincts take over and prove Darwin right? Is it really about survival of the fittest? When does your intellectual mind overrule the animal brain and you realize that it's pointless to try and save yourself? When does the animal brain dominate and make you step on people to save yourself?

They always say you never know someone else's situation until you walk in their shoes...imagine walking in the shoes of a passenger on Titanic.

What would YOU do?

Take Time to Pray

Another profound nugget of wisdom came from my fingers as I furiously responded to my group email: "Take a second (a few seconds..minutes...) to pray for those who have lost loved ones, those who are sick, those who are struggling, and those who simply don't know to pray for themselves. It only takes seconds to ask GOD to intervene."

After I typed it, I thought about it. How many people DON'T know to ask God for help? How many people don't know to call on the name of Jesus for comfort, peace, guidance, etc.? How many people don't believe that God, in his infinite and almighty wisdom, has His hand out to anyone who will step out and take it? How many people don't even believe that God is there?

Tears fill my eyes as I think of those who don't pray. I call out in prayer countless times every single day; such that, sometimes, I think God must be tired of hearing my voice. My heart feels heavy with the thought that people don't feel that blessing/comfort/reassurance/peace from uttering a small prayer and asking for help. God might not come when you call, but HE is ALWAYS on time! HE is ALWAYS listening, and He hears every prayer, every utterance, every cry, every sound that His creations make. He knows every thought that we have, every intention (Whether it comes to pass or not), everything!

In these times of turmoil in the world and in people's everyday lives, take time to pray. If you don't think you know how, just talk to God. Remember the hymn "Have a Little Talk with Jesus"? You know how it goes..."Now let us have a little talk with Jesus/Let us tell Him all about our troubles/He will hear our faintest cry/And He will answer by and by..." Have a conversation with our Almighty God today.. don't tarry.. He is waiting to hear from you. He is waiting to bless you. He is waiting to help you. If you feel like you have everything you need, take time to pray for someone else. I guarantee you there is someone in your life right now that needs a special touch, someone that needs healing, someone that needs a blessing. You never know what other people are dealing with in their lives. You never know what kind of burdens people have to carry. Pray for those people, even if you don' t know who they are; GOD knows!

Please know that GOD IS ALMIGHTY. He still sits on the throne, and He is still in the miracle business!

I hope that you will be blessed in abundance, healed by the touch of the Great Physician, calmed by the Prince of Peace, and highly favored by the Master. Amen.

More Contributions to the Randomness

I often have these phrases pop into my head out of nowhere. Never at the right time, mind you, but boy, are they some profound little ditties. Like today, I sent out a response to the daily mass email from my group; it started with "Hope that you are all safe in your travels and have peace in your travails." MAN, where did that come from? It sounds so elegant and eloquent; I was proud of myself to have even thought of such. It was fitting for the moment; some of us are traveling, some of us are grieving, some of us are struggling. Once again, I think... I SHOULD WRITE A BOOK!
I have, you know.. written some books. Children's books, the beginnings of a fictional memoir of sorts is in the works, a manifesto about the state of education as I see it is also off the ground. I love to write. Blogging has become an outlet for me, although I don't rant about everything on it (I would be in some kind of trouble..lol). I used to limit my rantings to FB posts and status updates; some would read and comment and I'm sure some would shake their heads at my randomness. But, hey, c'est moi!


My husband and I often have interesting conversations. In one last night, I realized, as I said it to him, that I tend to stand up for everything. I buck the system. I look for injustices and try to fight them. Does that make me wrong? Am I a visionary? Does anything change because I have done these things? Twice in the past year, I have gone up against 2 large entities for injustices committed. Did it make any difference? No, probably not. I am merely a speck in the paint, a fly in the ointment, a dust particle on the window. However, it made a difference to ME. Whether or not the outcomes are favorable or if there is any outcome at all...IT MADE A DIFFERENCE TO ME!
I only hope that my attempts to "rid the world of injustice" (taken from Charlotte's Web by E.B. White--references Fern trying to save Wilbur's young, runty life) will matter to someone else, will show big people that there are little people down here too (and dang it, we are TIRED of getting pushed around/mistreated/passed over/etc.), will make a difference somewhere!

If not, then I can go to bed each night knowing that I tried to stand up for a greater good, and I tried to change people's minds/cause them to see things differently/made them think before they acted. I know that I stood up for what was wrong and I said, "You won't push me or any other little person around any more on my watch!"

Many may say, "Who is she to even think that her little voice makes a difference?" I'm sure that Martin Luther King, Jr. may have felt that same way. I'm sure that Abraham Lincoln may have thought those same thoughts. I'm sure that Gandhi often wondered if he was doing the right thing. Did Rosa Parks know that sitting on that bus seat would make the profound mark it made on our society as a whole? Was Anne Frank aware that her diary would be so widely read and studied? Elvis Presley was a poor boy from Tupelo, Mississippi..did he ever dream he would be the King of Rock 'n Roll?

No one with a quiet voice has ever made a difference. No one who sat and let things go on before them has ever made a change. No one who 'went with the flow' has ever made things better. So, "Who am I to think that?", you say... I am Galileo, Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, Christopher Columbus..take your pick.

Taking Toys Out of Happy Meals and Cafeteria Food

The new way to fight childhood obesity is to take the toys out of Happy Meals.

I heard this garbage on the news this morning. Come on now, just because the toys aren't in them doesn't mean the kids won't eat the food. That is about as dumb as taking the prize out of the sugary cereal boxes. Kids eat this stuff because of the sugary prize they get, the delicious way it tastes, because Mom doesn't feel like cooking and this is the quickest thing for dinner, i could go on and on.

Since the government has decided that our kids are too fat, why not fix things on their end? Have you seen the trash that is called school lunch? If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing what the offerings are, go to your local elementary school (where there are no vending machines for kids to get chips from) and see what these kids have to eat (or not). Mind you, this is the only meal some students get in a day. Pizza and black -eyed peas, tacos and green beans, vegetables with more sugar in them than fruits have naturally, chocolate/strawberry/vanilla/blueberry flavored milk (of which they get a legally-mandated choice). Watch Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution if you don't believe me.

These kids are eating poorly prepared, processed food every day at school, supplied by the USDA and our good ol' federal government. When I questioned the menu choices once, I was told, "We cook what they send us." What is "THEY" thinking? "THEY" are sending out the message that cheaper is more important. The food sent to public schools is cheap, processed junk. That hamburger patty is no more hamburger meat than the chicken patty is chicken. The food is tasteless, limp, dry, just plain old nasty.

Then you go to middle and high schools where students have vending machines from which to choose their lunches. They select chips and candy and soda, but hey, they have to eat something. They run about on a sugar induced high after lunch, but at least they have eaten something. So, the solution to this is take out the vending machines. In the words of the immortal Charlie Brown, "GOOD GRIEF!" THEY don't want students eating unhealthy foods, so THEY remove the vending machines, and the students eat nothing. What a fix to the problem! Once again, if the cafeteria offered healthier food that the kids would eat, that would solve a piece of the problem.

Exercise, or lack thereof, is also an issue. We are a TV/video game/electronics society. Parents, instead of plopping your kids in front of the TV or shoving thee PSP in their hand, make them go outside for at least 30-45 minutes every day (weather permitting). Even if they walk around the yard and do nothing else, they've gotten Vitamin D from the sun and have gotten up of their butts to get some fresh air. Might not work at making them skinny, but it won't kill them either.

I seriously wonder where these law-makers get their lofty ideas about fixing things. It seems to me that they are random, train-of-thought thinkers and just spout off whatever comes out first. They get so fired up about it and run with it, not thinking about how stupid it sounds or how little it solves the problem.

Watch Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution on Friday nights. He is trying to help with reasonable solutions that can stick with a little push. God forbid what we do to solve our problems makes any sense!

Prom Dress Debacle

http://www.bvblackspin.com/2010/04/27/prom-dress-punishment/?sms_ss=facebook

OK. I don't even know where to start on this one.

Number 1, if you are aware of the dress code before the prom, and you choose not to adhere to it, then YOU DON'T GO TO THE PROM!

Number 2, if you made the dress code rules, and students choose not to adhere to them, and you STILL let them into the prom, YOU ARE WRONG! They should be stopped immediately and disciplined, not allowed to stay at the prom and be suspended/paddled days later.

Number 3, to the reporter who said if the parents agree to what the students wear, the schools should back off.. have you seen how parents dress? I have, personally, seen a mother come in the front office in the morning in her bath robe with curlers in her hair to sign her daughter into school because she was tardy. I have also had a colleague who went to a student's house and the mom came to the door NAKED. Yeah, nice judges of what people should wear, huh?

Number 4, what is wrong with enforcing a dress code? We have all seen what happens when people are left to their own devices (see above post) and allowed to wear what they wish. There is nothing wrong with requiring students to dress decently and respectfully for at least one night.

Number 5, I'm surprised there is a high school (or any school for that matter) that still paddles students. I don't disagree with paddling/corporal punishment; however, I would let someone else do it instead of me.

The dress code specified that the dresses couldn't be shorter than 6 inches above the knee and couldn't be transparent. Hmm, OK.. I really don't see a problem with that. It is much more lenient than the every day dress codes around here.

This is a ridiculous commentary on why schools can't succeed no matter what they do. If the girls' dresses are too short, the parents complain about how it looks/it looks bad/they look like sluts/etc. If the schools say nothing about it, the parents complain about how slack they are/they let students get away with everything/etc. When the schools take a stand and enforce rules, this is what makes the news. What are schools to do? We can't win for losing.