How Do We Wish to Be Defined as a Nation?

   

     Nations watched in horror as events unfolded in Paris, France, on November 13, 2015. Six separate attacks left 129 dead and 352 wounded.  Acts of terror claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.  Equally horrific was the bombing of a Russian airliner on October 31st that killed 224 people, as well as the suicide bombings in Beirut that killed 43 and injured 239.  Understandably, the world is on edge. As a result, the knee jerk reaction of many is to "seal off our borders from the refugees fleeing the violence in Syria."  A cold-hearted, iron-fisted assessment in an attempt to guarantee the security of U.S. citizens.

"Syria has become the great tragedy of this century -- a disgraceful humanitarian calamity with suffering and displacement unparalleled in recent history," said Antonio Guterres, the United Nations' high commissioner for refugees.

     Tonight, I watched a news report of a man with his wife and three children, refugees, currently living in Ohio.  (Video courtesy of CNN)




     Watching this man with his family struggling just to live, reminds me that these people are no different from you or me.  If I were in a war torn country full of violence, I would take my three young children and flee.  Praying for the compassion of the good people of the world to intervene against the horrors of the worst of mankind.  Trusting in the goodness of humanity.  What would you do?

     I've also been watching news coverage of many of the states' governors refusal to accept Syrian refugees.  No doubt, these are troubled times with no easy answers. However, for a nation built on the ideals of fairness, compassion, and justice for all to turn our backs on these refugees is to turn our backs on our principles.  If fear causes us to abandon our values and ideals, that's granting the terrorists an enormous victory that will embolden them.  Innocent blood will have bought the indifference of a nation to the plight of the suffering of others if we do nothing.  The truest test of a nation is what it will do to honor its ideals when the risk is great.  Anyone can be brave and compassionate during times of peace.  What about in times of unrest?  Are we the same country?  Do we only espouse our principles when there is no possible cost to us?

     If you vilify a religion or a people, you lay the groundwork for atrocities of the past to be repeated in our future.  May our ideals as a compassionate nation be stronger than our fears.

     

Excerpt from "What Remains" (Work in Progress)

The rumble of distant thunder matched Maggie Sherwood’s dark mood.  Clouds the color of bruises blew in fast, blotting out the late afternoon sun.  Desperate to unwind from her miserable work day before starting dinner, she had poured herself a glass of Merlot to enjoy on the covered deck.  The sweet, pungent zing of ozone from the brewing storm perfumed the air. One of her favorite smells. Maggie breathed in deeply and settled into a lounge chair, kicking off her shoes. As the wind ruffled her cropped auburn hair, she sat her glass down and rubbed at the kinks in her toes.

As she heard the patio door slide open behind her, she stifled a groan.  Gritting her teeth at the interruption, she looked up to see her son shuffling toward her.  Downcast eyes fixed on his grass-stained Nikes. If she had learned anything in eighteen years of mothering, it was that when they wouldn’t look you in the eye, you were in for trouble.  The dull ache in her jaw made her wish she could wear her bite guard during the day.

Fortifying herself with a quick gulp of Merlot, she looked up into her son’s wary blue eyes. Eyes that mirrored her own, both in color and emotion. “Hi, sweetheart. How’s it going?”

Clearing his throat, he stuck his hand into the pocket of his jeans and pulled out a small, wrinkled slip of yellow paper.  Handing it to her, he mumbled, “Not so great. Sorry.”

A Mother's Touch (42 Word Microstory)

Tubes crisscrossed his minuscule body.  Keeping him alive.  Slipping her hand into the incubator, Anna stroked his leg. Terrified of hurting the translucent skin, yet needing to feel him.  Willing the love in her heart to flow through her fingertips, sharing strength.

Letting Creativity Flow Despite Self-Doubt

   

     One of the hardest things to do in life is allow yourself to learn something new without expectations.  So often, we are our own worst critics to the point of stifling our creativity.  The joy of learning and trying something new is squashed by that voice in our head telling us that we are not good enough.

     Discovering and nurturing new abilities takes time and practice. Seeking approval from others before we allow ourselves time to grow only feeds our insecurities.  We have to give ourselves permission to make mistakes and be the "new kid on the block."

     The path to success is almost never a straight line.  Bumps and dips along the way are stepping stones, building character and perseverance.  Falling down and getting back up is a success in itself. Look at each set back or challenge as an opportunity to feed your hunger.  Do you really want it?  If so, you'll keep putting one foot in front of the other.  Learning as you go.

     What we feel are our failures are many times teaching us to be flexible and determined.  Let the heartbreaks of life feed your creative side.  Everyone has their disappointments.  Our vulnerabilities and weaknesses become a bond that provides strength when shared.

Helpful hints:

1. Step out of your comfort zone. That's where true growth is found.
2. Give yourself permission to make mistakes.
3. Stop seeking perfection.
4. Do what makes you feel alive.
5. Tell yourself today is a "good" day. Perception is everything.