Recent Events: Phil Robertson

When I originally started my blog, I wanted to focus on the positive things that people do, and the acts of kindness.  However, as a human I feel that I absolutely cannot go a day longer without addressing the recent comments made by the Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson.  His words are being defended in the most deplorable, reprehensible, and truly disgusting ways - it does NOT restore my faith in humanity.  In fact, it questions where we are as a society, where people are defending a person's right to persecute and discriminate another human being for something out of their control.

1 in every 3 gay or bisexual teens commits suicide.  That's 33% - which is a lot!  These smart, caring, and loving kids would have and should have been our future.  They could have gone on to be senators, inventors, scientists, engineers, the president, or even the doctor that cures cancer.  But they won't.  Their lives were ended too soon because of intolerance, hatred, bullying, and evil.  I won't make this about religion, because in my opinion this is not a religious debate.  It's a HUMANITARIAN issue.

Before you post a status, tweet a post, or instagram a picture to show support to Phil Robertson, think about the message you are sending the kids who will inherit our society.  Think about the message you want to send them.  Instead of condemning them to hell reach out and give them a hug.  Instead of judging them as immoral, reach out a kind word.  Instead of making them feel worse and more rejected than they already do, tell them they are LOVED.  Instead of making this a religious issue, make it a humanitarian one.  No one would ever want to think about their child being bullied or ostracized, or made to feel like less of a person, so why is it okay to do so when your target is an adult?  It isn't.

I have heard and read a lot of people saying that Mr. Robertson's freedom of speech has been violated, and it makes me cringe.  Freedom of speech allows us to say what we want without government intervention or punishment.  Freedom of speech does NOT allow us to say whatever we want without repercussions and consequences.  Freedom of speech does NOT mean you can discriminate and oppress a group of people.  Freedom of speech does NOT mean you can use prejudicial slurs without some backlash from those standing up for the rights of others.

I have never understood discrimination of any kind.  I have never understand bullying of any kind.  I have never understood treating someone with such blatant hatred and disregard that could cause them to want to take their own life.  I have always tried to help whoever I could, whenever I could.  I don't want an award, recognition, or even a thank you.  I do it to help those in need.  I do it because it makes me feel good.  I do it because I've been the victim of bullying.  I've understood what it feels like to think that maybe the world would be better off without me - and I want to help other humans avoid feeling that way.

So please - whether you're religious or not, whether you're an LGBTQ ally or not, whether you have a gay friend or not......please really THINK about what you say before you say it.  Think about who it will affect.  People say words don't any power unless you allow them to have it.  I disagree with this.  I've been moved to tears by books, articles, poems, and songs.  Words are extremely powerful!  Please don't let your words become a noose, a gun, a bottle of pills, or a knife.  Reach out and spread warmth, love, and kindness.

The Pink Tutu Project

This is absolutely fantastic.  Spreading the warmth can even be an act of kindness for a family member.  The Pink Tutu Project tries to spread awareness about cancer.  Please take a look at their site (link below).


http://www.thetutuproject.com/

REBLOG from the Kindness Blog: 40 ways to be kind

1. Smiles are irresistible. Don’t hesitate to smile warmly at friends, family, colleagues and even…strangers.
2. Write hand-written thank-you notes. The notes don’t need to be an essay and people love to receive them. It’s the personal touch.
3. If you use public transport, it’s busy and there are no free seats, be the first to stand-up and let a weary traveller, pregnant woman or elderly person take rest.
4. Pay it forward – When you are in a coffee shop or café , maybe you could buy a coffee or cake in advance for the next customer that comes in. How tasty! Imagine what a sweet surprise that person will get when they discover that a kind stranger has paid it forward for them.
5. When you see a homeless person, think about how you might be able to help them in some way. Buy a nutritious lunch. Ask them if there is anything that they need. Give them a warm coat. Share a conversation. Spend some time. Listen. Engage.
6. That thing you’re going to sell. Why not give it away for free?
7. Send flowers unexpectedly. No reason needed. Just because.
8. Hold doors open. Even for people who are a little further away from the door than usual.
9. Make your colleagues/classmates a hot-drink. Expect nothing in return. Well…maybe some doughnuts.
10. Speaking of doughnuts…why not buy a bag  full and share them out in all directions.
11. Pay compliments.
12. Does someone owe you money? Forgive the debt.
13. When a person is talking to you _really_ listen to them.
14. Pass books on, especially the good ones or leave them in public places for others to find.
15. Ask elderly neighbours if they need anything doing.
16. Tell your loved ones that you love them. Regularly.
17. When you are served in a shop, bar, restaurant etc, make eye contact and sincerely thank the employee for their help.
18. Put coins in a meter, any meter, that’s about to expire.
19. If you know that someone is particularly busy, offer to take their dog for a walk.
20. When a thought of generosity arises within you, act on it. Don’t hold back. This is important.
21. If someone is struggling with money problems, find a way to secretly help them if you can. If not secretly, out in front.
22. Take a friend to dinner.
23. Stand up for others.
24. Stop complaining.
25. Standing in a queue? Let someone go before you.
26. Tell someone that they look nice.
27. Volunteer some time to help a charity or perhaps a homeless shelter.
28. Stop speaking ill of others. Let your words be kind.
29. Forgive a driver for their error on the road or their road rage directed at you.
30. Recycle.
31. Think of the people in your life…what help do they need with chores or tasks? Don’t wait to be asked.
32. Be the calm voice in a stressful situation.
33. Donate to your favourite charity.
34. Spend some time with a senior citizen living on their own.
35. Teach a child something you wish you knew at that age.
36. If a friend or family member is having a hard time, make sure they know that you are there for them and are available to talk and help.
37. Give Blood.
38. Donate to or volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
39. Encourage someone to pursue their dream.
40. “Please” and “Thank You”

Don't forget to reach out and spread the warmth with any of these simple #actsofkindness!  

Paul Walker

I am normally not the type of person to keep up with celebrities off screen, but Paul Walker was a different caliber of actor.  He is one of the few actors who used his fame and financial success to help others.  His death has affected many people for a lot of reasons.  If you've seen the news or read articles, you know that he was killed while attending a charity event for the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines.  This was not his first charity event, nor was it his first act of kindness.  

I read an article yesterday that brought tears to my eyes.  Paul was in a jewelry store shopping, and a couple came in browsing engagement rings.  The man was a member of the armed forces, and he had just came home from a deployment: his soon-to-be fiance found the perfect ring in the perfect setting; but once they saw the price, it was not perfect or to be.  The $10,000 engagement ring was just outside of the soldier's budget and he told his girlfriend that they would need to keep looking.  Paul overheard the exchange and told the jeweler to put the engagement ring on his tab, and to keep him anonymous.  He didn't want the attention, or any recognition for his good deed - he just wanted to help someone for no reason other than it was a nice thing to do.  

To Paul's family I would like to send my condolences for your loss, and say that your son, brother, father, and friend, will be truly missed.  To my followers, please remember how easy it is to be kind (and free too!).  In memory of Paul Walker, let's all go spread kindness and remember to reach out and spread the warmth.

Article: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/paul-walkers-cause-of-death-traumatic-injury-and-burns-la-coroners-office-says/story-fn907478-1226775560682