SAY

So I'm listening to John Mayer's "Say" and I'm wondering what the world would be like if everyone actually said what was on their mind.  If we didn't censored ourselves, would this world be a better place or would we more intensely see the depravity that plagues us all.  We are not perfect, so of course we would say things without thinking.  But would that be a bad thing?  I mean... if we were all totally honest there wouldn't be assumptions made or feeling stabbed in the back or anything of the sort.  Some would argue that relationships would be healthier.  I would have to agree. 

Taking it a step further... what would life be like if you actually approached people with concerns, or problems, or fears, or joys.  We are in a society that is so politically correct and never wanting to invade someone else's views that we censor ourselves to a fault.  I've realized that I assume alot of things and usually they're wrong... But do I ever just step out there and try to get to the root of the issue?  Sometimes.  I am learning.  I'm out of college and I'm still learning. 

So what keeps us from saying what we really need to say?

You're my boy blue!

How do you define who you're closest friends are? At one point, I completely hated the idea of having a "best friend." I thought it told other people that I didn't need their friendship. Anyways... I don't even know where I'm going with this, but I figure friendship is an interesting societal phenomenon. Some friends are made out of shared interests, while others form out of differences that complement each other.

Seeing as I am graduating in 17 days, of course I'm thinking about all the friendships I've made during my three years here. Some friends I won't really talk to again... Some will be my kids' godparents... So what defines a friend? Can there truly be different "levels" of friendship, or should there be "friend" status and then "acquaintances." Because honestly, how many of your "friends" do you have deep, meaningful relationships with? Is that even what you are looking for?

Just a thought...

The Importance of a Job

So, as I am coming within just weeks of graduation, I am thinking about the societal pressures that come with that "next big step." From an early age, somehow it's been instilled in us that we are suppose to get a "good paying" job, then marry, then have kids. What's so important about getting that first step? Sure, I don't want to eat Ramen noodles for every meal, but having a job that may not pay the best isn't the end of the world.

See, I'm in a predicament. The place I want to work, the place I feel called to go does not necessarily meet that "good paying" standard. But my thoughts are that if money is the only thing that is keeping me from going ahead and embracing this opportunity, then why not go ahead and embrace it. Sure, it'll be a life-style change, but change is good right?

I could probably go get some "good" job at some firm, or in some big-shot agency, but if my heart's not in it, would it be worth it?

So to everyone out there who is in a similar situation, hang it there. You're not alone. Let's band together, stick it to the man, and say, "Screw you society! I'm gonna do what I want."

cool? cool.

Homeless in America

For a change of pace, I'm going to throw out an issue that does not necessarily have a theological backdrop.  The issue is homelessness. 

Spring Break 07 was the first time I had ever really gotten to know homeless people.  I, along with my now girlfriend and one of my closest friends, hung out at Travis Park in downtown San Antonio, talking to homeless people, hearing their stories, and experiencing on a small scale what they go through on a daily basis.  My conclusion? There is NO stereotype of a homeless person.  They are all different... different backgrounds, different goals, different reasons for being homeless.  

I made friends with this group of "squatters" who basically just found each other.  They travel by train and only stay in cities for about a week.  They ranged in age from mid-20s to mid-30s and they accepted me into their group for the few days I was there.  It was almost an out-of-body experience.  I was suddenly in a world where sobriety was foreign and life was just dealt with on an hour-to-hour basis.  No care to work, no care for shelter.  Just surviving was key, and to them, that meant finding their next fix.

Now that I've been back into the glamorous life of TCU, I still see homeless people from time to time... and my perception has changed about them.  I don't suddenly judge them for being lazy or worthless.  I look at them as individuals who are just trying to get through the day the best way they know how,  just like me.

We're not going to end the problem of homelessness in America.  I would beg to argue that it is a mindset (not always, but sometimes), and as humans, we are generally stubborn - not wanting to hear what we are "doing wrong."  So, while we can lend a helping hand, we are not going to fix this issue.

So here's where I would like to know your thoughts on the subject of homelessness.  What are your stories, experiences, thoughts about it all?

The Cross - What does it mean to you?

The cross is a symbol that we have seen everywhere growing up...hanging in people's homes, on their necks, in churches, on highways... it has been made of wood, it's been blinged up, some are jeweled, some are wire. Regardless of how it looks, there's no denying that the cross is something we probably see on a daily basis.

So what does the cross mean to you? Do you wear one around your neck, is there one hanging in your room? Why?

There is no right or wrong answer. This is your opinion... I'm just intrigued to hear it.