Who is Essential

The trash man!

The police man!

The teacher?

The grocery stocker?

The Fedex delivery man!

The secretary at church!

The waitress at the restaurant down the street!

The custodian!

The hairdresser!

The florist!

The first responder!

The gardener!

Of course if you ask government, half of the people on the list above is inaccurate.  But these people…every single one of them is essential to keeping an economy moving.  Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs said it best:

“There’s something tricky with the language going on here, because with regard to an economy, I don’t think there is any such thing as a nonbessential worker,” Rowe said. “This is basically a quilt…and if you start pulling on jobs and tugging on careers over here and over there, the whole thing will bunch up in a weird way.”

I bring this up, as many states are starting to revert back to a “closed” status and only allowing “essential workers” to remain working.  We cannot continue down this road!  We cannot dictate who is and who is not essential..we need to open up and take the necessary steps to remain safe, but that doesn’t mean not allowing people to work.

Nearly two months later, the consequences of shutting down “non-essential” businesses is even more apparent. The US supply chain is creaking, putting many sectors, small businesses, and American families at risk.

When we shut down one business it is like the butterfly wings…one small change will cause bigger changes to happen.  When you shut down restaurants…it may seem little but it effects all of agriculture…which then effects us at home and in the grocery store.

 

 

Robbie, Tony, George,

The past three months our world has gone through many trials and tribulations as survival was the main goal during our first pandemic of the twenty-first century.  And as our country seems to be settling into a new normal an appalling act happens…police brutality. I have struggled with what to say and what to feel.  This act of police brutality is nothing new, and it is nothing new on all people.  Because I want to address the facts, I am going to break this up into sections. I am going to address law enforcement – specifically the bad but also the good. I will address race – and when I say that I want you to know I see all color!

Law Enforcement

Here is the issue with speaking out after the George Floyd death – this is more than a black man killed at the hands of white police officers. This is not just a race issue…only one short year ago a white man in Dallas was killed…a white man at the hands of bad police. I am not removing the fact that George Floyd is black, rather am showing that this is not just a race issue.  There are multiple issues that need to be addressed when putting a microscope on the death of George Floyd and law enforcement.

So let’s get down and dirty here:

• There needs to be a better selection process when hiring law enforcement officers.
• For those law enforcement officers who are the right ones we need to have better education on mental health, on cultures, on different world views and we need to have a way to minister to law enforcement so that burnout and compassion fatigue do not occur causing good cops to turn bad.
• We need to recognize color – we are each different and there is nothing wrong with that.
• We need to recognize that there are issues surrounding the differences we have and the cultures that are part of that; to include that there is a disproportionately large amount of crime in the black/brown culture especially on each other.
• Lastly we as the citizens of the United States need to take responsibility to keep government officials and law enforcement accountable that not all of them are bad. We need to remember when we protest to do it responsibly and not violently or this happens:

These are just a few of the law enforcement departments that have felt the pain and loss of officers:

-A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officer was shot in the back of the head while struggling with a rioter

-An active shooter opened fire on law enforcement at a Las Vegas courthouse

-4 St. Louis Police Officers were shot by an active shooter

-A New York Police Officer was struck by a vehicle

-3 Buffalo law enforcement officers were struck by a vehicle in front of the police station

-3 Davenport law enforcement officers were ambushed and 1 was shot

-132 officers were injured in Chicago during a riot

-9 Pittsburg officers were injured by objects during a riot

-Several officers in Rhode Island were injured during riots

-An active shooter opened fire at the Oakland Police Department

-2 officers were struck in the head with projectiles in Santa Ana

-2 Richland officers were shot in Virginia

-1 officer was struck in the head by a brick in Albany

-4 Prince William County Police Officers sustained head injuries from projectiles

-7 officers were injured in Sacramento

-Several officers were shot at and injured in Lynchburg

-Several Champaign Police Officers were injured

-3 Oak Law Police Officers were injured

-21 officers were injured in Salt Lake City

-At least 50 Secret Service Agents were injured by Molotov cocktails in Washington

-3 Denver Police Officers were ran over by a vehicle

-33 New York Police Officers were injured during riots

-6 Athens Police Officers injured during a protest

-2 Capitol Police Officers were injured during a riot in Harrisburg

-12 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officers were injured during riots

-21 Minneapolis law enforcement officers injured in riots

-1 Federal Protective Services Officer was shot and killed!

 

For example, Nix would want numbers not only on how many times a police officer shoots their weapon, but every time they draw their gun. “You need a benchmark that says how often they were in certain circumstances where they could have shot but did not. That gets us closer to the likelihood of racial bias.” (Mock, 2019)

Race

“Racism is not a thing that white people can have and black people can’t. And nobody’s research would suggest that it does.” (Mock, 2019)

It is important to recognize why there is such an issue with race relations here in the United States and the reason that is being utilized for blaming problems in the Black and Brown community on White people.

Historical trauma is considered trauma that is perpetuated on multiple generations “experienced by a specific culture, racial or ethnical group” (“Trauma,” n.d.). Many would suggest that those black and brown people who succumb to historical trauma face further complications with the treatment of their trauma because they continue “to live among and with the perpetrators of their trauma, the United States Governments and its people” (Cash, 2016, p. 330). Historical trauma is a learned behavior that is handed down from one generation to the next but is not necessarily experienced firsthand, i.e. the Holocaust, slavery in the United States, Trail of Tears, etc.  Historical trauma does lead to PTSD in around 14% of victims who have historical traumas; these are traumas that must be treated in a fashion that is different from other traumas.  Historical trauma and PTSD, the treatments for them, how to treat those who fall victim to historical trauma, and a biblical view of historical trauma must be addressed in truth and love.

Different does not mean inferior! Currently, in the United States, there is a civil war that is being fought by what some define as an at-risk community:  those that are black or brown-skinned. Because these people – who many do not know their cultural heritage – are choosing to claim historical trauma as a valid reason for their fight it is necessary to look at why they claim that and what led to such a claim.

The United States is estimated to have 331,002,651 people; 60.4% of those are white, 13.4% are black, with the remaining 26.2% being other races (“U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: the United States,” n.d.).  The United States covers three point five million square miles, with a majority of the perceived white-skinned Americans living in states that are not on the oceanic borders.  The history of the United States can trace its origins to 1587 when the first colony was established by the Kingdom of England.  Those part of the original colonies came to the new land to escape religious persecution.

“Many consider a significant starting point to slavery in America to be 1619, when the privateer The White Lion brought 20 African slaves ashore in the British colony of Jamestown, Virginia. The crew had seized the Africans from the Portuguese slave ship Sao Jao Bautista” (History.com Editors, 2009). It is projected that during the 18th century those six to seven million slaves were imported to the American colonies from Africa. The idea of slavery does not start in the United States colonies, rather most slave traders were Africans who captured and sold men, women, and children from rival tribes to the Spanish, Portuguese, French and British (Sieff, 2018). Please note that when slavery first began in the colonies people of color could earn their freedom as Anthony Johnson (the first Black slave owner) did and in turn owned slaves until his death.  But let this narration go further and show that slavery can trace its roots back long before the American colonies were even a dream…remember the Hebrew people were enslaved to the Egyptians. This narration is offered as an explanation of what many are considering current black and brown-skinned American citizens to be suffering from historical trauma and PTSD brought on by a systemic brand of slavery and discrimination.

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Historical Trauma

“Historical trauma is cumulative and collective.  The impact of this type of trauma manifests itself, emotionally and psychologically, in members of different cultural groups” (“How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses,” n.d.).  Those who suffer from historical trauma may suffer from anxiety, depression, and PTSD as both direct survivors and the progeny of the event.  This has been widely studied and for the longest period with survivors and the children from the Holocaust.  According to Yael Danieli, PhD, co-founder, and director of the Group Project for Holocaust Survivors and Their Children in New York, there are four types of adaptive styles that have been observed of those who are victims both directly and indirectly of historical trauma to include the:

people who have difficulty moving on from the original trauma and are emotionally volatile and overprotective, and “numb,” those who are emotionally detached, intolerant of weakness in others and who maintain a “conspiracy of silence” within the family (DeAngelis, 2019).

Of the two described above, it can be suggested that those who utilize the excuse of slavery and the effects it has on those who came to this land as slaves over two hundred years ago are those who seem themselves as victims.  The generation that is claiming historical trauma is nearly eighty years removed from the death of the last slave from Africa; in fact, the grandchildren of the last slave (Matilda McCrear) to be brought to America are in their late 80s and 90s.  Her great-great-grandchildren speak not of a historical trauma rather pride and “create some personal pressure to persevere” (Diouf, 2020). This story of the McCrears/Crears as the author points out is a story of “tragedy and loss; of migrations, forced and voluntary; of strong family ties, determination and achievement” (2020).  It is also a story that can represent the many African Americans who have overcome and not allowed a trauma to dictate their successes.

In the book Trauma and Human Rights: Integrating Approaches to Address Human Suffering the author shows that historical trauma is not just transmitted through “parental behaviors affected by PTSD and related symptomatology” but also because of ongoing structural violence (Butler et al., 2019, p. 17).  For those who feel they are suffering from historical trauma, there is a way to look at it and understand the issues that have faced Native Americans, Holocaust survivors, African Americans, the poverty-stricken, and yes even victims of terrorism:  it is called historical unresolved grief.  This is a philosophical unresolved sorrow stemming from collective destructive injuries, aggravated by injunctions and intrusion in traditions and observances.

In Native Americans and African Americans, it can be seen that this historical trauma for those who do not seek treatment has distinct effects on the sympathetic nervous system and the endocrine system.  Because of this those who experience historical trauma are more likely to have psychological distress, poor physical health, and higher suicide rates.  Much of this is brought on because of internalized oppression (Panasiewicz, 2020, pp. 16-18). It can even be suggested that those who are not directly victims of the historical trauma are suffering from secondary trauma.  In Holocaust Literature of the Second Generation the phrase “intergenerational transmission of trauma” is utilized to describe historical trauma.  The author uses it as a way of explaining that cultures who suffer from historical culture due so as a means of cultural identity – descendants of the trauma are symbolic memorial candles that are expected to continue to carry on the hurt of their parents and grandparents rather than break free (Vaul-Grimwood & Le, 2007, pp. 7-10).

 Biblical Worldview

My brother who is black, brown, white, yellow, or red is no different from me.  “God created human beings in his image.  In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” Genesis 1.27 (NLT). The Bible was used as a tool for many to justify slavery and other acts of discrimination for many years, but as scholars of the Bible came forward it can be seen that God never intended those in slavery to be treated ill.  In fact, throughout Exodus God lays out how slaves are to be treated: food is to be shared with them, if a slave marries a son she is to be a daughter, slaves are not to be beaten unless the owner faces punishment himself…  The issue comes though that we are all a slave to something…”For you are a slave to whatever controls you” 2 Peter 2.19b (NLT).  I would postulate that if we are allowing historical trauma to control us we are a slave to it.  The Bible regularly uses the idea of slavery and being bound by hackles as imagery for all people to understand how sin harnesses the flesh.  But just as the imagery of the slave is used so are verses like that found in Micah 6 where the Israelites use sacrifices and other religious rituals to appease Jehovah and Micah reminds the children of God that he wants them to have truly changed lives that reflect fairness, justice, mercy, and humility. “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” Micah 6.8 (NLT).

“The term trauma, meaning “wound,” comes from Greek antiquity. The range of meanings attested at the time includes being severely hurt, physical wounds, wounding, (military) defeat, and psychic wounds. Over the centuries, studies of trauma have been part of various disciplines: mental health fields, literature, and the arts as well as religion” (Guerrero, 2015).

Our wounds and how we treat one another can be traced back to original sin.  When Adam and Even were removed from the garden because of their sin God said that while he forgave them, their disobedience led to a broken fellowship with Abba.  This broken relationship can be seen throughout Genesis and throughout history as a result of this original sin.  But oh how good Yahweh is…in Isaiah, we see even before Jesus walked the earth that he would be “pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.  He was beaten so we could be whole.  He was whipped so we could be healed” 53.5 (NLT).  Our wounds can be healed, and the generational sins and wounds passed down can be removed and healed as well.  I am reminded as a Christian that no matter how bad I have been wounded, no matter how bad others may treat me that God has “plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a hope and a future” Jeremiah 29.11 (NLT).

Tomorrow as I walk amongst my brothers and sisters of different cultures, I will remember they are made in God’s image and I will love them no matter the hurt they carry. I will also not hate them because of their struggles and I will offer them the love of the Lord and understanding.  I will also not be ashamed of who I am and where I have come from no matter what others may say.

References

Barlow, J. N. (2018). Restoring optimal Black mental health and reversing intergenerational trauma in an era of Black Lives Matter. Biography, 41(4), 895-908. https://doi.org/10.1353/bio.2018.0084

Butler, L. D., Critelli, F. M., & Carello, J. (Eds.). (2019). Trauma and human rights: Integrating approaches to address human suffering. Springer.

Cash, A. (2016). Wiley concise guides to mental health: Posttraumatic stress disorder. John Wiley & Sons.

DeAngelis, T. (2019, February). The legacy of trauma. https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/02/legacy-trauma

Diouf, S. A. (2020, March 27). The last slave ship survivor and her descendants identified. http://www.nationalgeographics.com. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/2020/03/last-slave-ship-survivor-descendants-identified/

Friedman, M. J. (2015). Posttraumatic and acute stress disorders. Springer.

Guerrero, C. (2015, October 14). Encountering trauma in the Bible. America: The Jesuit Review. https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2015/10/14/encountering-trauma-bible

History.com Editors. (2009, November 12). Slavery in America. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/slavery

Holder, M. R. (2015, August 13). Exploring the Potential Relationship between Historical Trauma and Intimate Partner Violence among Indigenous Women. Give the Gift of Education | American Indian College Fund. https://collegefund.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Holder_Melissa_2015-Exploring-the-Potential-Relationship-Between-Historical-Trauma-and-Intimate-Partner-Violence-amoung-Indigenous-Women.pdf

How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses. (n.d.). Abbotsford Local Immigration Partnership | ALIP. https://www.abbotsfordlip.ca/files/File/resources/Historical%20Trauma%20Fact%20Sheet%20for%20APD%20Victim%20Services%202014.pdf

Mock, B. (2019, August 6). What New Research Says About Race and Police Shootings. Retrieved June 4, 2020, from https://www.citylab.com/equity/2019/08/police-officer-shootings-gun-violence-racial-bias-crime-data/595528/

Panasiewicz, M. (2020). Historical trauma and it’s effects. Tribal Law & Policy Institute.

Sieff, K. (2018, January 29). An African country reckons with its history of selling slaves. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/an-african-country-reckons-with-its-history-of-selling-slaves/2018/01/29/5234f5aa-ff9a-11e7-86b9-8908743c79dd_story.html

Trauma. (n.d.). Administration for Children and Families. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/trauma-toolkit/trauma-concept

Tyndale. (2007). Genesis. In NLT study Bible (2nd ed.). Tyndale House Publishers.

U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: United States. (n.d.). Census Bureau QuickFacts. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045219

Vaul-Grimwood, M., & Le, G. (2007). Introduction: Holocaust writing of the second generation. In Holocaust literature of the second generation (pp. 1-30). Macmillan.

What is PTSD? (2020). http://www.psychiatry.org. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd

Wilkins, E. J., Whiting, J. B., Watson, M. F., Russon, J. M., & Moncrief, A. M. (2012, October 27). Residual effects of slavery: What clinicians need to know. Springer. https://10.1007/s10591-012-9219-1

Williams-Washington, K. N., & Mills, C. P. (2018). African American historical trauma: Creating an inclusive measure. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 46(2), 246-263. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmcd.2018.46.issue-2

 

QUIZ TIME – TIME CHANGES THINGS

I took this quiz originally on 31 May 2016, four years ago.  Things have definitely changed in my life since this time.  I am leaving the original answers from four years ago and putting in my new answers below them in green if things have changed or I want to ad lib…where have you changed in the last four to five years?

A – Accidents

01. Have you ever been in a car accident? MULTIPLE, AND I PAY FOR THEM TO THIS DAY

In the last four years I have been involved in one more that has really taken its toll on my anxiety when driving.  But all of the accidents singularly and jointly have left their impact on my body.

02. Do you have a lot of scars? FIVE

Seven – Three from my emergency gall-bladder surgery, two from my hysterectomy, one on my knee from when I was little, and one from a stupid bet with my dad

03. Have you ever been in a fist fight with someone? YES

I want to add that this was when I was in junior high and it was in defense of someone I love.

04. Have you ever seriously hurt anyone by mistake? YES, AND I AM STILL TRYING TO MAKE AMENDS

I do not believe there is ever a time we as humans will live and not by accident or purpose not hurt someone.  I have hurt some family members deeply and have asked for forgiveness.  I now leave it in their hands.

05. Have you ever had stitches? Where? YES, INTERNALLY

Both inside and out.

B – Beauty

06. Do you consider yourself beautiful? I DON’T KNOW

My mom always used to say I had a stunning beauty; sometimes I see it and know what she was talking about.   What I do know is that I was chosen, redeemed and am a child of God and that is what matters.

07. Are you self-conscious of how you look? VERY MUCH SO

Shortly after I gave birth to my second child I stayed in sweats, didn’t do my make-up or hair….and yes when I am sick I still do that, but I learned from my mom during that time that how we feel on the outside can also reflect on our mental health.  So when I get up in the morning I try to get dressed, even if only into leggings and a cute top, do something with my hair and put on the bare minimum of make-up a least.

08. Do you put on a lot of makeup? DEPENDS ON WHAT I AM DOING

I can honestly say no.  On a day when I am just going out of the house in a ball cap I am likely to put on some foundation so I don’t burn when outside and eyeliner.  Today…I put on foundation, eye shadow, liner and blush.  I rarely if ever wear lipstick.  But it is all applied very modestly and is never caked on.

09. Would you ever consider getting plastic surgery? NO

I think if the opportunity presented itself and it was the right thing to do I may consider it. 

10. What do you think makes a person beautiful? BEAUTY ISN’T ABOUT JUST WHAT IS ON THE OUTSIDE…

I still firmly believe that true beauty starts on the inside and then may manifest itself to the outside. Something I notice about people tends to be their eyes.

C – Consequences

11. What was the longest amount of time you’ve been grounded for? I NEVER GOT GROUNDED…

12. What would you do if you got pregnant, keep it or have an abortion? I DON’T BELIEVE IN ABORTION

13. Do you ever think about how your actions affect other people? YES, ALL THE TIME

More today than every before I think about consequences and how my actions will affect those around me.  I often find myself asking God to guard my words so that when they come out of my mouth they will not do harm.

14. What do you think is the worst punishment someone could give you? TO BE BEATEN VERBALLY – TAKES LONGER TO HEAL FROM THIS THAN PHYSICALLY

I am working on my Master of Arts in Human Service Counseling with an emphasis in trauma and crisis.  One of the things I have learned – that I think I knew already – is that physical scars heal much easier than mental and spiritual ones do.  There is an old adage that goes “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me,” boy did someone get that wrong!

15. What is one thing you wish you didn’t do, just because it wasn’t worth it in the end? WHAT IF’S DON’T DO ANYONE ANY GOOD

There are always going to be regrets in life…whether we use them to learn and move forward is what matters.  I still believe what if’s do nothing but cause havoc and hurt to the present.

D – Dealing

16. When you are mad at someone, how do you show them? I GET VERY QUIET

I yell when I am madder than a wet hen.  It is something I did when my kids were little and something I do now when I have a big fight.  With that said, I don’t get mad…I get hurt and when I do I get quiet and reserved.  Not because I am trying to isolate, but because I have learned that when those times happen prayer is my weapon of choice.

17. Name a time when you had to be strong. WHEN HAVEN’T I

I honestly cannot think of one time when I was not either expected by myself or others to be strong no matter what.  I have learned though that my Creator is the one who is strong…I have to give it to him.

18. Have you ever dealt with a divorce or parents fighting? Any kind of abuse at home? YES

19. When people at school don’t accept you, or have problems with you, how do you react? I TEND TO JUST INTERNALIZE

I think to a degree I may still do this, but my attitude has also changed some.  When I was in K-12 I would internalize the lack of acceptance and pain it caused, and generally went off on my own.  Today, my attitude is, it is your loss.  But there is still some hurt from a lack of acceptance.

20. Have you ever lost someone to death? Explain how you got through it. I HAVE LOST SEVERAL GRANDPARENTS, AND KATHERHYN…YOU JUST GRIEVE AND EVENTUALLY WHILE YOU DON’T FORGET YOU START LIVING AGAIN

E – Experience

21. Have you ever had a job? Any volunteer jobs? I HAVE BEEN WORKING SINCE I WAS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. I AM CURRENTLY THE CIRCULATION MANAGER FOR A NEWSPAPER. AND I HAVE DONE A LOT OF VOLUNTEER WORK OVER THE YEARS. CAN’T WAIT TILL THE DAY I CAN DO THAT AGAIN.

I currently work at the University of Wyoming as the AFROTC-UW Liaison.  I love my job and love being part of these young people’s lives.  I long for the day the Lord leads me to the job of my heart and allows me to return to volunteering.

22. Do you think that you are sexually experienced, or not at all? NOPE

NYOB

23. Have you gone through a lot emotionally, or has life been easy thus far? I HAVE HAD MY SHARE OF ISSUES

My new answer to this is Jesus carries me more times than not, both in the past and currently.  My relationship with him is no longer just long, but very deep.

24. Do you think you are ready to be on your own (have your own home, job, etc.)? I AM NOT SURE ANYONE IS EVER ENTIRELY READY TO BE ON THEIR OWN

I am a realist in that I know if something happen to my husband today, and I had to be in a home by myself, and doing life on my own I could do it.  But I would never be entirely alone.  I would have the support of family to see me through the dark times, and I would spend a lot of time with Abba.

25. How old do you act? MY AGE

I have had a lot of people that say while I do not look my age, I act much older than I am.

F – Family

26. Is there anyone in your family you don’t talk to? Why? YES, FOR REASONS OF SAFETY

This answer has not changed in why I do not talk to some, but it has also had an addendum added to it, in I have family that chooses not to talk to me any longer and I mourn daily for that relationship.

27. If you had to choose, family or friends? MANY WOULD SAY BLOOD BEFORE WATER, BUT I THINK THIS IS NOT AN EITHER/OR ANSWER

I was raised by what people term my step-mom.  She has never been my step-mom and never will be…she is MY MOM.  She is not blood, but I would choose her every day, and many times it has been over blood.

28. Can you tell your parents or one of your parents anything? NO

I believe there are things we neither share with our parents or our children.  One of my best friends is my daughter – when they grow up the relationship becomes vastly different – and I share much with her.

29. Do you have any siblings? If so, do you ever get jealous of them? I HAVE THREE – TWO BROTHERS AND A SISTER

I wish I had good relationships with them.

30. How often do you spend ‘quality time’ with family members? AS OFTEN AS I CAN

Not as often as I would like, but I do try and get cards out or a text message out to them.  I am not someone who likes to talk on the phone a lot, so I resort to the old fashioned letter.

G – Growing

31. How tall are you? How tall do you wish you were? 5.2, AND I AM PERFECT AT THIS HEIGHT

So for whatever reason I was measured at 5’3 recently.  That is growth, which is unusual at my age.  While I have always liked my height, I would not mind seeing a few more inches so my husband does not have to bend over or I stretch so far to get a kiss, especially as we age. There is a 16 inch difference in height between the two of us.

32. Do you think that you have grown more in the past year than any year before that? YES

I thought there was growth four years ago, but it was not the right kind of growth.  Here we are four years later and I have grown in so many ways…academically, physically, and most important spiritually.  Since COVID19 and having to be quarantined in my own home my relationship with my God has grown in ways I could never explain.  I rely on this relationship in a way I have never before done.  No longer is it just about knowing who God is, but knowing Abba intimately. 

33. As a person, do you think you are mature for your age or still act: MATURE

34. Are you scared to think that one day you will turn 30, then 40, then 50? NOPE

When I was younger I never was happy at the age I was…always wanted to be a little older.  I have no problem saying today I am 45 years of age.  Many think I do not look like I am in my forties, and I chalk that up to good genes and taking care of myself.  I also have others who say I act many years older than I am.  For me, I am OK with where I am with my age, and growing older no longer scares me the way I thought it might.

35. Do you believe you still have a lot to learn? WE HAVE THINGS TO LEARN EVERY DAY

My daughter says I am a professional student.  In the last five years I have earned a bachelor of science, a master of science and by December will have earned a master of arts.  I really would like to say I am done, but I would like to move to that final step and get my doctorate, but we will see what the Lord impresses upon my heart.  Either way I will never stop learning.

H – Hope

36. Love – real or not? REAL

37. Are you a pessimist of an optimist?

I am an optimist.  I will always believe that people are better, or give the benefit of the doubt.

38. Do you believe in fate, that everything happens for a reason, or do you think that our actions lead the way? I BELIEVE THAT WE CHOOSE THE FROM THE OPTIONS THAT GOD GIVE US

I do not believe it fate.  With that said…in Psalm 139 it says that God knows what we will do, what we will say, where we will go before we even do it.  But he knows that because he is the Alpha and Omega, and still says while I know what you’re going to do I let you make the choice. 

39. Do you think that after we die our spirit goes on? YES

Yes, but we choose where it will go after we leave this earth, by whether we choose Jesus or ourselves. 

40. What gives you hope when you just feel like dying? REALLY DEPENDS ON WHAT I AM DYING FROM

My hope is in Jesus and NO ONE can steal that from me.

I – Issues

41. Do you suffer from depression or constant sadness/loneliness? I HAVE DEPRESSIVE ISSUES BECAUSE OF MY PHYSICAL HEALTH

Because of some physical disabilities I have struggled with depression and anxiety.  I am since learned to deal with those issues in a natural and healthy way. 

42. Do you have any type of disease or disability? FIBROMYALGIA AND EARLY ONSET OF PARKINSON’S

I am in as close as can be a remission with both.  I chose five years ago to get off of all the big pharma drugs that in my opinion led to more trouble than good and use exercise, diet, and essential oils to feel better.

43. Are you currently in a hard relationship or have bad luck with the opposite sex? NOT A YES OR NO QUESTION

No relationship is easy.  Every relationship will  have hills and valleys and that is OK because it allows a person to grow both individually and together.

44. Do you think that you are alone in this world? I HAVE FELT THAT WAY BEFORE

I will never be alone.  No matter where I am I will always have family and my relationship with Abba.

45. How often do you think about death, suicide or running away?

The thought of death usually comes when I see loved ones and friends pass on.  On 29 May 2020 Grandpa Ola Campbell passed away at the age of 99 years…he was greeted in heaven with well done good and faithful servant.  I cannot wait for the day when I get to hear those words and sit at the feet of Jesus and know the trials and tribulations of this earth have passed. 

J – Jokes

46. Say a word or phrase that would not be funny to anyone but you & one of your friends (an inside joke) MOOSE

47. Are you usually the one who makes people laugh, Or the other way around? DEPENDS ON THE SITUATION

48. Do you cry when you laugh hard? SOMETIMES

49. Write down a hilarious moment you had with someone that makes you laugh to this day! I DON’T KNOW

Tim and I like to do things to “scare” each other, and see who gets the last laugh.  Saturday when he came home I was so absorbed in homework that neither I or Tuhla heard him until he was upstairs and coming into the hallway. Scared the dickens out of me, but boy did we laugh.

50. Do you ever get in trouble for laughing or talking a lot during class? NOPE I WAS QUIET

K – Knowledge

51. The purpose of school: to learn, to cause trouble or to hang out with friends? TO LEARN

52. Do people refer to you as smart, dumb, or average? SMART

Well at least my husband and kids refer to me this way.

53. What was the highest grade you have received (full course mark) ever? A+

54. What was your last average? This year would you like to maintain it or aim higher? 4.0, AND MAINTAIN

When I graduated with my Master of Science I did so with a 3.9.  This degree seems to be harder for me, so I will likely finish with a 3.2 and will be just as happy as I did my best.

55. What do you find the most interesting subject to be (to study or to talk about)? CRIMINAL JUSTICE

I still love to learn about the criminal justice system, but I have altered the route and what I learn about to help victims, those dealing in trauma.  So on an academic front I love to study counseling.  But just for me, I find that I am daily learning and desiring to learn about Abba.

L – Love

56. Are you currently in love? If not, have you been before? I AM DEEPLY IN LOVE

57. Do people around you show you a lot of love (tell you they love you, hug you, kiss you, etc.)? SOME DO

58. Is love worth it? I LOVE DEEPLY, UNCONDITIONALLY, AND WITH AN INTENSITY THAT SOMETIMES GETS ME IN TROUBLE

Love should never hurt, but sometimes it does. God so loved us that he sent his only son to die for us….that is the kind of love I want to always show…unconditional no matter the pain it causes.  Thank God he would never ask us to make the same kind of sacrifice as he did for us.

59. Do you hate it when girls in their young teenage years say they ‘love’ someone that they’ve been dating for a few months? NO

Love comes in many sizes, shapes, and colors.  Who am I to say they have no idea what love is.

60. Does it take a lot for you to say you love someone, or is it just a word? I AM VERY CAREFUL WHO I SAY IT TO

M – Money

61. Do you believe that money makes the world go round? NO

For where we lay up our treasures up here on earth, so will they be in heaven….my treasures are not monetary.

62. Is your family on the poor side, average, or above average when it comes to money? WOULDN’T YOU LIKE TO KNOW

I have family that are much better off than others.  But really I have quit looking at their checking account to see where they are, but rather where relationships, hearts, etc are.  I have family that are far wealthier than others, and yet have nothing in their bank account.

63. Are you saving up for college/university, or planning to? I AM CURRENTLY IN COLLEGE AND RELY ON GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND LOANS

64. Would you rather win millions of dollars & be set for life, or find the perfect person to marry & start a family with? WHY CAN’T I HAVE BOTH

I am blessed to have marriage and family.  And while we are not always where we want to be financially it could be worse.  With that said…I would like to be much further ahead than we are right now, and have some very strong regrets about past financial decisions.

65. On a scale of 1-10, how important is money to you? YES, WILLIAM WITH THE PIGS, WITH THE PIGS

N – Naughty

66. Are you a virgin? I HAVE FOUR CHILDREN…WHAT DO YOU THINK

67. What do you think about doing sexual things with someone you’re not going out with? NOT HAPPENING

68. Do you know anybody you consider a ’slut’? What makes you say that? NO

69. If you could, would you erase some things you did in the past or make it so you did more? ABSOLUTELY

This goes back to what ifs and looking back.  I cannot change those decisions so rather than regretting and wishing them away I choose to learn and help others.

70. Do you consider yourself nicer or more naughty? You can’t say both! NICE

O – Openness

71. How long does it take for you to open up to someone? BECAUSE I OPEN MYSELF UP ENTIRELY I TEND TO GET HURT EASIER

I have stopped opening myself up entirely.  I choose who receives a little and who receives a lot.  I rely heavily on that still small voice to tell me who I give what to.

72. What does it take for you to fully trust someone? I DON’T KNOW

73. Are you generally untrusting towards people because of past experiences, or any other reason? I TEND TO GO WITH MY GUT ABOUT PEOPLE AND HOW I WILL TRUST THEM

To go with one’s gut means we aren’t relying on the one who created us.  I rely on Sarayu – also known as the holy spirit – the Bible describes the Holy Spirit as breath or the wind.

74. When are you comfortable with someone sexually? I DON’T KNOW, IT IS A FEELING

When I am married.

75. When it comes to parents and close friends, what’s the limit of what you can tell them? DEPENDS ON WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT

As I mentioned before there are just somethings I do not tell my parents.  This is their time not to worry about the trials and tribulations that face me, but for me to worry over them.  I have learned as my children have progressed into adulthood my relationship has changed immensely with them and I tend to share much, much more with them.

P – Positive

76. Have you ever had an experience with someone that didn’t necessarily end positively? If so, would you rather erase the memory of that person because of the sad times or keep the memory of that person because of the good times? I MET A FRIEND THAT BECAME A BOYFRIEND WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL…HE WAS A FULL BLOODED NATIVE AMERICAN. MY FATHER WAS COMPLETELY OPPOSED TO ME HAVING ANYTHING TO DO WITH HIM, BECAUSE OF HIS RACE…I REGRET NOT STANDING UP TO MY DAD. I REGRET I NEVER KEPT IN TOUCH. TO THIS DAY I CAN STILL SEE HIM, AND CERTAIN SMELLS REMIND ME OF HIM.

I would never erase memories.  I have never erased the memories of this young man, because there were many great ones.

77. Do you agree with the saying: better to have loved and lost than not have loved at all? YES

78. Are you more optimistic or pessimistic? What do you try to be? I TRY TO BE OPTIMISTIC, BUT I THINK LATELY PESSIMISM HAS TAKEN HOLD

I am optimistic.  I believe all have good and I look for that rather than the bad.

79. Do you agree that something good can come out of everything? YES

I have a cadet who had a terrible health issue arise.  She was hospitalized and was not expected to live.  The prognosis was grim and hope was dashed for many.  But the prayer warriors kicked in and now she is expected to walk out of her hospital room the first of August.  God will use anything and everything for his glory.

80. Have you ever had a time where something really bad happened, but something really good happened because of it? If so, please explain what it was: YES, AND I WON’T EXPLAIN

Q – Questions

81. When faced with a problem, do you ask for help or try to figure it out yourself? DEPENDS ON THE PROBLEM

It really depends upon the problem.  More and more for things that are mental and spiritual in nature I seek counsel.  I am aware of my limitations physically and have more than once gone to my work team for things at work, and my kids during the week for things at home.  I do try and do for myself first, but realize there is nothing wrong with asking for help.

82. Do you often question the world and how we came about? What are some things you would like to know about creation? NOPE

I do not ask these questions as my worldview is very clear.  I am a Christian, and I know who my creator is, and what-not.  Does that mean I don’t have questions…absolutely not and I look forward to the day I get to ask Abba…if they are still important.

83. Do you think the government is truthful? If you could ask the president one question, what would it be? NO I DO NOT THINK THE GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS TRUTHFUL. AND ONE QUESTION…I DON’T KNOW THAT I COULD NARROW IT DOWN TO ONE

I think the government is not entirely transparent, and on somethings cannot be.  Are there things they need to be more transparent on?  Absolutely, but I also believe that we as citizens have a responsibility to hold accountable our elected and appointed officials and that the citizens of this country are entirely too lazy and would rather be keyboard warriors than actually get up and do something.

84. When someone does something wrong to you, do you confront them and ask them why they did it or just let it go? IT REALLY DEPENDS ON WHAT WAS DONE TO ME. I GENERALLY ONLY CONFRONT IF IT IS SOMETHING REALLY BAD

Because of my past I am careful to confront.  I have confronted in the past and the pain and problems it created were worse.

85. What is one unsolved mystery about the world that you want answers to? WHY?

Why did you allow us to have free will?

R – Respect

86. How do you show respect? DEPENDS ON WHO I AM SHOWING IT TO

87. What can someone do for you to lose all respect for them? LIE TO ME; KEEP THINGS FROM ME; HIDE FROM ME

88. Do you respect your teachers, parents, and other authority figures? GENERALLY, YES

I respect the position they are in, not always the person in the position.

89. When you are disrespectful to your parents, what is the punishment? I AM A GROWN ADULT, TRY NOT TO BE DISRESPECTFUL

90. If someone is mean to you, are you mean back or do you kill them with kindness? I AM NEITHER MEAN OR KIND

I admit my first fleshly response is to pay back action with action, but I have become more self-aware and try to stop the reactions while still in my head and pray instead for them.

S – School

91. If you are still in school, what grade will you be going into? I AM PURSUING MY MASTERS DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

I am now pursuing my masters degree in Human Services Counseling.

92. When will you graduate high school/college? 2017 HOPEFULLY

I graduated in 2017 with my bachelor’s degree, in 2019 with my first master’s and will finish in December 2020, but graduate in May 2021.

93. After high school, what did you do/are you planning to do? AFTER I GRADUATED I GOT MARRIED AND HAS CHILDREN

So much has happen since I graduated from high school.  Ultimately I plan to counsel those in crisis and trauma with the military when I grow up.

94. Do you like or hate school? What do you like/hate about it? I LOVE THAT I AM LEARNING

95. Have you ever been suspended, expelled, or dropped out of school? NO

T – Temptation

96. Have you ever done something wrong, knowing it was wrong, because something inside of you said it was okay? NO

Yes, and I do have regrets, but again we know what I think about what ifs.

97. Has anyone ever pressured you to smoke or drink? Did you do it? NO

98. Did you ever cheat on someone? Why did you do it? NO

Lets just leave it at this…I am a David.

99. Did you ever want to do something sexual with someone you didn’t really know or love? What did you end up doing? NO

100. Do you give in to temptation easily, or are you more independent and strong willed? STRONG WILLED

I am so strong-willed at somethings, and weak in so many other things.

U – Unique

102. Do you do a lot of things because your friends are doing it? NO

103. Do you follow trends, wear whatever you want, or wear really unique pieces? I HAVE A SPECIFIC STYLE I HAVE PRETTY MUCH ALWAYS WORN

As I get older I see that I stick to what is both comfortable when I am not showing my professional self, and more classic for the professional or formal side of life.

104. Do you give in easily to peer pressure? Do you do things such as smoke, drink, or have casual sex? NO, NO TO ALL OF THOSE

105. What makes you different from people your age? I WOULD LIKE TO SAY EXPERIENCE, BUT WHAT I THINK IS DIFFERENT MAY NOT BE

As I look at where people my own age are I really cannot say as I do not have a lot of friends that are my own age.  I am very choosing about friends and the few I truly count as close friends share the same love of the Lord as I do.

V – Value

106. What’s the most expensive thing in your room? ELECTRONICS

107. What’s more valuable: your life or the lives of your loved ones? Would you sacrifice your life for other people? I WOULD GLADLY SACRIFICE MY LIFE FOR OTHERS AND HAVE ON AN EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL LEVEL

I mentioned above that I do not have any problem with sacrificing myself for those I love.  Now when I say sacrifice I do not mean my emotions, my heart

108. What is something you value not because it cost a lot, but because it means a lot to you? SPECIFIC PIECES OF JEWELRY

I still value certain pieces of jewelry, but I also have things like my Grandad’s old shirt, my Christmas spider from Brianna, certain Native items that have been customized for me.

109. If there was a fire in your house/apartment, what is the first thing you would grab? IF I HAD ALL MY ANIMALS AND LOVED ONES IT WOULD BE PHOTOS

There is nothing that cannot be replaced, but likely it would be my Bible and prayer journal.  If more time allotted it would be computers, and hard-drives.

110. Do you think past memories and experiences are more valuable than what could possibly happen in the future? I THINK OUR PAST REFLECTS WHAT OUR FUTURE WILL BE LIKE

I think there is nothing that can replace past memories and experiences, but I do think that should not stop a person from making new ones that are just as important.

W – Wishes

111. If you had three wishes, what would they be? PEACE WITH MY CHILDREN, SUPPORT FOR MY LIFE, FINANCIAL STABILITY

Peace with my children, financial security for my husband and I, a place to put down roots where we both could be happy.

112. Would you rather wish yourself to be happy, or your loved ones? LOVED ONES

113. Do you believe that wishes come true if you really believe in them? I BELIEVE THAT WE MAKE OUR WISHES COME TRUE WITH HARD WORK AND PRAYER

114. Have you ever had a wish come true? If so, what was that wish? YES

115. Do you find wishing for things a waste of time because everything that’s meant to happen, will happen? NO

Y – You

121. Are you more independent or social? INDEPENDENT

122. What is something that makes you very mad when you see it? ABUSE

123. Do you think that you have potential to do great things? YES

124. What kind of person would you be if you didn’t have guidance from family members, God, teachers, etc.? Do you think people are born a certain way, or develop their personalities based on what they go through in life? I THINK I WOULD BE A STATISTIC IN THE GUTTER

I do believe that people develop into who they are as they go through life and are exposed to faith, family, and experience.  Some mental health diseases it is suggested can be hereditary or caused by errors in the brain…I believe we are born perfect and time and exposure to things change the brain.

125. Do you think people are generally good? WE ARE ALL SINNERS AND HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR EVIL

Z – Zest

126. Are you currently happy with your life? Why or why not? YES, MOSTLY

I am happy with where I am, and what I do.  I do have a dream for my job, and I have a need to live in the same town and same home with my husband.  My dream is to move home to Cheyenne and be working with the military.

128. When change occurs, do you get scared or are you excited for it? DEPENDS ON THE CHANGE

It really depends on the change.  Recently we had change that involved being victimized by “who we do not know” when our truck was vandalized and broke into.  The entire week I was a nervous wreck.  As the week progressed and I buried myself more and more in prayer I found peace.  I get excited over change that involves things like a new job, and new environments.

129. Do you like to try new things, meet new people? YES

130. What is the most motivational thing in the world? GOD, MY LOVE, MY CHILDREN

A Month in Pictures

crosses made out palm leaves

bottle baby calf and kitten

Gizmo just hanging out

Another puzzle done for Codi

memory verse

calving season – enjoying the sun

cross and blood of lamb on our door for Easter

#thechurchhasleftthebuilding

this is what a date during social distancing looks like

masks Faithe made

#thechurchhasleftthebuilding

#thechurchhasleftthebuilding

#thechurchhasleftthebuilding

#thechurchhasleftthebuilding

Social Distancing Date night in MN

And the game begins

tennis balls are in

hiding.

The balls are hiding

Running back to the Lord like never before

My beautiful daughter enjoying some time outside

Where we as a society need to be kneeling

word on Sarah

word on Sarah

No matter what our storm is we need to remember who is in charge and not be afraid.

Haircuts when you are under a shelter-in-place

didn’t feel good

another puzzle done

Feeling more human

Daughter sending me love with the picture of one of my most favorite critters.

siesta with our Tuhla while I work – yep this is my co-worker

chalk art to cheer everyone up

The Major and TSgt had their dogs get fixed on the same day

Here I am God

 

Photography on the Porch

As the world progresses through this pandemic many small businesses are struggling to find a light at the end of the tunnel.  Photographers in the Laramie County area are showing that light by doing photography on the porch.  These are portraits that still incorporate social distancing, as the photographer goes from one family to the other to preserve this memory of what for many is their first pandemic.  The last one to effect the world in such a momentous way occurred in the sixties and even it is not remembered by the older generations.  The one that is remembered thanks to history is the Spanish Flu of 1918. See this list of photographs from those fourteen famous people who survived that time in our history.

Alexis Springer, co-owner of Dreamwolf Productions organized the event in just under a week. She came up with the idea when she saw a joke on a Facebook photography page about a “drive-by-shooting” with a camera. She says “I saw 2 other photographers providing it to their community and I knew I just had to do it here. I originally planned to just do this for F.E. Warren but after we had 150 people sign up, I felt like all of Cheyenne would benefit from this.” She was able to wrangle up 11 photographers for the 305 families that signed up to have a memento of this time in history.

All of the photographers that participated in the event had a yearning to document this poignant time in history, to give back to the community, help everyone to see that there is beauty in the craziness, and show that we are all in this together.

These are pictures from this amazing project.  And it hasn’t stopped:

Epitome Photography

Rugged Grace Photography

Colet Holley Photography

E.R. Photography

Sunshine Photography

Desiray’s Photography

Unacknowwledged

Courtesy the Cheyenne Post

 

As you can see from the story there were eleven photographers who participated in this event.  Unfortunately I was only able to identify the ones above to give credit to.  Thank you to all of them who brought a little light during what is a dark time for many.

While I would like to say my fellow photographers in Wyoming came up with this idea, it is a world-wide event:  People from nearly every state and across the world are picking up their cameras to document this historical event.

Thousand Words Photography

Tin Cat Alley Studio

Dani Ezer

Albert Photography

Julie Toline

Charles E Miller

You can search social media for many more pictures that will show we as Americans, we as citizens of the world are weathering this storm the best way we know how…one picture at a time.

Greater – Movie Review

It was movie night at my house tonight.  My husband was going through our list of shows and movies we wanted to watch on Netflix.  He came across one I saved awhile ago called Greater.  Greater is the story of Brandon Burlsworth and the amazing mark he made in life in his short twenty-two years.  This is a movie with mild language, but real life issues a young man faces as he follows Christ from the beginning of his life to the end.

Brandon Burlsworth was born 20 September 1976 in Harrison Arkansas.  Before his death he was an All American Academic, All American First Team, SEC, and recruiter to the Indianapolis Colts.

Brandon became the first Arkansas Razorback football player to complete a master’s degree before playing his final game. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the draft. Tragically, at the age of 22, 10 days after the draft, he was killed in a car accident on April 28th, 1999 while on his way home from the University of Arkansas to attend church with his mom. In the short time Brandon was on this earth he left a legacy and a positive role model that will be remembered long after we are gone.

His brother Marty writes an amazing blog post at:  My Brother Brandon.  Where he talks about his brother the boy who overcame obstacle after obstacle to be the best walk-on player the Arkansas Razorbacks have ever seen.

Brandon’s life was about FAITH – FAMILY – FRIENDS – FOOTBALL.  The story of his life found in Greater truly shows that in such a short time a person can impact everyone around them and live their life for the Glory of God.

You can watch the movie on Netflix or read the book here.

Read more reviews here.

Following Brandon’s death the impact he made can be seen here:

Tributes

• Houston Nutt, Arkansas Razorback Head Football Coach from 1998 through 2007, started the saying, “Do it the Burls Way”, a saying that means do it the right way, even when no one is looking. The saying is the motto of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation.^[12]
• Brandon’s jersey #77 is retired at the University of Arkansas. It is only the second retired football jersey in school history.
• His locker is enclosed in a glass case in the Razorback locker room.^[13]
• The Harrison Youth Center in Harrison, Arkansas, was renamed the Brandon Burlsworth Youth Center in May 1999.
• The Indianapolis Colts wore his initials, BB, on their helmets for the 1999 season.

Brandon Burlsworth Foundation

After his death, family and friends established the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of his work ethic and Christian values. The Christian organization’s mission is to support the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those children who have limited opportunities. The Foundation’s logo prominently features Burlsworth’s signature black-framed glasses.^[14]

Burls Kids

Today, through the “Burls Kids” program, the Burlsworth Foundation provides underprivileged youth a chance to attend Razorback and Colts football games. Since 2000, the Foundation has bought 30 tickets to each Arkansas Razorbacks home football game. The tickets are distributed through Razorback Clubs across the state. The children are a big part to the foundation. The children are given an official “Burls Kid” T-shirt and replica glasses similar to what Brandon wore on the field.^[15]

Eyes of a Champion

In 2007, the “Eyes of a Champion” program was started. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, in partnership with Walmart/Sam’s Optical Department and independent optometrists across Arkansas, provides eye care to thousands of pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students. Primarily they come from working families that cannot afford extras like eye care and do not qualify for state funded programs. Applications must be submitted by school nurses or counselors and are available in English, French, and Spanish.^[16]

Football Camps

The Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps are for children going into 3rd grade through 9th grade. They are held once each summer at F.S. Garrison Stadium in Harrison, Arkansas, and War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. Children are given a chance to learn from former Razorbacks. Past participants included Anthony Lucas, Clint Stoerner, Joe Dean Davenport, Madre Hill, Grant Garrett, Russ Brown, Barry Lunney Jr., Chad Abernathy, Jeremiah Washburn, Michael Smith, Lucas Miller and others. The campers learn football skills but more importantly, they are taught throughout the day about character, attitude, morals, priorities and the desire to do it “The Burls Way”.^[17]

Scholarship and awards

Each year the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation gives out several awards and scholarships at various school levels. Eighteen students at the University of Arkansas who are primarily from smaller towns and who are characterized as academic “overachievers” receive $5,000 scholarships. Additionally, a Razorback football player who began his career as a walk-on, but then earned a football scholarship, is honored as the year’s Burlsworth Athletic Scholar. The students are selected by the University of Arkansas Scholarship Committee and are recognized in a ceremony in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

High School awards include the Brandon Burlsworth High School Football Awards. Every high school football coach in Arkansas has the opportunity to nominate one player from the team. Those players receive a plaque and a copy of “Through the Eyes of A Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story” autographed by Brandon’s mother, Barbara Burlsworth.^{[citation needed]}

The Brandon Burlsworth Championship Award is presented at the Arkansas state football championships games to one player from each team for conduct above and beyond expectations.^[18]

The Burlsworth Character Awards is a national award honoring character and sportsmanship in high school football. Awardees are announced in late spring following the fall football season.^[19]

The Brandon Burlsworth Award is given out yearly to a male and female athlete at Harrison High School and the University of Arkansas who best exemplify the strength of character and work ethic known as “The Burls Way”.^[20][21]

In 2010, the Burlsworth Trophy was created and named in his honor.^[22] The award is given yearly to the most outstanding Division I FBS college football player who began his career as a walk-on.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/BOB COLEMAN–A commerative display was set up by the Indianapolis Colts at the funeral of Brandon Burlsworth in Harrison Saturday afternoon. 5/1/99

The locker of the late Brandon Burlsworth, seen Saturday, Aug. 7, 1999, was recently encased with glass in the locker room at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark. Coaches at Arkansas are wearing T-shirts with “The Burls Way” written on them in remembrance of the All-American and Indianapolis Colts draftee, who was killed in an automobile accident April 28. (AP Photo/April L. Brown)

What to do During Isolation

As many in this country find themselves isolated at home, whether because they are sick, or because their state, county, or city has issued a shelter in place order mental health becomes and issue.  I know where I have been at home since the 16th of March, with only leaving for groceries that I am going a little stir crazy.  So how do we combat this? What do we do to maintain our mental health.

Man was not meant to be alone.  That has been true since God placed man on this earth…he created Eve so Adam was not alone.

Being alone can cause things like hallucinations and other negative things https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/what-isolation-does-to-your-brain, but there are ways to make this time of isolation a better experience.

Lets look at a variety of  different things we can do to make it a better experience.

• Keep to a routine.  It is vital that we don’t just lay around in bed or the recliner.  Keep a routine.  Get up at the same time, have meals at designated times, and go to bed at the same time.  For me, I get up at the time I did for work before, go to work in my office for a designated amount of time, have meals at regular hours, still doing chores, and I try to go to bed at my normal time still.

 

• Focus on you – do not forget to do things for yourself, whether that is a manicure, a long relaxing bath, reading an amazing book, etc.

• Focus on the good you’re doing for others – part of being in isolation is helping those who have no immune system.  My husband and I have compromised immune systems and have gotten sick.  But it could have been a lot worse if people weren’t staying home and avoiding congregating all the places we still need to go.  When I go to the grocery store it is nice that I do not have to worry about a bunch of people.

 

• Start a journal or a blog – this is a great time to write down your thoughts and journal about what is going on in your life.  Years from now when our children read about what was going on they can say wow that is what they did.  As I go back and look at my grandparent’s writings it helps me to understand what they were gong through.

 

• Keep a realistic and objective view:  don’t go off on tangents that will never happen – it is so important to remember not to focus on what isn’t going right.  Right after 9/11 so many people were focusing on how bad things were and failed to see what was right.  Part of this came from watching the news 24/7…so turn off the news.  Limit yourself to what you watch in the news and how often you watch it.  Limit those who are negative.  And be thankful for things you have.

 

• Work on those home projects you have been putting off – you know all those projects you haven’t had time for because of work, running the kids all over, school, etc?  Guess what now you have time.  Do those DIY projects you have been putting off.  You wanted to move your living room around – guess what now you can.  You want to start a garden…now is the time.

 

• Exercise – get up every couple of hours.  There has been talk that this will be a great opportunity for people to gain weight because they can’t go to the gym.  Well if you are like me you don’t like to go to the gym but prefer exercising at home.  So get up and do something.  You can still do all the same things you did at the gym at home.  My daughter and her boyfriend are doing zoomba online everyday.  And when weather allows they hit a trail and go for a run.

• Read a book – many libraries right now are letting you check out books online for curbside pick-up, or even electronic books for free.  That book you have been dying to read…now you have time.  I have been wanting to read a book called Spark…now I can.

 

• Go through that wardrobe – this goes back to those DIY projects.  Go through your wardrobe and get rid of those clothes you haven’t worn in six months.  I purposely turn all of my hangars around backwards, and then I set a date in my calendar for 90 to 180 days in the future.  When that date comes and goes if a hangar hasn’t been turned around it means I haven’t worn it and I do not need it.

 

• Do a puzzle – this can be any kind of puzzle.  My daughter loves to do jigsaw puzzles and has an awesome boyfriend who bought her a special table to do them.  But you can also do SODUKU, crosswords like my son-in-law, and other kinds of puzzles like murder mystery ones.

• Make a photo album with even the pictures from your phone – ok if you are like me you could probably make a scrapbook page for nearly every month of each year…well why not do that.  Make a photo album either electronically or physically.

 

• Do some gardening – isolation does not mean that you cannot go outside to your yard and work.  It means you don’t leave your house except for the essentials.  So start getting those flower beds ready to be planted. Get those flower pots ready for the beautiful flowers you will get to plant.  Here in Wyoming we can’t start actually planting till mid May, unless doing starters for the vegetable garden inside.  But we can get out and rake up the dead from the winter, preparing that soil for the next coming month.  Fresh air helps keep us healthy physically, and mentally.

 

• Bake – Again you are at home already and it is good to try new things so why not bake.  My daughter bakes as therapy!  So if you are lucky enough to live near her do not be surprised if you get a yummy treat cause she usually bakes more than she can eat.

 

• Learn a new craft like knitting, water coloring, learning new lettering.  All of these can be done from home.  And places in some communities are offering crafts you can pick up curb-side to take home and learn, while still practicing physical distancing.  Or go outside and #chalkthewalk.  Leave messages for those who see your sidewalk and let them know the sun is still shining.

• Make a bucket list – I started this before there was this scary new thing called COVID19.  In my planner, near the back you will find a list of things I want to do in my lifetime.  One of the things I want to do is add pictures to go with the list.  And the list will never end…we can always add new things to it.

 

• Learn a new language – You are never too old to learn something new to include a new language.  One of my cadets, while still in school here, is also enrolling at a second University this summer so he can learn Arabic.  Such a hard language to learn, but he is doing it.

 

• Stay in touch with phone, and social media – it is so important to not lose touch with each other.  Many are calling this social distancing, but I am calling it physical distancing.  I will not socially distance myself from family.  I have social media, the telephone, and mail.  I have determined that I will reach out to my parents and children everyday in some way, and will write a letter to friends and family every week.  Returning to letter writing (some say it is a dying craft), helps too.

 

• Keep a healthy diet – it is a little harder to go out to eat right now.  Yes you can still call in an order, and I encourage you to keep supporting local businesses, but that doesn’t mean everyday, all the time.  Rather, purchase your groceries (online if possible) and make sure you are purchasing healthy items.  Before the quarantine I was already purchasing healthier as I make all our meals to include frozen meals for my husband.  I will continue to do this and I encourage you to do as well since we still ahve to watch our health and weight.

 

• Engage with nature – if you are in an area where you can get outside and walk around without being around people do.  My friend goes running every day – up to ten miles. He takes the family dog and runs up into the hills.  Other friends of mine took their kids to the lake twenty miles from town where no one is at and let the kids
  

  

  

  

  run around in nature.  Today we will drive up to the mountains and just take a drive and maybe get out an walk in the sagebrush with the dog.

 

• Don’t just sit in front of a screen – vary your activities – yes by all means it is ok to binge watch your favorite NETFLIX shows, but don’t make it an everyday habit.  Get up and do other things as well.

 

• Last but not least enjoy some new podcasts – watch more than just your churches online sermons.  Seek comfort in Jesus.  This is a time to reflect and lean on God.  Check out this great series from Jeff Maness at Element Church:

 

 

I80 Accident

The first of March saw several snow storms and icy conditions accompanied with wind here in Wyoming.  What is new?  Right!  Wyoming starts seeing winter conditions as early as September and as late as June!  The first issue at hand is a highway that so far

this year has seen nearly 60 closures total because of poor weather.  The second issue at hand is drivers who enter the border of Wyoming and have no idea how to drive or react when driving across our fine state.  The most recent incident was three different accidents between Rawlins and Wamsutter Wyoming in which three people died.

The WHP says driving too fast for conditions and following too closely are being investigated as leading causes for the crash, which closed Interstate 80 through late Tuesday night. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states that it takes nearly up to two football fields to stop in ideal weather.  Viewing the photos below, it is obvious that many of the semi trucks traveling on the highway were exceeding the speed appropriate for seeing ahead and the conditions.  While it is recommended to reduce your speed by half for snow and ice, it can also be argued that speeds of that nature when visibility is greatly reduced is just as harmful as going to fast.

The trucking industry is a multi-billion dollar maker.  These trucks travel across thousands of miles every day, but it is not the same industry of the 1930s, or even the same industry from 30 years ago.  Just a short time ago drivers who passed you on the road were cognizant of those around them, they knew where they were going and what

their limitations were.  When my aunts and uncles drove years ago they knew how to turn, how to drive in all weather conditions, and what the next guy was going to do.  Today these drivers that come out of a two-week driving school have no idea what is going on or where they are going.  They are just there for a paycheck and to hold a steering wheel. Both my husband and son drive day in and day out and they are not so drivers who just drive for the paycheck, but because they love what they do.  They drive and watch out for others, but it is getting harder and harder to do that.

Now lets take up one of the last issues is a highway that sees a lack of patrolling.  Yes by all means we are a state that stretches across vast miles that can drive some bonkers, but we need law enforcement that are willing to do their job.  Don’t just sit out in the median and watch for speeders, those trafficking drugs, and accidents.  Prevent the accidents by stopping those who are not staying in their lanes, who are tailgating, those who are driving to fast for conditions…etc.  If more law enforcement were out there to prevent

Rest in Peace Cleo

and not treat the issue after the fact we may see a lot less of these type of accidents.

Lets stop the loss of lives – both human and animals alike.  Say something to your representatives.

 

Its My First Amendment Right

This is a rant post…so heads up!

As many of you know I am the AFROTC-UW liaison, and one of my many duties is recruiting.  On Friday I had a student who came in to talk about her options of joining AFROTC.  Normally these visits have mom or/and dad and the student.  This time it was mom, dad, and her older sister.  Prior to going into this conference in one of the staff offices for our students I was alerted that the father had his phone and it was set up to record the session – thank you Faithe. This issue was so discombobulating that I wrote a post for my interpersonal communication class.

I find as I post about this issue how relevant it was to my own life just today.  I recruit for the Air Force ROTC program and thus I meet a lot of people from all over the nation interested in attending the University of Wyoming and seeking a commissioning through our program.  Today was no different as I met with a young woman from Colorado who was considering her options with both the Air Force and the Army.  As we proceeded to go to one of our conference rooms as she had brought her dad, mom and sister I was alerted to the fact that her father was going to record this recruiting session.  Incidental recording at our university is acceptable as long as there is not an expectation of privacy which is clearly defined in our policies.  Where this family was in the building there is an expectation of privacy and I explained that to the father, that he would not be allowed to record the event.  I was attempting to be mindful of the conversation as I entered into dialogue with this family about the young lady’s choices. Dialogue clearly will not always be easy or fun, and at times can be abrasive.  Today was no exception to that rule.  As her father began to throw terms like First Amendment Rights, and failure to defend the Constitution in my face I offered him the opportunity to hear what I was going to teach his daughter or he could exit the facility and wait till I was done.  I could clearly see the distress in his wife, and daughter’s faces as he put the camera away and sat stone cold with a look of disgust. 

This is where empathy came into play for me…as France and Weikel have explained empathy is the ability to understand another person and communicate that understanding to them (2014, 56).  I needed to be able to turn the direction of this recruiting session and put the daughters and mother at ease even if I could not the father.  The skills I would need to show empathy to this young woman would be focusing on her with my posture, making eye contact with her, and moving responsively both in action and word.  I was able to turn my body entirely away from the hostility in the room to make direct eye contact with the only person in the room that at that time mattered to me – the student.  I used my hands to direct her to the different things that could occur in her ROTC career, and as she asked questions I used not verbal cues to make sure she understand I was hearing her and then reflected on the questions by rewording them to answer her . 

Additionally, in order to bring genuineness to the conversation I also had to bring warmth.  I began doing this by acknowledging to the student that this is a big decision and as an adult now it would be her decision and that I respected her ability to do so.  I also, explained while I respected her need to have her parent’s consultation in the decision that ultimately, I would look to her as the human being that would be responsible for her own choices.  When you are warm you convey that you care (France and Weikel 2014, 58).  One of the issues that is addressed is what happens when either you don’t like who you are working with or they don’t like you.  Clearly during issues like the one I dealt with one must remain entirely professional and not allow the other person’s attitude to create the tone.  I did not have the choice to have a colleague do my job today, as I was the sole personnel in the detachment. 

The third interpersonal skill that must be utilized when communicating with others, whether they be clients, colleagues, or family is genuineness.  Genuineness is honesty, it is keeping your word, it is doing what one says they will do, it is committing to an action and following through.  My word is my bond…In Genesis 30.33 it says my honesty will testify for me in the future (NLV).    In Proverbs 11.3 God speaks to His people through Solomon when he states, “Honesty guides good people” (NLT).  Verse after verse speaks to the importance of honesty in all that is done in the lives we live. 

References

France, Kenneth, and Kim Weikel. 2014. Helping skills for human service workers: Building relatioships and encouraging productive change, third edition. Springfield IL: Charles C Thomas, Publisher LTD.

Stewart, Jon. 2012. Bridges Not Walls: A book about interpersonal communication. Boston: McGraw-Hill.

I think the thing that frustrated me the most about this is that I am one of the most patriotic people you will meet.  I bleed blue for the Air Force, and red-white-blue for this country.  I have been educated on our Constitution in such a way that I know when someone is telling me what is and isn’t their constitutional right.  Just as his right to free speech is there, mine is also there to be protected.  I am fortunate that the University has rules for this too and I am protected.  While incidental filming is allowed on campus there are certain areas that are protected:

• Non-public areas: University facilities not generally open to the public, including but not limited to: classrooms; laboratories; research areas; gymnasium; physical education or intercollegiate athletic exercise areas; child day care areas; faculty, administrative staff, or student offices; conference rooms; seminar rooms; lounges; storage areas; parking facilities; or other similar areas restricted to specified University faculty, staff or students.

The areas I took this family is not generally an area for the public, but is utilized as a student office. And in order to record in that area or even in my office permission must be gain from the University and that can take up to thirty days to receive.

 

Erin Condren Life Planner +

I began using the Erin Condren Life Planners in 2019.  I have always been the type of person that preferred  to be able write down on paper my schedule, my lists, etc.  Prior to

Pictures are now part of the cover – front and back

this year I would design my own 8×10 planners for my children and I, adding in pictures from their previous year, adding in things that interested them (one year I did a calendar for my daughter Codi that was all about cows, and for my daughter Faithe…Harry Potter).  But as time has becomes busier and busier I have learned I do not have the hours on end that it takes to design the planners with all the things I want.  So I began looking for a planner that would meet all of our needs…finally one that nearly handles all my wants and needs….drum roll please….introducing the Erin Condren Life Planners.

Erin Condren’s 7×9 Life Planners can be personalized with a person’s own pictures, a name that shows who it belongs to, or with covers that are pre-designed.  Additionally, you can choose a horizontal, vertical or hourly daily page, and can be ordered as a 12 or 18 month planner.

I have actually used all three types of layout, twelve month planner with each year commemorating the year before in pictures that I design.  But I also order extra covers for the front and back that I can change out depending on the time of the year, or holidays that may be coming up.

Each ECLP begins out with a two-page spread that shows the entire year where you can see what the months may look like.  I use this section to mark all the days off I have off from work due to holiday or other breaks.  The next section of the planner has twelve boxes that can be  used for a wealth of different things.  For 2019 mine was set up with twelve separate goals to write about here on the blog that I wanted to accomplish.  For 2020 I have set them up for goals that I want to accomplish or remember for each month…like the month of January may include the birth of my first granddaughter.

The next two-page layout involves a complete month overview.  This is usually where I will list things like birthdays, prayers, blog days, holidays, leave I may take, etc.  All of my things on this page are color coded whether using a sticker or writing in the squares in pen.  (Anything in green means it is for me personally, orange indicates for the University I work for, blue for the Air Force ROTC program I am assigned to, etc.)

And as with each thing written down they are highlighted in either yellow that it was completed or pink that it was not completed because I didn’t do it, it was cancelled, etc.

Then comes he part that I use the most…the daily pages.  For 2019 I used a horizontal layout, but for 2020 I am trying out both the vertical and hourly layout.  Until 2020 I wrote everything in, in a color coded way, but for 2020 I am using the EC stickers.  They are the perfect size to fit in either the vertical our hourly boxes.  Of course the stickers I use for appointments that are consistently repeated, like the classes that I am involved with for AFROTC, or the recruiting appointments I must take, etc.  With the hourly layout there is no place to doodle, make lists, or other writing as easily without creating new sections within the hours, which through Facebook pages or Instagram pages can easily be seen how to do it.  For the vertical layout there are three sections for each pages…I use the middle section for the appointments that have a firm time, the top section is for family or personal related notes, and the bottom section for work related notes.  Of course there are two other sections that are great for taking notes as things come up. Right now I will be honest come 2021 I likely will go back to the horizontal layout as right now I like it better.  As you will see in the photos, one of the other things that is great to do with the weekly layouts is to really use stickers and other items to bring the week to light…I generally only do those kind of layouts like the week of Christmas when I know I will not have an extensive amount of appointments or other items I need to write it.

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After each month and before the next two-page monthly spread is a place to write.  I use this section to journal about my month.  I do this because I want my kids to know what was going on.  I have always believed in journaling, and now I have a way to pass that onto my kids to enjoy in a beautiful planner. I also tend to include photos or other memorabilia that I think I would enjoy looking back on or the girls, and grandchildren might enjoy.

Then comes the pages that can be used for additional notes, or a way to de-stress, or make new goals…contacts page, goal setting page, coloring pages, dotted journaling pages, and the last two page layout being the following years complete year that includes places to add important dates for the following year. Stickers…yep there are several pages of stickers.

Dotted Journaling

Coloring

Goals

Contacts

Fun Stickers

Planning Stickers

Erin Condren has many other items that I choose to utilize like a desk calendar that can be purchased as a monthly layout or a weekly layout.  I utilize the monthly for home so my family can look at it and see if there is something going on they need to be aware of on my schedule and the weekly so my commander can see important appointments through the day at work.

Additionally there are folios where I care a small journal, project notebook, twelve month calendar for my own classes I am taking and notes taken at meetings.

This is a great program that I can use for my work, my schooling, my family, and my personal hobbies.  I would only change one thing, and that would be to be able to personalize each calendar with names and pictures for birthdays and anniversaries so it comes preprinted before receiving.  But I understand the undertaking that would be.

Lined Journal

Petite Project

Monthly Desk Calendar

Folio

Petite Monthly

If you are someone like me who needs to be organized, I highly recommend this system for helping you to stay on track for everything from school, and family life, to the individual petite system that EC offers that focuses on thinks like budgets, new babies, and weddings just to name a few.