Melting Pot

As I watched many people celebrating St. Patrick's day, I was enjoying the fact that the Irish, who immigrated to our country, have had such an impact on our lives.  There are so many countries represented by significant numbers in the United States who also have had such an impact.  We truly are a melting pot. 

 We also have citizens who were victims of slavery, brutality and involuntary relocation. Human beings were sold, separated from their families, whipped, incarcerated, hung from trees, and otherwise mistreated. These slaves, who were able to overcome many obstacles, have enriched our culture and provided inspiration for all oppressed people.  Our native Americans have a rich tradition of protection of the environment, preserving their culture and integrating their lifestyle into society.  

We need to look to our origins to understand the world today.  We need to remember that we are descendants of immigrants or enslaved or dominated individuals and families.  I hope that we can begin to empathize with current immigrants who are trying to find a safe haven for their families.  We need to think outside the box to find ways to keep out the those who commit crimes while reaching out to our fellow human beings who are fleeing war, persecution, poverty, famine, and those without hope,  A true sign of the greatness of a nation is its priority and responsibility of helping others who are suffering, helpless, disabled, homeless, starving, or living in fear.  

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged,  

sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong--because someday you will have been all of these."  Quote:  George Washington Carver

"But for the grace of God, go I."

The Life of the Party

I was in an elevator with three young women.  They all were out partying and had obviously been drinking.  Two of the girls were holding up a "friend", each holding an arm as she dragged her body and lowered her head.  The girls, about 18 years old, were laughing.  They pointed to the young lady who was so drunk she was not responding and stated, "She has never had a drink before!"

I questioned a friendship that would encourage another friend to become drunk and lethargic.  It was not at all funny to see this attractive, young girl in a stupor. I read recently in the newspaper about another beautiful, intelligent, young college freshman who was being initiated into a sorority and was encouraged to drink a huge amount of alcohol.  She became unresponsive after being left to "sleep it off" in her dorm room.  She was dead before anyone called for help.

She now has no future, her family has no daughter, sister and her friends will no longer have a relationship with her.  All because we condone alcohol consumption as a way to be accepted and feel a part of the college or party scene.

Why does alcohol have to be a central part of fun and enjoyment?  Why cant't we have fun without endangering someone or our own lives?  Why do college initiations have to be cruel and sometimes violent?

We must teach our children and vulnerable adults how to say no with pride and walk away. Nothing is so important socially that we have to risk our lives to prove we are worthwhile to a fraternity, sorority or social function?  Life should be about love, joy and peace with God, family and friends there to help us with crisis, pain, sadness and difficulties.  Let us help each other to truly live!

Saint Patrick's Day

Today I will share with you an Irish blessing!

May God grant you always...

A sunbeam to warm you. 

a moonbeam to charm you, 

a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you.

Laughter to cheer you.  

Faithful friends near you.

And whenever you pray,

Heaven to hear you.

...An Irish Blessing

I hope that your lives will be comforted and safe as you enjoy St Patrick's Day!  I wish you lots of laughter and friends!