I’m sure by now all of you have heard about the death of the 19 month of child in Albany. Just hearing bits and pieces of this story was almost unbearable for me; which is why I had decided not to follow up on the story. However, a recent facebook post made me reconsider.
In this particular post, I saw comments that read, “I hope he burn in hell” and, “I hope they both DIE”.
First off, let me remind you of the scripture, Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Which basically means that we ALL shall die. Nonetheless, the child’s death came in a very disturbing and unfortunate manner. But we don’t have the authority to pass judgment on either involved person. That authority belongs to God!
We can’t say what happened because we were not there. We don’t know if either of the involved persons were dealing with mental instabilities. It’s very easy to stand on the outside & criticize the people on the inside. Let’s not get caught up in all that. The Lord has placed investigators, judges, and whoever else in their respective authoritative positions for a REASON. He’s a just God. He’s not a respecter of persons. This could have happened to any one of us. Instead of passing judgment and hoping for the worst for the responsible parties, how about doing the only thing that matters, PRAYING!
Romans 12:13-15 says, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” We shouldn’t be cursing these people by wishing that they die & burn in hell. We should be praying for them & mourning with the victim’s family. I’m sure the family is in need of something right now. A kind word, support, food for the repast (y’all know how we do it), whatever it is that they’re in need of we CHRISTIANS should be practicing hospitality by opening our wallets & pitching in.
As the old cliché goes, “Ain’t no use in crying over spilled milk.” What’s done is done and we can’t do anything to change the past. But instead, what we can do is turn this negative situation into a positive one. Let’s not allow this child’s diminutive life to be in vain. Get out and educate your community on child abuse. Let’s, at all costs, prevent this from occurring again.
In closing I’d like to remind you that cursing the responsible parties is a complete waste of time. By doing this, you’ve done absolutely nothing. Do something positive with your energy. Put a smile on someone’s face. :) Pray for the child’s family. Pray for the people responsible. Pray for their families as well. Send a card. Send a flower. Do SOMETHING to make a POSITIVE impact on this negative situation!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
My Obituary & The Sneaky Facebooker
Someone “just-so-happened” to find an obituary that I wrote. Now I’m not exactly sure who discovered it. But if my assumptions are correct, this person was supposedly on “facebook” when really, they were peeping through my files. A few of my friends have seen it and some say I’m crazy. However, I just feel as if I’m tad bit more prepared than others.
Many of you already know my father’s parents own a funeral home. I’ve been assisting them for several years. In doing so, I’ve become somewhat acquainted with the “planning” process. For family members, dealing with the fact that a loved one has passed on is hard enough. Planning the funeral only adds “fire to the flame”. I’ve seen some very unpleasant situations occur within the time someone dies to the day of the funeral. I’ve seen people curse, argue, and even fight all resulting from minor disagreements during the planning of a funeral. Seeing this made me think.
One day in class I was asked to do a life planning exercise. In this exercise, we were to, in the most creative way possible, specifically list our life goals. This included everything from family goals to academic goals to goals in politics and any other area in our lives. Since I was already thinking and I knew no one else would do it, I very creatively designed my own obituary.
This started off as an “Easy A” project. However, after turning it in & receiving the A that I had planned for, I didn’t delete it. All work that I turn it usually doesn’t get deleted until after I receive a grade. If it’s a big project/paper, it may not get deleted until the end of the semester. For some odd reason, I never deleted it, not even at the end of that semester.
A few months later, I was robbed at gunpoint by two ruthless young men in Albany, GA. I was not at all afraid. But I did think that I was about to die. As I thought about me dying, I realized that I had an obituary. I thought to myself, “At least they’ll know what to do.”
After that horrendous incident, I took a look at the obituary I had created. I then realized that they actually wouldn’t have known anything. The obituary I had created was full of the things I hope to achieve during the course of my lifetime. It was an imitation. I did not have a real obituary. Had I been killed, my family would’ve had to endure the trials of the planning process just like any other family.
This was my cue to change. I gradually changed it from a very specific “goals achieved” checklist to a very specific, downright REAL obituary, complete with a program & even instructions on about what I should have on & what casket I should be in. So when my time comes, all they’ll have to do is call the funeral director & he will take care of the rest!
Some folks might say I’m crazy. I just like to think I’m helping my family out. Thinking that my “’business’ was fixed” actually comforted me in what I thought was my dying hour. I know that creating an obituary for yourself isn’t what is meant when the bible says “get your house in order” but it’s good to know that you’ve made your wished known. When your time comes will your family know what to do? Or will they have to fuss & fight their way through trying to plan according to the things they THINK you would like?
Many of you already know my father’s parents own a funeral home. I’ve been assisting them for several years. In doing so, I’ve become somewhat acquainted with the “planning” process. For family members, dealing with the fact that a loved one has passed on is hard enough. Planning the funeral only adds “fire to the flame”. I’ve seen some very unpleasant situations occur within the time someone dies to the day of the funeral. I’ve seen people curse, argue, and even fight all resulting from minor disagreements during the planning of a funeral. Seeing this made me think.
One day in class I was asked to do a life planning exercise. In this exercise, we were to, in the most creative way possible, specifically list our life goals. This included everything from family goals to academic goals to goals in politics and any other area in our lives. Since I was already thinking and I knew no one else would do it, I very creatively designed my own obituary.
This started off as an “Easy A” project. However, after turning it in & receiving the A that I had planned for, I didn’t delete it. All work that I turn it usually doesn’t get deleted until after I receive a grade. If it’s a big project/paper, it may not get deleted until the end of the semester. For some odd reason, I never deleted it, not even at the end of that semester.
A few months later, I was robbed at gunpoint by two ruthless young men in Albany, GA. I was not at all afraid. But I did think that I was about to die. As I thought about me dying, I realized that I had an obituary. I thought to myself, “At least they’ll know what to do.”
After that horrendous incident, I took a look at the obituary I had created. I then realized that they actually wouldn’t have known anything. The obituary I had created was full of the things I hope to achieve during the course of my lifetime. It was an imitation. I did not have a real obituary. Had I been killed, my family would’ve had to endure the trials of the planning process just like any other family.
This was my cue to change. I gradually changed it from a very specific “goals achieved” checklist to a very specific, downright REAL obituary, complete with a program & even instructions on about what I should have on & what casket I should be in. So when my time comes, all they’ll have to do is call the funeral director & he will take care of the rest!
Some folks might say I’m crazy. I just like to think I’m helping my family out. Thinking that my “’business’ was fixed” actually comforted me in what I thought was my dying hour. I know that creating an obituary for yourself isn’t what is meant when the bible says “get your house in order” but it’s good to know that you’ve made your wished known. When your time comes will your family know what to do? Or will they have to fuss & fight their way through trying to plan according to the things they THINK you would like?
Monday, February 28, 2011
A love lost – A friend caught.
At first I didn’t understand this little thing called love, the most powerful four letter word known to mankind. However, over the last few months I’ve grown to know it thoroughly and in every capacity, positively, and also negatively.
Initially, I blamed the other involved party for everything. However, after taking a step back and looking at the situation, I realized I should’ve known better. I also realized that because of my prior knowledge, this may have even been more my fault than hers.
The “pain” that I’ve experienced within the past few weeks has seemed a bit unbearable. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. Thus, I was motivated to post this informational piece to possibly help someone from making the mistake that I made.
Let’s talk about love.
Love comes in three (3) stages: Eros, Philia, and Agape. Agape, the last and greatest stage is most popularly known. Most people have heard the term “Agape Love” at least once. Conversely, the other terms are all too often left out. In my opinion, eros and philia are just as, if not more, important than agape.
Eros is the weakest but probably the most popular relationship form of love. It’s also often thought to be a strong heartfelt form of love because it profoundly involves emotion. Eros is a physical and selfish love. Eros can be considered the Greek word equivalent to the English word “erotic”. They both imply the same things, love of the physical human body. I believe eros is selfish because although it may involve a somewhat genuine feeling for someone else, the feeling is only stimulated by that person’s sex appeal and hence, the satisfaction or pleasure that you may believe that you can acquire from that person. Eros acts as if it is a love for someone else but it is actually a love for one’s self. The love for the other person is only there because of what that person can do for you, or the material things they can give you. Eros says, “I love you because you make me happy and I will continue to love you as long as I’m happy”. If your happiness is taken away eros love dies. Notice eros looks for whatever it can get. It gives nothing. When it neglects to get what it wants it is transformed to resentment, hatred, and/or bitterness.
Please be careful not to choose a significant other based upon the “oh so emotional” eros.
Philia, the equidistant is also rarely talked about. Philia encases eros, but isn’t as selfish. Although it is still based on self happiness, it is also concerned with the other person’s happiness. It also deals with the more than just the physical appearance of the other person. Philia love deals with the intellectuality and the spirituality of the other person. Philia finds common ground, such as, shared cultural values, shared likes and dislikes, and even mutual favorites. Without a doubt, it’s the most popular friendship form of love. Philia is a much better relationship builder than eros. This is because philia requires mutual sharing. This is exactly what Lyfe Jennings was talking about when he said “50/50 love”. Philia says, “I love you because who you are, not just because of what you look like or what you do for me”.
As I said earlier Philia is an awesome relationship builder. It deals more with “our” rather than “mine” or “my”. Philia includes both parties in all decisions and thus is a lot less selfish than eros.
Last, but certainly not least, the most popular and also most difficult form of love, Agape! Agape says, “I love you and there’s nothing you can do to change that.” I said agape is difficult because, ‘it is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (I Corinthians 13:4-5)
Agape love is the love that God has for his children. No human can totally achieve the heights of agape love. When we’re hurt by others, most of the time we hold grudges. Even when we claim we’ve “let it go”, in the back of our minds, there’s still a record of what was done. We “feed them through a long-handled spoon”. Even though we claim to let it go, that’s still a record. Agape love says even when you’re significant other cheats, you forgive them and you forget about it! Agape love is not a relationship builder. It’s cannot be the foundation of a relationship. However, at times it’s the only thing that may hold a relationship together. Agape love is what we should strive to have for our significant others as well as our friends.
I made the mistake of falling at ethos. I saw something I wanted and I went after it. I did everything I could to get her attention. And for the short time that I had it, I was exultant. However, as soon as I lost her attention, the “pain” came. I was miserable! After a small amount of time throwing myself the ultimate pity party, my misery began to transform into bitterness. I became bitter and I even said I never wanted to speak to her again. But I began to think about what REALLY sparked my interest in her. I realized I didn’t even know enough about her to begin a relationship with her. It was just something I wanted because it would make me happy (ETHOS!!!).
I’m glad that I realized this before my bitterness got to the “we can’t be friends” stage. Although I lost a temporary “love”, I caught my friendship before I allowed it to slip too far away!
If you’ve taken time to read this in its entirety, THANK YOU! I hope you’ve learned something from my mistake so that you won’t make the same mistakes I made. If you find yourself traveling the same road as I, make the U-turn before it’s too late. Don’t let ethos ruin the possibility of latter development of philia and agape. And if philia already exists, make sure agape is also there just in case someone’s feelings get hurt. That way you can love em anyway!
With AGAPE Love,
Brandon Michael Winns
Initially, I blamed the other involved party for everything. However, after taking a step back and looking at the situation, I realized I should’ve known better. I also realized that because of my prior knowledge, this may have even been more my fault than hers.
The “pain” that I’ve experienced within the past few weeks has seemed a bit unbearable. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. Thus, I was motivated to post this informational piece to possibly help someone from making the mistake that I made.
Let’s talk about love.
Love comes in three (3) stages: Eros, Philia, and Agape. Agape, the last and greatest stage is most popularly known. Most people have heard the term “Agape Love” at least once. Conversely, the other terms are all too often left out. In my opinion, eros and philia are just as, if not more, important than agape.
Eros is the weakest but probably the most popular relationship form of love. It’s also often thought to be a strong heartfelt form of love because it profoundly involves emotion. Eros is a physical and selfish love. Eros can be considered the Greek word equivalent to the English word “erotic”. They both imply the same things, love of the physical human body. I believe eros is selfish because although it may involve a somewhat genuine feeling for someone else, the feeling is only stimulated by that person’s sex appeal and hence, the satisfaction or pleasure that you may believe that you can acquire from that person. Eros acts as if it is a love for someone else but it is actually a love for one’s self. The love for the other person is only there because of what that person can do for you, or the material things they can give you. Eros says, “I love you because you make me happy and I will continue to love you as long as I’m happy”. If your happiness is taken away eros love dies. Notice eros looks for whatever it can get. It gives nothing. When it neglects to get what it wants it is transformed to resentment, hatred, and/or bitterness.
Please be careful not to choose a significant other based upon the “oh so emotional” eros.
Philia, the equidistant is also rarely talked about. Philia encases eros, but isn’t as selfish. Although it is still based on self happiness, it is also concerned with the other person’s happiness. It also deals with the more than just the physical appearance of the other person. Philia love deals with the intellectuality and the spirituality of the other person. Philia finds common ground, such as, shared cultural values, shared likes and dislikes, and even mutual favorites. Without a doubt, it’s the most popular friendship form of love. Philia is a much better relationship builder than eros. This is because philia requires mutual sharing. This is exactly what Lyfe Jennings was talking about when he said “50/50 love”. Philia says, “I love you because who you are, not just because of what you look like or what you do for me”.
As I said earlier Philia is an awesome relationship builder. It deals more with “our” rather than “mine” or “my”. Philia includes both parties in all decisions and thus is a lot less selfish than eros.
Last, but certainly not least, the most popular and also most difficult form of love, Agape! Agape says, “I love you and there’s nothing you can do to change that.” I said agape is difficult because, ‘it is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (I Corinthians 13:4-5)
Agape love is the love that God has for his children. No human can totally achieve the heights of agape love. When we’re hurt by others, most of the time we hold grudges. Even when we claim we’ve “let it go”, in the back of our minds, there’s still a record of what was done. We “feed them through a long-handled spoon”. Even though we claim to let it go, that’s still a record. Agape love says even when you’re significant other cheats, you forgive them and you forget about it! Agape love is not a relationship builder. It’s cannot be the foundation of a relationship. However, at times it’s the only thing that may hold a relationship together. Agape love is what we should strive to have for our significant others as well as our friends.
I made the mistake of falling at ethos. I saw something I wanted and I went after it. I did everything I could to get her attention. And for the short time that I had it, I was exultant. However, as soon as I lost her attention, the “pain” came. I was miserable! After a small amount of time throwing myself the ultimate pity party, my misery began to transform into bitterness. I became bitter and I even said I never wanted to speak to her again. But I began to think about what REALLY sparked my interest in her. I realized I didn’t even know enough about her to begin a relationship with her. It was just something I wanted because it would make me happy (ETHOS!!!).
I’m glad that I realized this before my bitterness got to the “we can’t be friends” stage. Although I lost a temporary “love”, I caught my friendship before I allowed it to slip too far away!
If you’ve taken time to read this in its entirety, THANK YOU! I hope you’ve learned something from my mistake so that you won’t make the same mistakes I made. If you find yourself traveling the same road as I, make the U-turn before it’s too late. Don’t let ethos ruin the possibility of latter development of philia and agape. And if philia already exists, make sure agape is also there just in case someone’s feelings get hurt. That way you can love em anyway!
With AGAPE Love,
Brandon Michael Winns
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The Legacy of Mrs. Mamie Renee Chester Williams
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Timothy 4:6-7
Because I could not stop for Death
He kindly stopped for me.....
-Emily Dickinson
Mrs. Mamie Renee Chester Williams was born to the late Isaac and Essie Lee Chester on September 15, 1947 in Arlington, GA. She was the youngest of eight children and was considered the "baby" by all of her siblings who spoiled her. She attended the public schools of Calhoun County and graduated Valedictorian of H. T. Singleton's Class of 1965. In 1970, she graduated from Pain College with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Educatoin.
Ms. Mamie taught in the Calhoun County School System for 32 years. In those 32 years, she touched many lives. She encouraged many young people to strive to be their very best. She was very strict but she was fun in her strictness. "Oh ok, you think I'm Vanna Black", "You better tell your mama to buy you a doll to play with", "Where are you going? I AM the bell. I dismiss this class", "Nigga nigga, giggle giggle. Been in slavery 1000 years. Now what's so funny?" Those are just a few of Ms. Mamie's old sayings.
Ms. Mamie will also be sorely missed by the athletic department. Ms. Mamie coached the cheerleaders for many years before she retired. Not only did she coach the cheerleaders, she cheered right along with them. After her retirement, she continued to cheer the cougars on. She attended all home sporting events & even when her health began to fail she continued to travel with the team.
She retired in 2002 when her health began to fail. However, she didn't let failing health stop her. She continued to support the school system in any way that she could. She subbed & continued to influence the lives of many students. Ms. Mamie was more than just a teacher. She was a Mother, a motivator, a friend, & even a bell!
Thank you for all your dedication & hard work. We love you Ms. Mamie!
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Timothy 4:6-7
Because I could not stop for Death
He kindly stopped for me.....
-Emily Dickinson
Mrs. Mamie Renee Chester Williams was born to the late Isaac and Essie Lee Chester on September 15, 1947 in Arlington, GA. She was the youngest of eight children and was considered the "baby" by all of her siblings who spoiled her. She attended the public schools of Calhoun County and graduated Valedictorian of H. T. Singleton's Class of 1965. In 1970, she graduated from Pain College with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Educatoin.
Ms. Mamie taught in the Calhoun County School System for 32 years. In those 32 years, she touched many lives. She encouraged many young people to strive to be their very best. She was very strict but she was fun in her strictness. "Oh ok, you think I'm Vanna Black", "You better tell your mama to buy you a doll to play with", "Where are you going? I AM the bell. I dismiss this class", "Nigga nigga, giggle giggle. Been in slavery 1000 years. Now what's so funny?" Those are just a few of Ms. Mamie's old sayings.
Ms. Mamie will also be sorely missed by the athletic department. Ms. Mamie coached the cheerleaders for many years before she retired. Not only did she coach the cheerleaders, she cheered right along with them. After her retirement, she continued to cheer the cougars on. She attended all home sporting events & even when her health began to fail she continued to travel with the team.
She retired in 2002 when her health began to fail. However, she didn't let failing health stop her. She continued to support the school system in any way that she could. She subbed & continued to influence the lives of many students. Ms. Mamie was more than just a teacher. She was a Mother, a motivator, a friend, & even a bell!
Thank you for all your dedication & hard work. We love you Ms. Mamie!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
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