Yes, I am Anti-Gun

When I tell people that I am against guns, they always look at me like I am crazy. Especially since I live in the South!  I have had conversations with people where they try to put me into a situation where "If I had a gun I would use it." Even then, I am against them. One, they give me the heebie geebies and I can't even really hold one without freaking out. Two, it is my personal choice.

I just thought I would take a little time to explain why. Well obviously guns kill people. (no people kill people) NO, people with guns kill people. Guns have made it so easy for violence. It revolutionized war, and that has caused solider after solider to come home with PTSD. I believe video games have played a big role in how people view guns. When high school students are sitting in their English class saying they will never use this information because when they graduate they are just going to go blow people up....we have a problem. When I was a kid, we played hide-n-go seek and tag. We would have rather been outside playing, running around than in the house any day. Now, elementary school and middle school aged kids are playing games that were designed for Mature adults. I have worked in a few day cares and simply to hear how these kids talk doesn't surprise me that we have had an increased number of school shootings and such. Though all of this fuels the fire for my stance, it is not the sole reason why I choose to stand against guns.

I am a Christian, and there is nothing more important to me than my faith. It is my goal to be as much like Christ as possible. If Jesus lived today, I do not believe he would own a gun. He is the prince of peace. He called us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek. In my heart of hearts I believe that if Jesus walked on the Earth today, he would not own a gun. Even in hostage circumstances or if someone was hurting my family, I can't see myself ever being able to shoot someone. I can not value one man's life over another. Jesus died for us all, and desires a relationship with each one of us.  He does not think I'm better than anyone else. I can't make a hierarchy of people classes in my head. Then my heart is not right, and I could be come arrogant. It is my desire to stay as humble as possible. I am not better than anyone else, and we all need grace. It makes me think of the movie, End of the Spear. There were missionaries who were trying to reach a remote tribe in South America. The tribe killed this boy's father, and when he grew up he went to try to reach this same tribe. Before the father left his son asked him, " If the Waodani (the name of the tribe) attack, will you defend yourself? Will you use your guns?" The father replied, "Son, we can't shoot the Waodani. They're not ready for heaven... we are." I know I would die before I could kill anyone else. I simply don't have it in me. I am against guns because I truly believe that Jesus would be against guns. 

The Holiday Season

Okay, so this holiday season I have made a commitment to myself to be grateful for all that I have been blessed with. God has been changing my heart here lately. I'm realizing how often I tend to put myself first. And I do mean often....

When it rains, it pours.

I want so badly for life to be fair. I want justice to come here on earth. I don't want people to suffer. These past few weeks so much has happened in the lives of people around me. Car wrecks, emergency room visits, surgeries....and the list goes on.

There is a couple at my church that has really been on my heart lately. The McCord family are some of the sweetest people you will ever meet. Dan, the husband, has battled cancer...beat it, and is now in ICU for double ammonia. Gloria, the wife, has done everything she can to be there for him and still keep their household going. Jesse, the daughter, is in middle school and has the sweetest heart of anyone I know. Though this family has been through so much, they have praised God through it all. They still desire to be active members of our church. Their faith amazes me, and I am challenged.

God, help me to not only be grateful, but to act on that gratefulness. Help me to grow in faith. I want to praise you in the good and bad times. Thank you for teaching me in all circumstances. Amen

My Calling

So I've recently realized why I've decided to go into rehabilitation counseling, and Thanksgiving dinner sparked this thought....

I don't know how your family is, but it seems to me that just about every family has that person who is condescending. There is nothing you could do that would ever add up to be good enough. What they do will always be better than what you could do. I have a cousin who is like this. God love her, and I honestly don't know if she realizes she is like this. For as long as I can remember she has looked down her nose on my sister and I. This thanksgiving she asked me, "So what are you doing now?" And not in that curious I haven't talked to you in forever way. I told her I was getting my Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, and that I found it rewarding. "Rewarding?" she said. "Yes, rewarding, I get to help people," I replied. She didn't know I heard her, but under her breath she said, "Yeah, but most people don't want the help." I was shocked, but I knew she was referring to addiction. Every time I tell some that I'm going into rehabilitation counseling they always connect it with drug addiction or alcoholism.

First of all, you obviously don't have a clue what my field is like. Let me explain:

When an OIF veteran comes home, and he slips through the local Memphis VA assessments because they are overwhelmed with the over 200,000 veterans they serve in three states (over 53 counties), and is unable to find a job because of one, our economy and two, he/she is suffering from PTSD. I am the person who will who works for the state vocational rehab program and helps that person not only find counseling, but talks to them about their goals and helps them take the steps needed in furthering their education and/or finding employment.

When a young adult starts to show early signs of schizophrenia, has an episode, and ends up hospitalized. I am the person who helps him/her understand their illness and realize that it is not the end of their life. I am the one that the family comes to for support and understanding. I am the one who sets up a treatment plan, and a relapse prevention plan. I teach that patient how important medication is and help them ease their way back into society.

When there is a group of people with a disability who are fighting for equality, I am the person who fights with them. Equality meaning all they want is a ramp into a building or a differing kind of door knob. They want to be able to work. They want access to the same things we have access too. It is not about government money or getting on disability or taking advantage of tax dollars. They simply want to be seen as a person first. I am the person who helps fight that stigma, and acts as a support system.

Though many of the people in my field will work in alcohol and drug treatment facilities, that is not all rehabilitation counseling is about.  I suggest before you make judgments, you do your research.

I don't think it is any secret that I am a Christian, and my faith is extremely important to me. I recently learned in class that rehabilitation counseling is about meeting the client where they are in life and where they are in recovery. It is about making people feel supported and loved. Why am I drawn to this field? Because that is exactly what Jesus did. Jesus did not sit in his high rise office asking people, "how does that make you feel?" Jesus got his hands dirty. It is not a glamorous job. I will be everything from a counselor to a cab driver for my clients, but if that is what it takes I don't care. Jesus didn't care. I believe that Jesus' calling is simple. "Follow Me" But heck, it is not easy. I was called to be a rehabilitation counselor, it gives me an opportunity to get my hands dirty on a daily basis. And yes, I said opportunity. There is no dollar amount that could ever take the place of a changed life.

Thank You

Though Thanksgiving has now come and gone; I still find myself in the spirit of thankfulness. I have been blessed with so much here lately. It seems like right when I start to doubt that God knows what he is doing...he gives me a little glimpse of his plan. He reminds me that he is in control, and I am truly where I need to be right now. I have found new friendships that mean more to me than they could ever realize. I have been blessed with the perfect place to live. I have an amazing job, where I get to hang out with an amazing group of kids. And last but not least, I have found a man who would go to the moon and back for me. I'm not sure anyone has ever loved me as much as he does. Though at times I feel so alone, I have to remind myself of all I have. I can't expect for things to be perfect all the time. God has bless me. So, I think that during this season of thankfulness I will try to remind myself that I have the things I have because God gave them to me. For that, I want to say Thank You.

I am alone enough I don't feel afraid

I think that fear cripples us from making life changing decisions. We are afraid of what people will think. We are afraid we will fail. We are afraid that it will turn out bad.  We are afraid that unexpected things will come up. Mostly we are afraid that we will be wrong.

I am wrong a lot.

You should try saying that. It kind of feels good. No one is as hard on me as I am. I can't be afraid anymore. I just started thinking today...What do I have to lose?

Absolutely Nothing.

I don't have anything to lose because I don't have anything. Everything I have is on loan.

I don't feel afraid.

I Promised Myself...

How important is a promise that you make to yourself? How important is it to keep that promise?

I'm struggling with those questions. Maybe where I was in life at that time impacted the promise made, and it shouldn't influence my life now. Maybe things are different. Maybe I made that promise based on circumstances that I'm no longer in. But on the other hand....Maybe I made that promise to myself because I never wanted to be in that situation again. ever.

God, Remind me how much you love me. I know you desire the best for my life. Help me figure out what 'the best' actually is. I don't want it to be up to me. Amen.

Sorry to Disappoint You

I don't have all the answers.
Help me find them.
I don't always do everything right.
Let's do it together.
Sometimes I say the wrong thing.
Don't jump to conclusions.
Sometimes I misunderstand.
Clarify it for me.
I'm going to have grumpy days.
That's just part of life.
I'm going to make you mad.
Make me feel loved anyway.
I often have a lot on my mind.
Tell me it will be okay.
I often speak before I think.
I'm sorry in advance.
I'm not perfect.
No one is.
I'm not perfect.
What you see is what you get.
Sorry to disappoint you.