What In the WORLD is Going On?

Some of you may be scratching your heads and asking yourselves, “What in the WORLD is going on,” as you listen to the tragic current events that have been going on and plaguing our society all across the country.  Things have been so scary that some of you may be fearful to even leave your homes, at this point, because you don’t know if you’ll return.

Everyone is pointing the finger at one another and, yes, our country is very divided as some blame those in the “oval” office while others blame the “press”.  No matter what side you have aligned yourself with, until a solution is found, everyone loses — and I mean everyone!

We are very much living in trying times, but instead of one side fighting the other and calling each other names and displaying childlike behavior (which solves nothing and is certainly not positive behavior that is indicative of what we what our children to see), why not come together and actually listen to each other for a change to find a solution to this escalating problem.  I have my thoughts and opinions on the topic; however, this is not a platform for that.  Every single one of us should be accountable for doing our part — no matter how small you might deem it to be.

Just think if everyone took an interest in making things better, how much positivity would be spread around.  Some of us know people who need our assistance, but have opted to look the other way because we don’t want to be bothered with “their” issues.  Let’s face it, no one wants to sign up for what they consider trouble; however, it’s time for us to stop minding our business and roll up our sleeves as we get into the trenches to help our fellow man.  People are hurting, and yes, we are our brother’s keeper.  

How about we learn to work together, and then agree to disagree when our thoughts, views, and/or suggestions aren’t welcomed?  What I have learned in life is that communication is extremely vital.  There was a time that I made a fair number of mistakes due to my lack of desire to communicate.  I expected people to be able to read my mind or if I was hurt or upset about something, I’d walk around angry for weeks at a time rather than talking about it; just for the record, that accomplished absolutely nothing.  Without communication a lot of assumptions are made, which oftentimes are incorrect, and we are left to our own thoughts and scenarios to play out in our minds.

As we go about our daily lives why not think about where we can lend a helping hand.  There are kids who need mentoring.  Why not take a child or two or three or four under your wing, if this is your area of giftedness.  If this is not your thing, but you know someone who could benefit from these services, I know of two programs because I’ve actually had personal experience with them —  Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (my son was in the program and we were fortunate enough to have a wonderful match who kept in touch with him, even after he aged out).  His Big followed him all through high school and beyond.  The other program in Baltimore is called BTST which is really good; again, I know about them personally as my daughter was in the program.  There are tons of programs out there, but you will have to do your homework and perform extensive research, as all programs are not equal.  Bear in mind kids will grow up one day, and we want them to be able to function in life and be successful in whatever path they find themselves on.  However, while they’re growing, they are watching and listening to everything we do, so be very, very careful what you do and so in front of them.

Don’t forget to check on your friends and loved ones.  Sometimes, people feel no one cares, which leads to depression and can set them on the path to self destruction as well.  Everyone wants to be loved, even if they won’t admit it.  Don’t think that because you can’t do anything big that you don’t have anything to contribute.  I know this sounds cliche but, sometimes, it really is the little things that count because those are the thoughtful things.  It could be a quick phone call, a text message, a letter, a card, whatever comes to your mind that could make a huge difference in someone who is going through.

In our willingness to help, sometimes, we, unfortunately, encounter people that we can’t reach.  We’ve been there for them.  We’ve given them all of the tools they need.  We’ve talked to them for a countless number of hours, and they are still on the path of destruction.  Because of our need to constantly save the day, we soon become enablers of their behavior as they manipulate us.  These are the kind of people who leave us feeling drained and completely exhausted as we have allowed them to suck the life out of us.  They keep taking and taking and taking and taking some more, and keep right on doing whatever it is they are doing.  At some point, we need to take a step back and not feel guilty about it.  When we’ve done all we can to help someone, and they are still exhibiting the same behaviors maybe that just means our assignment is up.  Perhaps, it’s someone else’s turn to pick up where we left off.  That doesn’t mean we’ve turned our back on them or have left them out there to be slaughtered, we’re simply saying I’ve done all I can do.  We’re not actually kicking them to the curb but rather put some distance in between the relationship as we need time to regroup and refocus mentally.

At my church we have a motto, “Each One Bring One, Each One Win One”.  Just think if everyone took just one person that they knew was struggling with something, albeit mental health, physical health, homelessness, joblessness, financial insecurities, health, etc., what a difference we’d all make.  The responsibility doesn’t just fall on a select few, but on all of us.  Some people aren’t able to physically help but, perhaps, they can pray for strength for those who are on the frontline.  James 2:14-16 – What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?  Can faith save him?  If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?  Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.”  Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.“  Faith and then the work to back it up is extremely powerful. Whatever happened to “In God We Trust” that is on our currency and certainly a motto that most used to live by.

I hope as you read this week’s post, you’ll think of something you can do to lend a hand.  If you have been thinking about something and have been afraid to execute it, now is the time as it is absolutely crucial for you to utilize the tools that you’ve been given as you also help to make a difference.  We can’t afford to sit around and do nothing and watch our country destroy itself or go to H-E-DOUBLE TOOTHPICKS in a hand basket, as the old folks used to say.  Remember that we all have a gift and we have been placed on this earth for a purpose.

REACH OUT AND TOUCH…

WE GOT THIS…

If you have topics that you would like to see covered, please email me at grace.deveraux@yahoo.com.

Always remember,#GurlYouGotItGoinOn

Love ya,

Grace

Have a “splentastic” weekend!

P.S.:  I now have a podcast that is featured on Spotify as well as Apple Podcasts and a few others, which you may find under Grace Deveraux or “Take A Leap With Grace.”  Also, you may find me on Instagram @Gracedeveraux.  Please stop by and check out what I’ve been up to. 😊