Making a Long Story Short

"I could not stop talking because now I had started my story,
it wanted to be finished."

-- Chris Cleave, writer, journalist

A British writer and journalist, Chris Cleave, once wrote "I could not stop talking because now I had started my story, it wanted to be finished. We cannot choose where to start and stop. Our stories are the tellers of us."  It can be an unfortunate reality that humans are storytellers.  I suffer from this.  Many of those around me also suffer from this.  And, there are those who make others suffer from this.  We don't necessarily mean to visit suffering upon others, we just have a burning desire to pass on a tale we find interesting or important. Sometimes our stories are the tellers of us.  Oftentimes, I'd say the way we deliver a story is also a great teller of us.

Oh, you're going to make a long story short, again?  Well, why don't you just shoot me in the head with a large caliber bullet, set fire to my nether regions, or beat me about the head with a cast iron skillet?  Actually, as my "significant other" can attest, I usually excuse myself for a second while I go make another stiff drink, a refreshment, to enjoy during the aforementioned "short" story.  Tolerance and patience - the two lessons which God constantly places in front of me.  I usually include a silent prayer when I'm confronted with "short" stories:  Please, God, make this lesson interesting.  If your audience mutters "amen" at the end of your tale, they're either glad you're finished or they found it interesting and actually got something meaningful out of it, like enjoyment, the moral, or just the point of why they thought you needed to hear it in the first place.

"Well, if storytelling is important, then your narrative ability or your ability to put into words or use what someone else has put into words effectively, is important too."

-- Howard Gardner, psychologist, Harvard professor

When someone has a story to tell, it is usually one of life's little amusing anecdotes.  By definition, an anecdote is "a short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person."  Societal politeness requires that we endure the tale out of respect for the person telling it, even if it was volunteered and not asked for.  Again, this might require tolerance and patience if the storyteller isn't familiar with the definition of "short" and, in particular, just the idea behind keeping the anecdote short.

I learned the art of keeping things short while briefing intelligence situations to command staff and aircrew in the military.  Tell them what they have a need to know and if they have questions they'll ask.

I wrote two novels for my own enjoyment.  The first was 500 pages long and the second, more of a draft, was only 200.  I know for a fact that the 200-page effort needs more meat added to it.  I also realize the 500-page effort is almost half the length of War and Peace.  It has so much fluff that it very well might bore the reader in spots.  I know all this because I'm my own worse critic.  I'm always fighting my urge to keep things concise and to the point, hard to do when writing the "great American novel," even when it's just for yourself.

Our anecdotes, on the other hand, are supposed to be concise and interesting.  I liken them to intelligence briefings; cut out all the fluff and get to the point.  Consider your audience, watch their faces for boredom, and learn to wrap it up quickly if you start to lose them - like when they yawn, refill their drink, or have to use the restroom more than once.  

"Storytelling offers the opportunity to talk with your audience, not at them."

-- Laura Holloway, Founder and Chief of The Storyteller Agency

When it comes right down to it, shorter is usually better.  What we find interesting is not necessarily interesting to others.  I find this especially true when someone feels like sharing the drama in their lives, or their children's lives, or the drama in the lives of the third cousin on their mother's uncle's sister's side.  Why in the world would someone think we'd find that interesting?  Yet there are those who think we should, and they even think we should get involved in it, as well.  Not only no, but hell no!  I try to stay well away from drama.

“Once upon a time there was what there was, and if nothing had happened there would be nothing to tell.”

-- Charles de Lint, writer

Soap operas and reality TV are meant for those people who don't have a life.  If they had a life they wouldn't be escaping into someone else's fictional drama, they'd be too wrapped up in their own drama.  And, I guess that's the point; most of us have enough drama in our lives and, because of that drama, we all have stories we think need to be told.  They usually aren't short humorous anecdotes meant to put a smile on our face at the telling but, rather, they are dramas which everyone else thinks we need to hear, or worse, to be a part of.  Fine, then do us all a favor and learn to keep the story short. 

Find a way to keep the tale concise and get rapidly to the point.  If your audience is really interested they'll ask questions and make comments.  God knows we all have more than enough people waiting in line to regale us with their own dramas.  I'll probably end up at my favorite watering hole, later on, and have a couple of drinks with friends as we swap anecdotal tales of the past few days.  I will endeavor to keep mine short and, as usual, I too will probably fail.

Just saying.

“The art of storytelling is reaching its end because the epic slice of truth, wisdom, is dying out.”

-- Walter Benjamin (1892-1940), philosopher, cultural critic

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

Misery Loves Company?

"Oftentimes, when people are miserable, they will want to make other people miserable, too. But it never helps."

-- Lemony Snicket, author, musician

Over the years I have received my fair share of mail bemoaning one's misery.  My only response to these poor souls is to stop being miserable.  It isn't that I don't care; it's simply that my point of reference for their attitude was left so many years behind me that I remember little of it.  When faced with even the possibility of misery, I immediately work to change my circumstances.  I just don't want to entertain misery in my life.  There is no point to it, other than begetting more misery.

I have found that many people who contact me aren't really interested in any advice or comfort.  Rather, they seem more interested in using my shoulder to bleed all over, and this is fine.  I've developed broad shoulders, so there's plenty of virtual canvas to cover.  One aspect of being a pastor is to listen to the woes of others, and then give some much sought after constructive advice on changing their circumstance.

Unfortunately, there are those who are content to wallow in their pit of misery and despair.  More unfortunate, though, is when they insist on dragging others into the pit with them.  Oh, hell no!  These cherished few seem taken aback when I refuse to feed the drama they proffer with platitudes in what we both know will be a never-ending exercise in futility.  This is my preferred tact:  You bleed, I listen, I feel your pain, I offer advice, now you have a decision to make; either I'm refusing to buy into the misery, I'm full of shit, or I really have something to offer, to consider.  Nobody can teach someone else anything, all we can do is mentor, open another door to possibilities, offer up what we think we know.  Making the choice to take action is up to each individual.  Only you can make the conscious choice to change your circumstances.

"Some people are so addicted to their misery that they will destroy anything that gets in the way of their fix."

-- Bryant McGill, author, activist

The best advice I can give people living in what they think of as "constant misery" is to change their attitude.  Easy, right?  This is exactly what they don't want to hear, but it is exactly what they need to understand and embrace.  Nothing permanent happens without an impetus for change, and that impetus must come from the person wanting change or all is for naught.  No one else can walk your path for you.  Others people can mentor you in a more constructive direction, but it is up to you to embrace the advice, implement change and learn to walk your own path.

Our misery may be one lesson or it may be comprised of many.  These are lessons we have laid in front of ourselves, or others have placed in front of us for any number of reasons or, perhaps, for no reason at all.  We can worry over them, go around them, or work on them, as each situation dictates.  For myself, when a lesson crops up multiple times, I've already been there and done that; I simply let it go.  I have so much more to occupy my time than letting unnecessary drama into my life.

"We generally fancy ourselves more miserable than we are, for want of taking a true estimate of things; wherefore we fly into transports without reason, and judge of the happiness or calamity of human life, by false lights."

-- Wellins Calcott (1726-1779), author

Unnecessary drama is something we have control over.  Necessary drama, on the other hand, is drama over which we have no control and cannot escape without being totally heartless assholes.  For instance, when my father recently died, that was drama I could do nothing about.  It was a family drama, one which I expected, sooner or later, and drama I was more than willing to accept for the sake of my mother.  It is what a son does, and I am fine with that.  No harm, no foul.  This is drama I will work through to its ultimate conclusion, and learn much from in preparation for my own inescapable demise.

"Part of every misery is, so to speak, the misery's shadow or reflection: the fact that you don't merely suffer but have to keep on thinking about the fact that you suffer. I not only live each endless day in grief, but live each day thinking about living each day in grief."

-- C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), author, theologian, academician

Unnecessary drama is that which we, usually, invite upon ourselves.  We wallow in the misery of it because, generally, we don't understand it or know how to deal with it.  We may not be willing not to just walk away from it, for reasons which escape us.  Perhaps we have become perpetually miserable and see no reason to change our masochistic tendency?  Unnecessary drama is drama best left alone.  Shake your head at the insanity of it, smile knowingly, and simply walk away from it.  If walking away doesn't work, try running.  Life is much too short for this kind of bullshit.

"I've learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our disposition and not on our circumstances."

-- Martha Washington (1731-1802), inaugural First lady of the U.S.

Our desire for happiness is all about our attitude.  It is about how we approach life and the good decisions we make.  It is recognizing bad decisions for what they are and knowing how to change the circumstances we have cause ourselves by agreeing to buy into the decision.

"Happy people find a way to live with their problems, and miserable people let their problems stop them from living."

-- Sonya Parker, actress, author

Are there repercussions to bad decisions?  Absolutely.  Will it take work to overcome the circumstances and change them for the better?  Absolutely.  It is called life, learn to deal with it.  Understand it is just another series of lessons we need to learn, another series of tasks to be accomplished, and smile at the countless opportunities to accel in your life.  The more we learn about anything, the easier anything becomes.  Change is the only universal constant, so it might be better for all concerned if we learn to make the best changes possible.

Don't spend so much time concerned about those things in your life which cause you grief.  Better to be wrapped up in those things which cause you to smile and be happy.  The glass isn't half empty, it's almost full.  Stop looking for the negative and start looking for the positive. If it's possible, let everything else go.  Try putting all your effort into making yourself happy.  Start by deciding to change your life for the better.   If nothing else, start each day by smiling.  

Start now.

"Miserable people focus on the things they hate about their life. Happy people focus on the things they love about their life."

-- Sonya Parker, actress, author

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

Path of Obstacles

Obstacles do not block the path, they are the path. 

– Zen Proverb

"Obstacles do not block the path, they are the path."  A gentleman recently mentioned this line he quoted from Proverbs, in the Bible.  The Bible?  I had to come home and look it up because I didn't remember that particular quote coming from biblical scripture.  I remembered reading it somewhere, however, and it turns out I was right.  I read it years ago.  The quote is from a proverb, but a Zen Buddhist proverb, not a biblical one.  Where it originated, however, detracts little from the truth of it.

During my talks, especially as chaplain at the medical center, I constantly tout the virtues of obstacles along our personal path.  The problems we encounter in life are nothing more than lessons to be learned, tests to be taken, and tasks to complete, as we graduate from one aspect of our life to another.  Obstacles prepare us to move on from this life, this existence, and transition into the next.

"If you miss the present moment, you miss your appointment with life. That is very serious!"

-- Thich Nhat Hanh, monk, Zen Master

Obstacles are a means of discovery.  I often tell my PTSD audience that failure should not be viewed as a bad thing.  Failure is the way we truly learn.  If you don't do something wrong, how do you truly know if you are doing it right?  When we were born, we learned to walk, and we fell often until we learned to do it right, and then we moved forward and learned to run.  Life is full of lessons.  Learn from the past to be engaged in the present.  The present is what it is until it isn't.  Don't concern yourself with the future, as it will arrive regardless of our concerns and, once again, it will be what it is, the present.

What we consider to be difficult is only so until we become good at it, and then we wonder why we ever thought it was.  Carpe Diem!  Seize upon each day as if it were your last.  Constantly smile, if for no other reason than to make those around you wonder why.  If we approach each morning with sincere thanks for another chance to excel in life, we begin our day with an attitude which can be nothing more than acceptant of the tasks ahead.  Have no expectations.  Don't look at the "in-basket" of work to be done but, rather, complete each task as you get to it and then move on to the next.

"Do not allow the future to trouble your mind; for you will come to it, if come you must, bringing with you the same reason that you now apply to the affairs of the present."

-- Marcus Aurelius (121-180 A.D.), Roman emperor, Stoic philosopher

Don't concern yourself over those things for which you have no control.  Life is a series of tests which involve choices and consequences.  Make good choices and get good consequences.  Inversely, make bad choices and get bad consequences.  If you don't pass the test, learn from your mistake and make a better choice until you arrive at the consequence you seek.  The only failure in life is when we stop living it.  We will find truth in Heraclitus' philosophy, "The only thing that is constant is change."  Changes will occur regardless of our attempts to prevent them.  Better to learn from the change, make adjustments, and move on.

"This is the real secret of life – to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play."

-- Alan Watts (1915-1973), author, theologist, Zen Buddhist

Anger accomplishes nothing and reveals much.  Honesty is an easier pill to swallow if it isn't washed down with vinegar.  Learn how to communicate.  I learned my communication skills in the military.  Learn to listen respectfully, ask questions when appropriate, and then respond respectfully.  Clear communication is a method of mitigating obstacles.

My personal path has been rife with obstacles, some large, most small, but all have been an impetus for change.  Everything depends on everything else.  We are nothing without those around us, and if we think we are, we are alone.  We cannot be viewed as something without someone else to view us.  We cannot use a tool without a tool to use.  We cannot recognize dark without knowing light, bitter without knowing sweet, peace without knowing anger, or a clear path without encountering obstacles.  

To everything, there must be an opposite. To everything, there must also be a balance.  When the irresistible force meets the immovable object, something will happen.  Some change will occur.  The change will be balanced equally, by the universe, in some way.  I have witnessed, many times, when one door closed and another opened, when one opportunity was missed and another presented itself.  I have heard people state that this never happens to them.  I would say, they were too wrapped up in the loss to see it.

Obstacles are a part of this game of life.  Obstacles are God's way of teaching us to play the game.  Learn to play, and have fun doing it.

"Our actions may be impeded, but there can be no impeding our intentions or dispositions. Because we can accommodate and adapt. The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."

-- Marcus Aurelius (121-180 A.D.), Roman emperor, Stoic philosopher

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

State of Grace

Divine grace is a theological term present in many religions. It has been defined as the divine influence which operates in humans to regenerate and sanctify, to inspire virtuous impulses, and to impart strength to endure trial and resist temptation; and as an individual virtue or excellence of divine origin.

-- Wikipedia

I like to think of "grace" in other than Christian, or theological, terms.  What if the universe simply imparts individual virtue to those who open their minds to the possibility of it?  What if "divine grace" is simply a universal force which makes each of us strive to be more than we are; more virtuous, excellent, and graceful than we might otherwise be?  What if we leave theology out of the equation and just do in our lives that which is right and virtuous, simply because it is right and virtuous?  We all know what right and virtuous is, so why don't we exercise it in our lives?  Maybe we do.  Maybe it isn't as difficult as clergy would make it seem.

Many people are turned off by religion because of religious scripture and, more to the point, the sheer volume of it.  My own mother laments of her childhood and having been turned off to religion by a father who forced biblical scripture down her throat.  Where in scripture does it say to do this?  Where does it say to write scripture?  To go to the synagogue or church?  As to this latter, refer to Matthew 6:5-8.

"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live. The law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out." 
-- Dwight Lyman Moody (1837-1899), evangelist

What we know as "Holy Scripture" began with Moses, over 1400 years before the birth of Jesus Christ.  Moses is responsible for the first five of the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament, the "Jewish Bible."  The Council of Nicea, in 325 A.D., and the First Council of Constantinople, in 381 A.D., decided which books of scripture should be accepted as pertinent.  

St. Jerome, four centuries after the death of Christ, chose the next twenty-seven books for the New Testament" and compiled all sixty-six books into one volume for the first time, thus continuing the historical mistranslations and misinterpretations of the written word of man "inspired" by God.  In 1604 A.D., the "King James Version" added an "intertestamental section" containing 14 more ancient texts.

Truth be known, there is only one source, one true "WORD" of God, written in stone, if the Old Testament is to be believed:  The Ten Commandments.  Yes, life is truly that simple.  I don't think the supreme power in the universe ever intended life to be as difficult as "organized" religion has made it.  The people were simple, so why shouldn't the commandments be simple enough for them to understand and comply with?  Yes, and no.  Do, and do not.  Life is that simple.

"Grace can neither be bought, earned, or won by the creature. If it could be, it would cease to be grace."

-- Arthur W. Pink (1866-1952, evangelical author, biblical teacher

If we accept that life is that simple, then a "state of grace" would be found in adhering to the tenets of the Ten Commandments or, for adherents of Buddhist philosophy, the "Noble Eightfold Path" of righteousness taught by Buddha some 2500 years ago, or the enhanced "Twelvefold Path."  Most world religions have some simple version of these rules for righteous behavior.  How complicated the interpretation of those rules become are the responsibility of the clergy involved with any "organized" religion.  The moment an idea is written down, mankind will, ultimately, muck it up.  It is, after all, what we're so very good at doing - thinking and screwing stuff up.

As for Christianity, some brilliant philosopher (Jesus Christ) compressed the Ten Commandments down to one "Golden Rule" which can be found in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 7:12, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  Simple.

"Grace is the very opposite of merit... Grace is not only undeserved favor, but it is favor, shown to the one who has deserved the very opposite."

-- Harry Ironside (1876-1951), theologian, pastor, author

So, what is this "State of Grace" we should strive for?  How about just treating each other right, for a change?  Treat each other with respect and honesty.  Help each other to find a better path.  Be tolerant of each other's peaceful and honorable belief systems.  Be a light in the darkness which others can congregate around and follow the righteous example of. It starts with moral, honest, and ethical conduct.  To not be perpetually offended.  To always try and find the good and the beauty in everything.

I'm saddened when I see how our government leaders have strayed from this idea of righteous behavior toward each other. They have long forgotten how to treat one another.  Pointing the fickle finger of blame seems to be all they can accomplish.  They have no direction.  They have lost mutual respect and honesty.  They've lost the righteousness we expect from the elected officials we pay to lead us and, as a consequence, we seem to be following their prime example with our own lack of ethical conduct toward each other.  Perhaps we need to make better choices for who we expect to accomplish the task of running our government, for who we look up to for guidance, and for whom we pay for an "honest" day's work.

A state of grace?  Sometimes I wonder if it exists, and then I see the innocence in a child's eyes and I remember the truth of the unique "grace" which is gifted to each of us.

“You were born into a state of grace. It is impossible for you to leave it. You will die in a state of grace whether or not special words are spoken for you, or water or oil is poured upon your head. You share this blessing with the animals and all other living things. You cannot fall out of grace, nor can it be taken from you. You can ignore it. You can hold beliefs that blind you to its existence. You will still be graced but unable to perceive your own uniqueness and integrity, and blind also to other attributes with which you are automatically gifted.”

-- Jane Roberts (1929-1984), author, poet, psychic

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

Faith

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”

-- Jim Valvano (1946-1993), basketball player, coach

What is faith?  Can you have faith and not know what faith is?  Most of us have a definition to suit what we believe, and belief is a major part of having a sense of faith.  At its most basic, faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof.  And, most important to this post, if you don't have faith in yourself how can you have faith in anything else?  

I have heard clergy state that if you have faith in God you will find faith in yourself.  I argue that if you can't find undying faith in yourself, how will you possibly know you have undying faith in something greater than yourself?  I have faith that God will help those who help themselves.  Some will argue that the effort was all theirs and that God had little to do with it.  I suppose my answer to them would be, I have faith that my love for the very young and helpless will give me the fortitude to bravely go into a burning building to rescue them.  I will pray for God to give me the strength to survive it.  Will I have survived it anyway?  Maybe, or maybe not.  But, I have found the faith to love and to sacrifice.  Faith in something greater than myself is not a great stretch.

“If you can’t believe in miracles, then believe in yourself. When you want something bad enough, let that drive push you to make it happen. Sometimes you’ll run into brick walls that are put there to test you. Find a way around them and stay focused on your dream. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

-- Isabel Lopez, actress

I believe that God, whatever "God" is, has endowed us with an inner sense to discover ourselves and have faith in ourselves.  I believe that, with this, God has shown faith in us, in our abilities, abilities for which God had given us control.  We can do or not, succeed or fail, try again or give up.  You only know what you know until you fail and, in failure, you will learn more than if you succeed.  This is how we own our life.  It is a continuing cycle of existence which we have been blessed to be a part of.  

Am I right?  I don't know.  I have no proof on which to scientifically base my beliefs.  I can only have faith.  But, I have to ask, how can you truly love unless you know what love is?  How can you have faith unless you know what faith is?  Love yourself first, then show others how you love as the impetus for their own discovery.  Put on your oxygen mask first, before assisting the passenger next to you.  Discover faith in you.  Doctor, heal thy self!

“The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.”

-- Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813-1855), philosopher, theologian, poet

Only you can save yourself.  Discover that which is inside you and learn.  Fall down and get back up.  Have faith that you can do, and learn more from failure.  Have faith that you will, sooner or later, succeed.  Be as happy in your trials and failures as you are in your successes.  Find your own, personal faith and revel in it.  Be an example of personal faith for others to follow.  

Understand that this is the journey of your existence.  Only you can walk your path.  While on your path you must constantly ask, "Why?"  

Discovery is what we do, and discovering spiritual faith is another part of who we are.  When you are ready, take everything you have learned about faith and go discover your personal spirituality.  Go discover your God.

“The reason birds can fly and we can't is simply because they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings.”

-- J.M. Barrie (1860-1937), novelist, playwright

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

Flag Day - 2019

"The American flag doesn't give her glory on a peaceful, calm day. It's when the winds pick up and become boisterous, do we see her strength. When she unfolds her hand and shows her frayed fingers, where we see the stretch of red-blood lines of man that fought for this land."

-- Anthony Liccione, soldier, author

Self-proclaimed "Author of Life" Anthony T. Hincks raised a question, "As we raise our national flag do we also raise our hatred and ignorance?"  Is this true?  Absolutely, if you're a member of my favorite group, the League of the Perpetually Offended.  If so, you are perpetually hateful and ignorant, and we expect nothing more from you than you expect of life - hate and ignorance.

A flag is nothing more than a piece of cloth.  As with Holy Scripture, our national flag represents what "we the people" interpret it to represent.  In reality, however, the current flag was intended to represent hardiness, valor, purity, innocence, vigilance, perseverance, and justice.  There is no mention of divisiveness, hatred, racism, intolerance, inequality, and other such negativity which are the purview of those perpetually offended folks who have a hard time targeting the appropriate offenders to their belief systems or are just too lazy to fight the good fight.  They demand a tolerance which they, for the most part, refuse to exercise toward others. 

"That flag is a symbol we attach our emotions to, but it isn't the emotion itself and it isn't the thing we really care about. Sometimes we don't even realize what we really care about, because we get so distracted by the symbols."

-- Tom Wolfe (1930-2018), author, journalist 

1960's civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) wrote, "Every red stripe in that flag represents the black man's blood that has been shed."  Does it?  If the black men who shed that blood represented the hardiness and valor which those red stripes represent then, yes, they do.  Disc jockey and radio personality Adrian Cronauer put this in a better light, in my humble opinion: "Martin Luther King, Jr. didn't carry just a piece of cloth to symbolize his belief in racial equality; he carried the American flag."  Of course, he did, because Martin Luther King, Jr. had great hopes for his nation, this nation.

For every intelligent student of history this flag has represented an undeniable ideology put forth by our founding fathers, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."  The flag of the United States of America represents the unalienable rights of all people to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Most of all, it represents a belief that all people are created equal and should, therefore, be given equal opportunity to succeed in their pursuits.

If one asks me the meaning of our flag, I say to him:  It means all that the Constitution of our people, organizing for justice, for liberty, and for happiness, meant.  Our flag carries ideas, American history, and American feelings.  This American flag was the safeguard of liberty.  It was an ordinance of liberty by the people, for the people.  That it meant, that it means, and, by the blessing of God, that it shall mean to the end of time!"

-- Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887), abolitionist, clergyman, social reformer

Our flag is a symbol of our country's desire to be the best we can be.  Do we fail?  Yes, but we try to learn from our mistakes and move forward in unity.  Our flag should never be used by our citizens as a focal point for protests and political activism, or as a scapegoat for the inequities in our society.  This evidences disrespect for a country which gives these folks the very rights they demand, and yet already have.  It is disrespect for all of those who fought and died to preserve these rights which these few naysayers now abuse for some selfish agenda which would be better displayed some other way.  It evidences ignorance of the freedom fought for by our patriots and guaranteed by this country's laws, for people to peacefully protest or be political activists.  Like a rabid dog, the perpetually offended constantly bite the very hand which feeds them the right to be perpetually offended.

Don't blame the flag for inequities in the system.  Better yet, instead of assigning blame, try working to fix the problem.  Instead of whining, try being the voice of reason and unity.  This country gives us all the same rights, exercise them.  If you feel like you're being held back by some entity, there is legal recourse available to try and solve any perceived wrong.  Most of all, I recommend doing something our education system seems to fail at - learn history.

Learn real history.  What the South calls "that little unpleasantness," the Civil War, might be a good starting point.  Ask yourself, if it was all about slavery, why both sides finally considered freeing the slaves three years into the conflict, and who the North sent to pick cotton when it was all over.  Better yet, learn recent history, like the 20th and 21st century.  Learn about the failures of socialism, communism, Nazism, terrorism, and then look at who we have as elected officials in government, and be very afraid of the path we are on.  As a nation, we have always endeavored to be smarter than this.

Oh, and one last point which really has nothing to do with the flag, but just pisses me off.  For God's sake, quit quoting Martin Luther King, Jr. out of context.  If someone quotes the good Doctor, look up the entire quote before buying into someone's racially divisive bullshit, and just because they marched with Dr. King doesn't make them the next Dr. King.  Just saying, "Reverend" Sharpton.

Note to my readers:  If you have questions concerning respect for the U.S. flag or flag etiquette, please visit the following link:  "Flag Etiquette"

"Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I'm not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be."

-- John Wayne (1907-1979), actor, Medal of Freedom recipient

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.