Questioning Insight, Understanding, and Rock Bottom

“When I’m at the bottom looking up, the main question may not be ‘how do I get out of this hole?’ In reality, the main question might be ‘how do I get rid of the shovel that I used to dig it?”

-- Craig D. Lounsbrough

 

What are your insights or ideas about "The moment you say no to tyranny, you are beginning the struggle, the long lonely road to freedom."?

History answers this best. We, Americans, fought and died for the idea of freedom. We struggled, and continue to struggle, for the freedom of all people.

The Soviet Union collapsed, and Russia was handed freedom without the sacrifice necessary to burn the idea of freedom from Soviet control into their brains. Now, they are slipping back into socialism.

Socialism also wants to assert control over the United States. It is fortunate that so many of us remember the constant struggle we endure to protect our freedoms. Before socialism wins this political battle, there will be another revolution and the flag of freedom will still endure.

Are you able to understand what almost nobody can understand?

What?

Author's comment:  I meant to ask if you’re able to understand what many people can’t understand.

My reply:  And I was being facetious.  Gotchya...

Why does my partner demand only "yes" or "no" as an answer?

Demand? Sounds like your partner is suffering from delusions of self-importance. If what they want is “yes” or “no” and you have more to offer, you obviously can’t answer the question, so don’t answer. When they ask why you haven’t answered, explain it requires more than a simple “yes” or “no.” Demand? I’d kick their ass for just presuming they could ever demand.

“Maybe those sorts of yes-or-no life-and-death decisions are easier to make because they are so black and white. I can cope with them because it's easier. Human emotions, well ... they're just a fathomless collection of grays and I don't do so well on the mid-tones.”

-- Jasper Fforde

Is there a necessary minimal age to perceive the value of the truth after telling a certain amount of lies?

Most people learn not to lie at a young age unless they want to spend several weeks doing penance on their knees after confession in order to perceive the value of truth. What is a “certain amount” of lies? 100? 200? An occasional truth? No lie is ever acceptable.

Author's comment:  I totally agree with you. I'm 16 and all the lies I told are hurting now. I don't know if it's necessary to tell a minimal number of lies and feel disgusting after that to stop lying or at least lower the frequency. I don't know if lying frequently at childhood and puberty is part of the life of any type of human consciousness, especially the high-quality ones. And I don't know someone who can give me a satisfactory answer or if there's something for me to observe to find answers. All you said is right but not that much clarifying.

My reply:  At 16, you might want to look at building a “personal moral code of ethics.” If not now, then when? Better to write out your code of ethics so you can know when you violate them. Violating your personal code of ethics defines who you are, so if you want to be known by everyone around you as a liar, press on. As you get older the lies will become more damaging to you. Personally, I’d like to be seen as representing something a little deeper than that shallow end of the gene pool. Did that clear it up a bit?

What's the biggest accomplishment you've ever made in the span of one hour?

I made a butt-load of money on a stock purchase. The biggest failure was when I didn’t sell it high.

Is it best to follow your gut, rather than your head sometimes when starting a new career?

If you’ve had an “old” career, you’re probably not that naive.

“Follow reason, but don’t ignore that gut feeling.”

-- Debasish Mridha

Is anyone above a mistake?

No, and if they think they are they live in fantasy. Failure is the best way we learn.

Is there a level (or limit) of understanding where we simply will never comprehend, and it is wise to stop at that point and just accept this limit?

No. Understanding will always occur as long as people continue to question. What we don’t comprehend today, we will probably comprehend tomorrow. We didn’t accept “flat earth” or our inability to fly. We proved the earth isn’t flat and we have occupied outer space.

We comprehend the speed of light, anti-gravity, and quantum transport. There are those who agree that we comprehend these ideas, but also say they will never come about. It seems we still have much to learn about never saying never. Those who do, tend to wear egg on their faces. Not a great fashion statement.

What does “wokeness” culture hope to achieve?

The collapse of truth?

“The United States went from the undisputed leader in the "Idea Economy" to a censored and barren wasteland of 'wokeness' in one generation.”

-- A.E. Samaan

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. — Jacques-Yves Cousteau. What do you make of this statement?

I look at it as a spiritual feeling that those who have the opportunity really can understand. I grew up right on the Pacific Ocean, in California. I left there in 1972 and have felt the pull of the clear, deep blue waters of the Pacific ever since. I can’t really explain it, but there is a peace I feel when I sit in the morning fog and listen to the breakers crashing against the rocks. It truly “holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

What’s the best financial decision that you’ve ever made?

SHMP - I bought 120,000 shares of it at $.06/share. It went up to $.89/share. I sold 30,000 shares. It is now languishing at $.38/share until it gets its second wind. I thought about selling the balance at $4.00, but I might hold half of it just to see if it goes a bit higher than that. 

What is the best advocacy that promotes doing what is right and avoid doing bad things?

“Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” 

-- Jeremiah 22:3 

What do you think of our world right now?

How our current administration, in the United States, has shown the willingness to turn its back on it. I only hope the world recognizes the administration does not reflect the will of the people of our country. Hold firm in your belief in us, as this too shall pass. Such is the purpose of “free and legal” elections, or revolution against the oppressors.

It’s been a long time since I received criticism. How do I handle it?

If it is deserved, with grace and humility. If it is not deserved, then smile and continue on your path. The truth will out. 

When you hit rock bottom did you feel you were drowning with so many obstacles in your path that kept pulling you under? How were you able to bounce back eventually and overcome the impediments and how long did it take you to reach where you are now?

“When you hit rock bottom” nothing could pull you further under, as you’re already at rock bottom. The good thing about rock bottom is that you can’t go any lower. No matter what you do, you can only go up from there.

If you put the barrel of the gun in your mouth and, at that moment, understand the reality of your failures, you also understand that you have the choice to learn from them and become stronger in the process. Or, you can choose not to learn anything, in which case you will continue to exist at the “rock bottom” of your life… or not.  Again, your choice.

Whether you are at rock bottom of your own volition or due to someone else, I think there are four choices we are constantly confronted with in life: Choose to make a choice. Choose to make no choice. Choose to learn from the choice. Choose to learn nothing from the choice. 

Life is about the choices you make concerning the circumstances you find yourself in. Make good choices and, for God’s sake, take the gun out of your mouth. I’ve found that it really solves nothing. It took me five years to become aware and to climb back up from my own pit of despair with the help of loving friends. I had to admit that my despair was not as deep as some. I’m certain that the time it takes to "bounce back" is relative to the circumstances you are wrestling with. Strive to be happy always.

“When you decide to hit rock bottom, humiliation is part of the deal.”

-- Guillaume Musso

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 the 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 volunteered as a chaplain at the regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com