Para What? (Reprinted and updated from 11/1/2015)

"I speak my mind because it hurts to bite my tongue.

The worth of a book is measured by what you carry away from it.

It's not over till it's over.

Imagination is everything.

All life is an experiment.

What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly."

-- Pat Frayne 

I going to make this article short.

Many will probably be happy not to subject themselves to the tedium of the lengthy thoughts, that constantly plague me.  For these folks, I can only say... now you know how I feel.  For the rest of you who look forward to my thoughts, or enjoy reading them, well, I'm always happy to have you along on my path, though I question your sanity for doing so.  I'm not sure if following me would evidence a masochistic tilt or a search for faith. 

I had a month of precognitive experiences, which culminated in a prize drawing at a Halloween party one night.  Every time we would buy a specific beer, at the Cigar bar, we would get a ticket for the prize drawing.  This contest has been going on for months.  I made the comment when I bought my first beer for this, that one ticket is all I would need to win.  As it turned out, many beers later, I required two tickets to win two of the prizes.  As unsurprising as this was for me, the fact that one of the prizes was an expensive bike did surprise me.  I had just started looking for a bike the other day.

This follows my Monday thought that I needed to "get out of the house" and do something with my time. This was followed by a phone call from a friend asking me to lead the chaplaincy at one of the local Medical Centers.

Now, one might think, this would be the time to consider winning a million bucks.  But, what would I do with a million dollars?  If God wanted me to win that kind of money, He already knows I would put it to good use in some sustainable charitable contribution to the local community.  I might even be able to get the thought for a "Center for Tolerance" out of my head, and onto the drawing board.

Man has abilities that lie dormant within us.  As we entered this new century, where technology takes over much of our lives, we experienced fewer anomalies.  How sad it is that we have forgotten the "gifts" bestowed on us from on high.  How sad, that these random experiences have become "humorous anecdotes" instead of cherished abilities.  How different our world might be, if we pay attention to being "spiritually" more than we are.

Just my short thought.

“Occult’ may perhaps sound somewhat sinister in the ears of some modern readers, but its original meaning is not connected to black magic or any other evil; the word is derived from the Latin occultus, meaning ‘secret’ or ‘hidden’, and is a neutral term for phenomena that are obscure to us. For example, Isaac Newton, who first formulated the law of gravitation, describes gravity as having ‘occult’ qualities, as it cannot be seen and it exerts its power at a distance and in a secret way.”

-- Terje Simonsen

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 view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, 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.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a 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. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained in 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He 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 personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

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