Are you currently operating at 100% capacity? If not, what % are you? What's keeping you there?
One hundred percent capacity of what? My stomach? Sure. 😊
I'm not sure if I'm working at full capacity of mental capability. My sleep has been rather inconsistent lately. It's getting better, but I'm still working on getting a good night's sleep more than one night in a row. Lack of sleep can be taxing to the brain.
Have you done your taxes? Planned/booked a summer holiday? Thought about or started your 'spring cleaning'? Besides what's listed here, tell us one task that needs doing before spring rolls around.
My taxes are in process.
I've planned several days off in the summer, but other than hopefully going to a ladies retreat in Colorado Springs in July, I've not made specific plans to go anywhere. I want to get this car business squared away before I budget for anything else.
Haven't been in my apartment long enough to need to spring clean.
Before spring rolls around I need to pump the tires, oil the chain and take a spin on my bicycle. I haven't ridden since summer and the Green Hornet thinks I don't love her anymore.
What's a favorite food from your part of the country?
To quote the great Mark Lowry:
Bill Gaither - "What's your favorite animal?"
Mark Lowry - "Fried chicken."
This isn't a leap year, but let's run with it anyway...look before you leap, a leap of faith, grow by leaps and bounds, leap to conclusions, leap at the opportunity...which phrase might best be applied to your life currently (or recently)? Explain.
What I want to apply to my life is to "grow by leaps and bounds." I've got a lot of catching up to do for many years of missed opportunities and growth.
As the month draws to a close list five fun and/or fabulous things (large or small) you noticed or experienced in February.
The most fun book I read in February was Jan Karon's To Be Where You Are.
The most fun blog post I wrote in February was this one.
The College of Adult and Graduate Studies had their big semester update meeting last week. I thought it was fun.
The most fun YouTube video I saw in February was:
If I said that I couldn't think of any more, would that make me a sad person?
Man, I need a car.
Insert your own random thought here.
In case you don't read my Daybooks, I am repeating my request here.
I am considering doing something for Read Across America.For the past two years, I’ve volunteered for the United Way of CalhounCounty’s participation in the yearly celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.Each volunteer goes to a local school, reads an age-appropriate book to a Kindergarten class, then presents the book as a gift to the class.Unfortunately, I discovered that the Mile High United Way here in the Denver area does not participate in this program, nor do they participate in answering their e-mails either.
Anyway...
Here’s my idea.I’m thinking of reading this year’s book, or one like it, either as an audio podcast, or as a video this weekend and posting it online.Would any of you who have small children (or large children, for that matter) be interested in hearing/seeing it?Since I can’t give my love of reading to children here in Lakewood, I’d like to give it to anyone interested.Hit me up in the comments, or by e-mail at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com. Now, if I don't hear from anyone, I'm not going to do it. I don't need to hear me read the story; I want to share it with you.
If you would like to join in and post your own Daybook, please head on over to visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook
For Today: Sunday, February 25, 2018
Outside my window …
A cold sunny day marking the end of a very cold week.The next few days look warmer with no snow in
the forecast.
I am thinking...
…about children’s literature.When I was younger, Beverly Cleary was among my favorite authors. I never read the
entire Ramona series, but I did read Ramona the Brave and Ellen
Tibbits over and over.Now **mumble**
years later, I decided to read the Ramona series starting with book one and glean the same enjoyment
I had as a child.That’s not what
happened.To be clear, my disappointment
has nothing to do with Mrs. Cleary’s books; she’s an excellent writer. I think the problem is that as an adult, I understand the family dysfunction much more. The more I read Beezus and Ramona the
sadder I got.Why?Because in the grand scope of things, I was
Ramona and my sister Ida was Beezus.I
am eight years younger, and though not nearly as disobedient and prone to
tantrums as Ramona (I got my tail torn up if I acted like that), I know I got
on my sister’s very last nerve, and I’m sure she was just as frustrated with my
existence as Beezus was with her younger sister. I wasn't a brat like Ramona, but I wasn't the delightful, imaginative child many in the story saw her to be either. I was a sickly burden who got thrust on my sister to entertain. Reading this book made me understand the family dynamic between my older
siblings and me—at least the ones who were still at home when I was growing up. It’s just too bad I can’t fix it; all I can do is apologize. It is what
it is.I don’t believe I’ll go back and
read any more of the series.I don’t
need that kind of emotional mayhem going on.I’ve got enough to deal with.
CCC's Latest Sermon Series
I’m pondering on today’s sermon.ColoradoCommunityChurch
is in the throws of a series on the Ten Commandments.Today, Pastor Robert taught on “Thou shalt
not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)I
have to give him props for this message.One, he flat-out defined fornication and adultery without tiptoeing around it.(Some people really do need to know what they
mean, or at least they act like they do.)Two, he showed the example of
God’s grace by using the account in John, chapter eight, of the woman caught in
adultery.Third, and most important to
me, he is the first Pastor I’ve ever heard tell those who are single something
I’ve always said; that faithfulness begins before marriage, before dating,
before anything.His approach is a total 180 from any marriage
sermons I’ve heard.I’ve talked about it
before, but the church in general has a bad habit of a) blatantly teaching
females that their only purpose on this earth is to be a wife and mother, b)
ostracizing, dehumanizing, and/or questioning the sexual orientation of any single
woman over the age of 18 ¾, c) honoring women who’ve slept with any and
everybody simply because they have produced children, rather than honoring and
encouraging those who are saving themselves for marriage as God intended.This mentality subliminally encourages
fornication and adultery. It’s as if they’re saying, “Please ladies, just sleep
with somebody and have a baby.You’ll be
one of us and get much better treatment that way.”This was not that kind of sermon.Also, at the closing prayer, he left no one
out.His prayer was for both the married
and the unmarried.And, no, he didn’t
pray for “those single women who desperately pray for a husband and children”
(because that’s all single women pray about, right?)For the first time, I left a marriage sermon
without feeling like I had the word “freak” flashing over my head.Thank you, Pastor Robert.
Now, back to children’s literature...
I am considering doing something for Read Across
America.For the past two years, I’ve
volunteered for the United Way
of CalhounCounty’s participation in the yearly
celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.Each
volunteer goes to a local school, reads an age-appropriate book to a
Kindergarten class, then presents the book as a gift to the class.Unfortunately, I discovered that the Mile High United Way
here in the Denver
area does not participate in this program, nor do they participate in answering
their e-mails either.
Anyway...
Here’s my idea.I’m
thinking of reading this year’s book, or one like it, either as an audio
podcast, or as a video this weekend and posting it online.Would any of you who have small children (or
large children, for that matter) be interested in hearing/seeing it?Since I can’t give my love of reading to
children here in Lakewood,
I’d like to give it to anyone interested.Hit me up in the comments, or by e-mail at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com. Now, if I don't hear from anyone, I'm not going to do it. I don't need to hear me read the story; I want to share it with you.
I am thankful...
for good weather so I could make it to the bus stop for
church.
for a mentor who is willing to continue to give me advice
and encouragement though I’m far away.
for a better week.I
felt rather peaked last week.
for the DMV agent finally getting my eye color correct on my license. It's been wrong ever since I've had a state ID or license.
From the Workshop...
I have several paintings in the works, but nothing complete
to show yet.Still don’t have everything
to finish my big project yet.
I am reading...
I Thought it Was Just Me by Brene Brown.
Word Made Art: Lent by Heather Caliri
Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt
The Greatest Thing in the World and Other Addresses by Henry Drummond.
Books I’ve finished since my last Daybook
Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary.Mentioned earlier.
Braving the Wilderness by Brene’ Brown.Please see the review here.
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder.I reread that one near the end of winter
every few years so that I remember that my winter is nowhere near as bad. I really needed it this year.
I am learning...
that as well as I’m doing with my health, I still make keeping
myself nourished a very low priority.I’m
not budgeting the proper amount of funds to procure enough food to last until
the next pay period.It’s not that I
don’t have the money; I just feel like spending that much on food for me is a
waste.It should be used for something
more important than what I shove in my pie hole.I haven’t figured out how to deal with this
mentality, but if I want to continue and maintain good health habits, the
paradigm must shift.
Favorite quote(s) of the week:
"There are two types of millennials; Sucks and Awesome. There's no middle ground." - Dave Ramsey on his 2/20/18 radio show.
"I believe if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade
and try to find someone whose life has given them Vodka and have a party." – Ron
White
“…God has made humans in his image reflecting God’s very
nature.You’re here to bear fruit,
reproduce, lavish life on the earth, live bountifully.” – Genesis 9: 6b-7. The
Message.
"I can confidently say that stories of pain and courage
almost always include two things:praying and cussing.Sometimes at
the exact same time." – Brene’ Brown
"Far too many Christians have only come through Calvary, but not through Pentecost. So as a result, we are butterflies when we are meant to be eagles." - Charles Spurgeon, quoted by Bianca Olthoff
I am looking forward to...
Colorado Christian University’s Strategic
Objective Workshop this Friday.
Can I be honest? If I have to make my pizza crust out of cauliflower, I better save more than 60 calories. I better save like 6,000 calories. If you eat cauliflower pizza you should automatically get amazing abs. Like first bite." - John Acuff
Author:Brene’ Brown Info:Copyright 2017.New
York:Random
House Rating (on a scale of
1-4 stars):✮ Where
Acquired:Library check out. What
it's about: Brown takes on the
wilderness of loneliness, encouraging the art of what she calls “true
belonging,” while encouraging others to hold true to their beliefs even if they
are standing alone.She uses research
and personal stories to support her thesis. Favorite
Quotes:
Even in the context of suffering—poverty,
violence, human rights violations—not belonging in our families is still one of
the most dangerous hurts.That’s because
it has the power to break our heart, our spirit, and our sense of self worth.
–p. 13
Sometimes the most dangerous thing for
kids is the silence that allows them to construct their own stories—stories
that almost always cast them as alone and unworthy of love and belonging. –p.
15
I can confidently say that stories of pain
and courage almost always include two things:praying and cussing.Sometimes at
the exact same time. –p. 24
Unchecked loneliness fuels continued
loneliness by keeping us afraid to reach out. –p. 54
Based on studies across diverse fields,
[Susan] Pinker concludes that there is no substitute for in-person
interactions.They are proven to bolster
our immune system, send positive hormones surging through our bloodstream and
brain, and help us live longer….’In fact, neglecting to keep in close contact
with people who are important to you is at least as dangerous to your health as
a pack-a-day cigarette habit, hypertension, or obesity.’ –p. 140
Takeaway: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed several of Brown’s
books. They normally cause me to think and usually bring shifts in my thinking
that help me live a more authentic life.However, this volume baffled me.First of all, it is a conglomeration of her previous works, rather than
infusing anything new.Second, it was
confusing as all get out.She talks
about the dangers of loneliness (which freaked the crap out of me) and being
left out, while at the same time saying that you should stand alone and not
worry about belonging.Her thesis was
based on a quote by Maya Angelou:
You
are only free when you realize you belong no place—you belong every place—no
place at all.The price is high.The reward is great.
What the Sam Hill does that even
mean?
Third, it was a smattering of political
correctness, while saying that one doesn’t need to be politically correct.I was terribly disappointed with this
volume.I was hoping to find real strategies
for dealing with loneliness, learning to be more authentic and free so that I
can help others, rather than needing help all the time.Instead of helping, this book was very
wounding to my soul.Instead of helping
me find “true belonging,” I felt more and more isolated, lonely, and depressed.
This book read like Uninvited—if
you feel lonely and left out, too bad because you’re not like me. You should
feel lonely and left out.While speaking
about not labeling, dehumanizing, and marginalizing our fellow human beings,
she labeled, dehumanized, and marginalized those who don’t agree with her.While there were some great quotes in the
book, I couldn’t drink the Kool-Aid of Brown’s Hippie Manifesto.
I posted this on my Daybook from last week. I feel it is appropriate to post it again here.
⌚
I'm pondering the words of a song from today's worship service. (Listen to it here if you'd like). I couldn't get past the first line, "There's beauty in my brokenness." Let me establish that I'm not criticizing the song itself at all. This is my difficulty.
I see no beauty in brokenness. The last time I broke something, it was not beautiful. I broke one of my favorite coffee mugs and it was not pretty. In fact, it got downright ugly.
No parent in his right mind would look at the brokenness of his child and think "Oh, how lovely. My child is broken and suffering and struggling. I love the sight of it." No, that parent would do anything in their power to alleviate the pain and mend the brokenness. I just can't see our Heavenly Father finding beauty and joy in my brokenness. There are still layers of my life being peeled away and more brokenness found to deal with and be rid of...not to admire like beautiful piece of art. I don't want to keep looking at it; why would anyone else want to?
No, this isn't the first time I've heard such a phrase. In Celebrate Recovery, they are fond of saying that God never wastes a hurt. I've yet to see where my brokenness has been a beauty to someone else, or my hurts being a help, rather than a hindrance to my growth and the growth of others.
The rest of the song was great, but I couldn't get away from the first line. All I could do was weep in despair. The line was simply another reminder of all that I am not, but should be. It was a rebuke that I should be helping others in their pain. I can't even help myself out of the driveway!
Maybe the squirrely feeling I talked about earlier this year is how I deserve to feel. After all, I'm not doing everything I'm called to do. However, I can't let the feeling lead me into doing something rash and unwise out of fear.
Depends on the type of inspiration you're talking about. In my Daybook from this weekend, I showed some of the inspiration for some of my latest art projects. As far as basic inspiration and motivation goes, I'm inspired by books, videos, and other people.
Wait, maybe Mrs. Joyce is asking for a place we go. I'm hoping that as soon as I have my own wheels, I can explore the area and be inspired by the beauty and diversity that is around me.
What's under your bed?
Boxes of warm weather clothes.
Thursday, February 22nd is National Chili Day, National Margarita Day, and National Cook a Sweet Potato Day. Of the three which would you most like to celebrate? Is that likely?
I would most enjoy celebrating National Chili Day. It's not likely I'll participate. Last month, all I had to eat for lunch and dinner was chili and got sick of eating it. I probably won't make or eat chili again until next winter.
What are you 'snowed under' with right now?
Lethargy. I have been unusually tired for several weeks. I'm squirrelly but can't relax. I'll go for days not sleeping well, then days where all I want to do is sleep. I was in bed for 14 hours yesterday and I'm fighting going to bed now...and it's not even 7:00 yet. I'll have to break out all of my strategies to see if I can beat this.
I'm also snowed under with actual snow.
These are pictures from yesterday. We had sunshine today, but more snow is on the way tomorrow.
Tell us three to five things that make you feel balanced?
Worshipping with my church family.
Writing.
Painting.
Reading.
Insert your own random thought here.
Well, the deed is finally done. After four trips to the DMV, I finally have my Colorado state driver's license. I think the department took the question "how inept can an agency be?" as a challenge, rather than an insult. Anyway, it's done and I don't have to fool with them again until 2023. Now, on to finding wheels.
If you would like to join in and post your own Daybook, please head on over to visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook
For Today: Sunday, February 18, 2018
Outside my window … A sunny day in the upper 60's that will give way to snow and freezing temps by morning. By Tuesday, it will be "God doesn't love us anymore" cold.
I am thinking...
I'm pondering the words of a song from today's worship service. (Listen to it here if you'd like). I couldn't get past the first line, "There's beauty in my brokenness." Let me establish that I'm not criticizing the song itself at all. This is my difficulty.
I see no beauty in brokenness. The last time I broke something, it was not beautiful. I broke one of my favorite coffee mugs and it was not pretty. In fact, it got downright ugly.
No parent in his right mind would look at the brokenness of his child and think "Oh, how lovely. My child is broken and suffering and struggling. I love the sight of it." No, that parent would do anything in their power to alleviate the pain and mend the brokenness. I just can't see our Heavenly Father finding beauty and joy in my brokenness. There are still layers of my life being peeled away and more brokenness found to deal with and be rid of...not to admire like beautiful piece of art. I don't want to keep looking at it; why would anyone else want to?
No, this isn't the first time I've heard such a phrase. In Celebrate Recovery, they are fond of saying that God never wastes a hurt. I've yet to see where my brokenness has been a beauty to someone else, or my hurts being a help, rather than a hindrance to my growth and the growth of others.
The rest of the song was great, but I couldn't get away from the first line. All I could do was weep in despair. The line was simply another reminder of all that I am not, but should be. It was a rebuke that I should be helping others in their pain. I can't even help myself out of the driveway!
Maybe the squirrely feeling I talked about earlier this year is how I deserve to feel. After all, I'm not doing everything I'm called to do. However, I can't let the feeling lead me into doing something rash and unwise out of fear.
I don't know.
I am thankful... for Father God continuing to show me His love despite my brokenness.
From the Workshop...
After nearly 20 years of painting, Auntie is in need of new inspiration. I've seen several new painting books I'd like to purchase, but since they're not in the budget at present (Thank you, Mr. Ramsey), I had to dig deeper for some inspiration.
Inspired by the book The Turquoise Table by Kristin Schell, I made these turquoise placemats to adorn my dining table. This is my first step in decorating my dining area. More to come in the next few months.
I saw an art piece similar to this in a decorating magazine and thought I'd try it. I painted this one completely free hand. I'm very pleased with it. This one is on an 11 x 14 canvas. I'm thinking of trying it again on a 16 x 20, or even an 18 x 24 if I'm feeling froggy (and the canvas is on sale).
The front cover of another magazine inspired this piece.
I painted this one before, but decided to tackle it again.
My girl over at Paintology 101 has posted some paintings I plan to try. There are also some favorite paintings I've done in the past that I want to see if I can improve on. I'll continue to look around for more inspiration. I usually find it in the oddest places.
I'm still working on getting the supplies necessary to finish the large project I started last month.
I am reading...
I Thought it Was Just Me by Brene Brown.
The Greatest Thing in the World and Other Addresses by Henry Drummond.
Books I've read since my last Daybook
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare.
To Be Where You Are by Jan Karon.
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass. I read this last year, but reread it this month. My review is here.
My Bondage and My Freedom by Frederick Douglass.
Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell. The review is here.
I am learning...that I need to pay attention to high altitude cooking directions. Yeah, I know, I've been in Colorado since August and it's just now dawned on me.
Favorite quote(s) of the week:
"Most of the things your mother told you are true. Disregard the part about eating liver to live longer; it's not worth it." - Lewis Grizzard
“Be ready. Be qualified. Own something. Be somebody. That’s black power.” - James Brown
“I was raised to believe that excellence is the best deterrent to racism or sexism. And that’s how I operate my life.” - Oprah Winfrey
"Some people are so dumb they make my head hurt!" - Auntie's Musings.
I am looking forward to... spring, having a car, and getting my place "company ready."
And now for something totally different...
Five Minute Friday word of the week: Why?
In this week's Hodgepodge, Mrs. Joyce asked us whether we liked to ask questions or were we content with our present knowledge. I'm not content with what I know; it's not enough. I have a lot of "whys" in my mind; some serious, some not so serious; some that can be answered, some that can't, and some that have answers that people are too proud or too lazy to implement:
Why do people still treat a single woman over 18 3/4 like a defective freak?
Why did anyone ever invent select-a-size paper towels? And why make them not to tear to the size you "select"?
Why are teenagers dumb enough to eat soap for popularity? And why do politicians blame the soap company instead of chalking it up to the kids being numbskulls?
Why is when senseless violence happens like that in Florida this week, everyone wants to start screaming "gun control." How about some "people control?" Hey, when some deranged idiot plows into a crowd with his car, there's no cry for "vehicle control." Why do we politicize the death of innocent people? Besides, if we don't teach people the sanctity of human life in the womb, why should we expect them to care about lives outside of it?
Author: Russel H. Conwell Info:Copyright 1915.New York:Harper and Brothers
Rating (on a scale of 1-4 stars):✮✮✮✮ Where Acquired:Free Kindle download. Category: Impulse Reads.I'm an avid listener of the 48 Days to the Work You Love podcast. The host, Dan Miller, mentions this book periodically, so I thought I'd read it. What it's about: This book is a printing of the author’s speech presented in the Philadelphia area.Conwell, minister and founder of TempleUniversity, presents, through anecdotes, his central thesis that one need not desert his home neighborhood to find opportunity and prosperity.He proposes that all have their “acres of diamonds” within, and need not search for them without.
Favorite Quotes:
The idea is that in this country of ours every man has the opportunity to make more of himself that he does in his own environment, with his own skill, with his own energy, and with his own friends. – p. 1
But it serves simply to illustrate my thought, which I emphasize by saying if you do not have the actual diamond-mines literally you have all that they would be good for to you. – p. 6
…to make money honestly is to preach the gospel. – p. 6
We preach against covetousness, and you know we do, in the pulpit, and oftentimes preach against it so long and use the terms about ‘filthy lucre’ so extremely that Christians get the idea that when we stand in the pulpit we believe it is wicked for any man to have money—until the collection basket goes around, and then we almost swear at the people because they don’t give more money.Oh, the inconsistency of such doctrines as that! – p. 7 'The love of money is the root of all evil.'He who tries to attain until it too quickly, or dishonestly, will fall into many snares, no doubt about that.The love of money.What is that?It is making and idol of money and idolatry pure and simple everywhere is condemned by the Holy Scriptures and by man’s common sense.The man that worships the dollar instead of thinking of the purposes for which it ought to be used, the man who idolizes simply money, the miser that hordes his money in the cellar, or hides it in his stocking, or refuses to invest it where it will do the world good, that man who hugs the dollar until the eagle squeals has in him the root of all evil. - p. 9 Greatness consists not in the holding of some future office, but really consists in doing great deeds with little means and the accomplishment of vast purposes from the private ranks of life. – p. 22
What I liked:
The Kindle Edition had real page numbers.
Though Conwell talked about becoming rich, he didn’t define what “rich” was.To him, it wasn’t a specific amount of money; it was an attitude of mind and how one related to prosperity.
I enjoyed the author’s dry humor.
What I didn’t like:
While Conwell condemns the assumption that all who are rich are selfish and evil, he perpetuates the assumption that all who inherit riches are spoiled, selfish brats.While that continues to be a problem, even now, the sensationalizing of the “trust fund baby” cannot be applied to everyone.Does not the scriptures say “a good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children…” (Proverbs 13:22)?The author would have done better to point out that a worthwhile inheritance should include a culture of godly character, generosity, and proper stewardship along with money.He missed a good opportunity.
Takeaway:
Though I felt lead to leave my hometown to find opportunity, Acres of Diamonds was of great encouragement to me.My change of location was only one piece of the pie. A change in attitude, as Conwell states, is the most important key to fulfilling one’s purpose on the earth.
When's the last time you had a heart to heart talk with someone? A change of heart? Experienced figurative 'heart failure?'
I have frequent heart to heart talks with my mentor. It's been way too long since we've had a deep conversation, and I'm in desperate need for one. Time to set up an appointment.
Champagne, chocolates, flowers...what's your Valentine pleasure? Any special plans for the day?
Since I don't have a significant other (no, we're not going there), I had to really think of how to answer this question. I don't have any special plans for today. After work, I may just sit and give myself a manicure. I would consider flowers a valentine's pleasure. They don't have to come from a husband or boyfriend. Flowers from any good friend would be nice.
Are you a hopeless romantic or do you fall more in the category of practical and pragmatic? What's a gesture you find romantic?
Aw heck, I don't know...wait, yes I do. If someone thought this about me (and was willing to admit it), I'd find it wonderfully sweet and romantic.
Do you ask a lot of questions in life or are you pretty content with what you already know?
You ever hear of the group Naughty By Nature? Well, I'm Nosey by Nature. Both sides of my family are inherently nosy, so I come by it honestly. I like to ask questions and I can't be content with what I already know. To quote Socrates, "All I know is that I know nothing." Some things I can take on face value or faith. The rest? I need to know.
Your favorite power ballad?
Purple Rain by Prince.
Skip to 1:10 for the start of the song.
Insert your own random thought here.
In last week's hodgepodge, Mrs. Joyce asked us what we could do to survive the mid-winter blahs. Take more baths was on my list to attempt. As I said, I have an apartment-grade bathtub, so I wasn't expecting much. I tried it this weekend and it was actually quite nice. It will be even better when I can get a waterproof pillow to lie back on and a few play pretties for the tub; nice bubble bath, a scrubber for my back, a rubber ducky, some candles, you know, stuff like that.
Warning: I already know this one is going to take longer than five minutes.
As a rule, I don't read anyone else's FMF post until after I've posted mine. However, when I saw the prompt for today, along with cussing under my breath, I was compelled to see where this was going. Unfortunately, it went exactly where I'd hoped it wouldn't. No, I didn't read everyone's posts, but I read enough to feel sick to my stomach and be madder than a wet hen!
⌚
First, let us define privilege. It is "a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people." I don't know about anywhere else, but in the United States, that word is usually associated with "white" privilege. And that privilege is always paired with shame.
Let me ask my white friends who are reading this a question: Did you wake up this morning and think "Hmm. Who can I marginalize today? Oh, how can I be more ungrateful, selfish, and racist today?" So, did you? Of course not! So, let's stop this, shall we?
Whenever I hear about "white" privilege, I throw up in my mouth a little bit. I'm also fed up with the trend of attempting to shame each other for whatever reason--race or otherwise.
It would be erroneous to say that this type of privilege never existed. My parents lived in the Jim Crow South and my older siblings went through the Civil Rights era where whites did have privileges that blacks were, by law, denied. I just recently finished rereading Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and I'm in the throws of his second biography My Bondage and My Freedom. Both of these volumes speak clearly on systematic racism and privilege. These horrible periods in our country's history tried to make blacks ashamed of their race.
⏰ And I continue...
However, we are in 2018. Now, groups are wanting to turn the tide and make being white shameful, which is JUST AS WRONG! Yes, there are individual pockets of racism and unmerited privilege in this modern age. The difference is, systematic racism is now off the books and illegal (US Constitutional Amendments 13, 14, 15 & 24), thus, we have choices. For example, if I see that an employee blatantly privileges employees because of race, I have the choice to expose what's going on, file grievances or lawsuits, and work for someone else.
Today, most things that are considered "white privilege" are simply signs of achievement and hard work. There's no racial standard for that; any willing individual can work hard and achieve.
