Weekly Musings on Life, Love, and Politics - Week 13

Image courtesy of the IISC Blog.

Greetings!  Hope everyone is well.  Here's the latest batch of weekly musings on life, love, and politics:

1. What's on the surface can fool you... For it may be in stark contrast with what lies beneath.


2. There's a rare breed of folk who are unresponsive to "normal" methods of communication.  You have to get down to their level to truly reach them.  Sometimes this involves getting out of character, i.e. being overly aggressive, shouting, cussing, and carrying on...  In all honesty, isn't it a shame if you have do all of this to reach common ground with others?


3. Give people and things a chance.  Don't be so quick to give up on them before they've had the opportunity to prove you wrong.  Let the judgment go.  Give in a little, you just might be surprised.


4. If you can't find the hero within, the chances are minimal that you'll find the hero anywhere else.


5. The heart is resilient.  It can overcome anything.  But not when we put roadblocks in its path to healing.  Release the pain and let your heart lead the way.


6. A country can't call itself "land of the free" when all of it's people aren't free.  A country's failed itself and its people when conditions are put on human rights or when they are not granted or available to all.  Granting these rights to some but not all further perpetuates inequality, injustice, and inferiority, and blocks any chances of real progress.  

Until next time... Peace, Love, and Many Blessings, BuddahDesmond

Happy 1st Anniversary to 'Prevail'!

  
Wow, it's been one year since I published my first book Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics.  I still recall the happiness and sense of accomplishment I felt holding Prevail in my own hands for the first time.  Prevail represents a dream come true.  I stuck to my guns and made it happen.  Not without a lot of support though.  I couldn't have done it without those (my spouse, family, friends, and mentors) who've encouraged me along the way.  

It was a rocky journey making the dream happen.  If I'd listened to all the things people told me—that I wasn't good enough, that I didn't fit the mold, that I didn't do things the traditional way (as if that's something wrong)—I wouldn't have this book or anything else published.  I wouldn't be working on my next book.  I would've stopped writing... I would've stopped doing a lot of things.  But I didn't.  I persevered.  Yet I know there's still much more to do.  More dreams to achieve.  Still more to learn.  More platform building to do.  Many more people to connect and build genuine relationships with.  More outreach.  And I welcome it all.

As I say in the introduction of Prevail, "We never know what's coming to us in this life, but we do know that if we get through it—whatever it is—we will be better, stronger, and wiser. No matter what, we know we must prevail."  

Thank you for your support!  Until next time... Peace, Love, and Many Blessings, BuddahDesmond

Prevail is available at iUniverse, Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle), Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million (Paperback | Hardcover), and other retailers.

Related Posts:
BuddahDesmond Appearing at the Baltimore Urban Book Festival (BUBF) on 7/14/13
101 Days Project: Prevail
Nothing But Love
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It's Not That Serious
Happily Ever After?
Desperation
Gone Too Soon

Weekly Musings on Life, Love, and Politics - Week 12

Image courtesty of Mandalas by Veeno

It's time for another helping of BuddahDesmond's musings on life, love, and politics. Check 'em out!

1. Don't let the world of "NO" sway you on your way to the world of "YES." The break you've been working towards, the opportunity you've been praying for, the chance to SHINE is coming! Hold on!


2. There is a fire that burns inside of each of us. It's passionate energy that we can wield in both positive and negative ways. Sometimes we forget about our fire...we forget about the greatness that lies within. And we lose sight of why we're here, what we're fighting for, and what we're ultimately working towards. Don't lose your fire. Be cognizant of it. Be mindful of it. Learn from it. Will it lovingly and admirably. As Sonia Sanchez says, "Catch the fire and burn with eyes that see our souls: WALKING. SINGING. BUILDING. LAUGHING. LEARNING. LOVING. TEACHING. BEING... Catch the fire...and live." (Influences: Sonia Sanchez - Catch The Fire)


3. Sometimes things are only complicated and complex because we make them that way. When this happens, it may be best to fall back, breathe, reassess, and look for ways to avoid fortuitous complications. At all costs—keep it simple!


4. Only takes a few mini-scandals to divert attention from the real issues plaguing a nation. Depending on the severity, yes—time and resources may be needed to rectify the matters related to a mini-scandal.  However, they also seem to give our officials unnecessary reasons to play politics, continue pointing fingers and drag their feet on major issues that they've been neglecting. As some will say, "Any excuse..."


5. There's nothing wrong with being meticulous. This trait can do wonders for us (and others) in many personal and professional situations. But this trait backfires when it begins to hinder our progress, especially when working with others. We have to know when it's best to cut our losses and let things fall where they may. We must realize that we cannot afford to let ourselves be ruled or get carried away with the details (all the time). 


6. When we pamper our passions they will be good to us. Just wait and see!

Until next time... Peace, Love, and Many Blessings!

~ BuddahDesmond

Weekly Musings on Life, Love, and Politics - Week 11

"Cracking the Harmony" courtesy of Exper Giovanni Rubaltelli

Greetings!  It's been several weeks since my last Weekly Musings update.  My apologies.  I was intending to get one up a little sooner but had to focus my energies on other projects.  But I'm at the point where a few of these musings have been marinating for awhile and they needed to be shared.  Some of them were inspired by a few episodes of Super Soul Sunday on OWN. 

1. If your eyes are open, if your heart is open and warm—love is never too hard to find.  Even if your heart is cold, just a little love might be all you need to renew your faith.  Love is everywhere.  As Adriana Evans sang, "Love is all around."


2. When I think back to hearing the word "harmony," the context (outside of music) usually involved unity amongst people or accord within the environment.  It was rare that harmony was ever mentioned when referring to the individual.  The focus was/is too often on being in harmony with everything outside of ourselves.  While this is important, harmony within—a sense of tranquility, calm, and peace—is just as much if not more so important.  As Panache Desai said, "There is no greater power than to be in harmony within oneself."  Cherish the harmony within as you would cherish your joy.  Stay in tune with it!


3. I thought we lived in a free state.  Isn't this the land where people come to live their lives the best way they see fit?  You know, the place where you can be anything and do anything?  The place where you are free to practice whatever religion you like without persecution?  A place where people of different political persuasions, race, gender, and sexual orientation can come together and live freely?  Each time I turn on the news, read the paper, or go online I feel the notion of this nation being a "free state" is the biggest farce known to man.  So much hate.  So much intolerance.  Forget acceptance.  Forget civility.  Forget unity.  Even tolerance is but a dream.  The ultimate pot stirrer is the abominable bond between religion and politics.  It's a marriage in need of a long overdue divorce.  Maybe when religion and politics distance themselves the "free state" will return...


4. Guarantees—are there any?  The one that always rings true is that there aren't any guarantees in this life.  With every fleeting moment, hopefully we're living our lives to the fullest extent.  Hopefully we're honoring our spirits.  Hopefully we're doing all that we can to make our souls smile, run, and jump with glee.  We owe it to ourselves to live our best lives.  If a moment comes when we find we aren't being true to the essence of our being, then it's time to turn the volume up.  This life is the only life we have.  So let's LIVE IT OUT LOUD!


5. The only validation a relationship needs is the validation of the two people who are in it.  When you truly love each other, it matters not what others say or think.  It's what the unit thinks and feels.  While others may not agree with it or condone it, they must respect it. 


6. Equality is when all members of society can enjoy the same rights and privileges without exceptions, exclusions, or conditions.  As Jill Scott said, "Equality does not equal equal if it's not divided equally." 

Until next time... Peace, love, and many blessings!

~ BuddahDesmond

Does The GOP Really Want Your Vote? - Latest on MUSED

Image courtesy of MUSED.

A 100-page "autopsy" report by the Republican National Committee (RNC) confirmed that the GOP has an outreach problem.  Judging from the audience at the 2012 Republican National Convention, it was quite clear the GOP has been unable to connect with the youth and minorities for some time.  Looks like this is soon going to change.  Raffi Williams, son of journalist and Fox News political analyst Juan Williams, has been tapped as the Deputy Press Secretary of the RNC.  He will work to create initiatives to outreach to the youth and African Americans.  To learn more, read "Does the GOP Really Want Your Vote?" on MUSED.
 
MUSED Magazine Online is a pioneering "digital destination for lifestyle, entertainment & culture for modern black gay men.  MUSED serves as a collective of experiences and issues we care about" (see About MUSED).  Its mission is to raise the level of consciousness for our community and provide reliable, relevant, interactive, and engaging content for its readers.  MUSED is the only weekly online magazine for black gay men.

Major thanks and props to Drew-Shane Daniels and the MUSED family for featuring the article! 

Follow MUSED on:  Facebook | Twitter

Follow BuddahDesmond on:  Facebook | Twitter

Peace, Love, and Many Blessings!

~ BuddahDesmond

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Dr. Ben Carson's Gay Marriage Gaffe - Latest on MUSED

Image courtesy of MUSED.

Dr. Ben Carson is a highly lauded neurosurgeon, educator, speaker, and best-selling author.  After  making several appearances on Fox News and giving speeches at the National Prayer Breakfast and the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), he's become somewhat of a political wunderkind lately.  Carson recently caught some heat for comments he made last week on Fox News' Hannity about gay marriage.  He said, "Marriage is between a man and a woman. No group, be they gays, be they NAMBLA, be they people who believe in bestiality, it doesn’t matter what they are. They don’t get to change the definition. So, it’s not something against gays. It’s against anybody who wants to come along and change the fundamental definitions of pillars of society. It has significant ramifications" (Media Matters).  He later apologized and said his comments were "insensitive" and misunderstood.  He went on to say the "attacks" by "racist" white liberals against him "have been so vicious" (The Hill).  To learn more, read "Where Dr. Ben Carson Linking Gay Marriage To Bestiality Went Wrong" on MUSED.

MUSED Magazine Online is a pioneering "digital destination for lifestyle, entertainment & culture for modern black gay men.  MUSED serves as a collective of experiences and issues we care about" (see About MUSED).  Its mission is to raise the level of consciousness for our community and provide reliable, relevant, interactive, and engaging content for its readers.  MUSED is the only weekly online magazine for black gay men.

Major thanks and props to Drew-Shane Daniels and the MUSED family for featuring the article! 

Follow MUSED on:  Facebook | Twitter

Follow BuddahDesmond on:  Facebook | Twitter

Peace, Love, and Many Blessings!

~ BuddahDesmond

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'Free Angela,' A Powerful Documentary

I think the importance of doing activist work is precisely because it allows you to give back and to consider yourself not as a single individual who may have achieved whatever but to be a part of an ongoing historical movement. ~ Angela Davis, Frontline (1997)

Seeing the poster for Shola Lynch's latest film Free Angela And All Political Prisoners is enough to evoke compelling and stirring emotions within anyone.  The image serves as a symbol of pride, justice, and change—the change that comes about from social and political movements.  And the film retells the events surrounding Angela Davis as she fought to clear her name against changes of murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy and the international movement which sought her freedom.

By the late 1960s, Davis was known as a feminist, political activist and leader, and scholar.  She was a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), a member of the Communist Party USA and an associate of the Black Panther Party.   UCLA would later fire Davis because of her involvement with the Communist Party.  She was reinstated after Judge Jerry Pacht of the Los Angeles Superior Court ruled that UCLA could not bar Communists from employment with its institution.  Not satisfied with this, UCLA began a relentless quest for ways in which to fire Davis.  They succeeded on June 20, 1970 citing what they claimed was "inflammatory language" derived from four unique speeches Davis had given.  

In August of 1970, Davis' world would change again.  She was implicated as a suspect in the kidnapping and murder of a judge in a shootout at the Marin County, CA courthouse.  Davis did not believe she'd receive a fair trial so she fled California.  Believed to be a terrorist, J. Edgar Hoover placed Davis on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted List.  After a two-month manhunt, she was caught in New York City and brought to trial.  In 1972, Davis was acquitted of all charges by an all-white jury.

Free Angela comes at a time where we (continue to) find our world facing grave struggles with food/hunger, education, healthcare, employment, economic downturns, inadequate housing, the prison industrial complex, and civil rights.  With Angela Davis' story, we learn about the significance of challenging authority and the power of the collective.  We must not deny or forget about our power as individuals or as a collective.  In fact, if it had not been for the mobilization of the collective during the Women's Suffrage, Civil Rights, and Black Power Movements (to name a few) the social and political landscape would be quite different.

Free Angela is not only a (long overdue) firsthand account of Angela Davis' htory, but it also serves as a call to action.  While we may have benefited from the battles won by our forefathers and foremothers, many obstacles lie ahead.  Their stories should serve as a sources hope, inspiration and redemption... Nothing in this world is impossible.  With collective power, we can ignite movements to bring about the social and political change necessary to make our world one that truly lives up to its promise.

Free Angela opens in selects theaters on Friday, April 5, 2013. 

Entry - Black Bloggers Connect Free Angela Blogging Contest

Latest MUSED Article - Looking For Black Leadership? The Savior Lies Within

Image courtesy of MUSED.

In my latest article for MUSED "Look For Black Leadership? The Savior Lies Within," I propose the (urgent) need to look within ourselves to find the leadership we so desperately crave.  Some of us have penchant expectations that our leaders are the answers to fix the many ills which plague our community.  While leadership is an important part of the process, we cannot deny the power we have to create the change we wish to see.  For more, check out my article on the MUSED site.  Feel free to share and comment!

MUSED Magazine Online is a pioneering "digital destination for lifestyle, entertainment & culture for modern black gay men.  MUSED serves as a collective of experiences and issues we care about" (see About MUSED).  Its mission is to raise the level of consciousness for our community and provide reliable, relevant, interactive, and engaging content for its readers.  MUSED is the only weekly online magazine for black gay men.

Major thanks and props to Drew-Shane Daniels and the MUSED family for featuring the article! 

Follow MUSED on:  Facebook | Twitter

Follow BuddahDesmond on:  Facebook | Twitter

Peace, Love, and Many Blessings!

~ BuddahDesmond

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Weekly Musings on Life, Love, and Politics - Week 10

It's been a little while, but a new set of weekly musings is finally here! Check them out:

1. Just when we're thinking of or are at the point of giving up, something miraculous happens...A thought, idea, experience, action, or person inspires us to press on. And just like that, we resume our course--fighting harder than ever before.


2. It amazes me how quickly misunderstandings arise.  Some of us are so quick to jump to conclusions long before we've allowed others to express themselves.  We disrespect others when we cut them off.  We can also make them feel as if we're discrediting them and that their point of view holds no value or weight with us.  Active listening and thinking carefully before responding are so crucial when we communicate with each other.  It lessens the chances for misunderstandings and potential conflict.


3. No one is beyond reproach. We tend to pump people up, especially leaders, public figures, celebrities, and even ourselves.  But no matter how good we are or whether we've been called the best at what we do, we aren't too good to be critiqued.  If this was the case, we wouldn't have performance appraisals or reviews at work.  We also know that as long as we as a race of beings exist, we will talk about and criticize others no matter what.  But there's a time and a place for it.  And if we're going to criticize others our criticism should be tactful, relevant, and helpful. (And as the saying goes--if you can dish it then you can take it.) 


4. Sometimes it's best to take a step back and let others shine.  Can't always be in control.  Never should we allow our egos to hold us or others captive.  Under no circumstances should we try to dim others' light.  Everyone deserves a shot.  How else would we have made it thus far?


5. Personal decisions are just that.  We should never feel like we have to explain ourselves to anyone.  If those who expect or feel as if we owe them an explanation are in no way impacted by our decisions, then they deserve absolutely NO explanation.

Until next time... Peace, Love, and Many Blessings!

~ BuddahDesmond

In Honor Of Our Mother (For Rosa Parks)

Image courtesy of the AlterNet site.

 
Today is Rosa Parks birthday.  Often dubbed the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement, she would've turned 100 today.  We owe much to Rosa Parks, and it's important that we honor her legacy.  In agreement with Rachel Griffin's article on the Ms. Magazine Blog, we need to praise Rosa Parks for doing more than refusing to give up her seat on a bus.  In continued praise, I'd like to share the following poem from my book Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics:

In Honor Of Our Mother
For Rosa Parks

Legend,
Icon,
Hero,
Mother of a Movement:
Those are just some of the terms often used to describe Rosa Parks.
As Nikki Giovanni described her, she was a woman "who did an extraordinary thing."
She exemplified strength, dignity, humility, and great character.
She was a leader who devoted her life to fight against injustice.

And on December 1, 1955—
After living in a time of segregation,
After living in a time of inequality,
After living in a time when we were considered less than human—
Rosa said enough is enough.
She was tired of being treated as "less than"
Because she knew were so much more.
It was time for the tables to turn,
And to reclaim our freedom.
In that moment, when she refused to give up her seat to a white man,
When she refused to go to the back of the bus,  
Her life, the brothers and sisters of the Movement, and our lives changed forever.
Her act of defiance caused us to rally together to fight for our civil rights,
So that we could free ourselves and this nation. 

Rosa's actions should serve as an inspiration
To stand up against any act of hatred, intolerance, prejudice, or discrimination.
So when you feel any form of injustice taking place, be it racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia and
     the like,
Stand.
When you feel that your or someone else's rights are being trampled over,
Stand.
If one person's or a group of people's rights are being neglected, disregarded, or deemed null and
     void,
We are all affected.

Don't be afraid to go out on that limb
And do what's right.
Don't be afraid to be like Rosa
And do the extraordinary thing.
Because change will only happen when we allow it to—
When we're ready to accept it into our lives—
When we're ready to take on the position and follow through with our actions.
Only then will we see the outcome;
And we all will feel it.

It speaks volumes when a nation mourns the loss of an individual.
And when our nation mourned the passing of Rosa Parks, it was a defining moment,
For she become the first woman to lie in the Rotunda of the US Capital.
Because many of the rights we take for granted were fought for by people 
Like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Bayard Rustin, Thurgood Marshall, Medgar Evers,
     Malcolm X, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dorothy Height, Paul Robeson and Mary McLeod Bethune.
It begs to question, when our foremothers and forefathers see us carrying on the way we do each day,
     are they proud?
Do they feel that we are honoring their legacies?
Do they think we've turned our backs on the fight, our rights, our people, and personally, ourselves?

All the more reason why we should continue to honor, celebrate and commemorate Rosa Parks,
Because we've come a long way,
And we still have a mighty long road to follow.
And if Rosa had not refused to give up her seat,
Our fight along this road would've been a great deal longer.
History would be quite different, and so would we.

So bask in the glory of Rosa Parks and that moment.
Be grateful for the work and the many achievements of 
Rosa and the other brothers and sisters of the Movement.
And please don't forget your ties,
And your obligation to honor, and when called upon,
To strengthen the legacy.

May the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks, rest in peace! 

© 2012 BuddahDesmond 

Happy Black History Month!

Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics is available at iUniverse, Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle), Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million (Paperback | Hardcover), and other retailers.

Related Post:
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Weekly Musings on Life, Love, and Politics - Week 9

Greetings all!  It's February (already).  Hope 2013 is going well for you so far.  If not, do all that you can to make it better.  On that note, let's move right in to the latest weekly musings.

1. There's so much pride in knowing, recognizing, and celebrating where you come from.


2. Knowing (and continuing to learn) your history can revitalize or reinvigorate your spirit, inspire you, motivate you, and influence your life's path.


3. Having a strong support system that builds you up and truly believes in you, especially when growing up, can have an overwhelming impact on your self-esteem, confidence, and drive to go after your dreams.


4. You're greater than your circumstances.  Don't let your circumstances define you.  There is life, a better life, beyond your circumstances.  Once you realize this you can overcome anything.


5. Never let the light inside of you die.  Let it shine.  Let it shine!


6. We're reflections of each other.  If we could love ourselves more we could love each other a lot more.  There's no telling what the outlook of our lives and this world would be if we had more (real) love.

Until next time...peace, love, and many blessings!

~ BuddahDesmond

BuddahDesmond Full Poetry Reading from OutWrite 2012 [VIDEO]

Finally, the full video of my reading as part of the head/heart/soul poetry event from OutWrite 2012.  The following poems were recited: "Prevail," "Gone Too Soon," "Tonight," "Power of Love: A Contemporary Aside," "Luther Is Love," "Past, Present, Future," "Everyday Drugs," and "Politicking."  These poems are featured in Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics.

Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics is available at iUniverse, Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million (Paperback | Hardcover), and other retailers.    

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Weeky Musings on Life, Love, and Politics - Week 8

Greetings all! Here's the latest round of weekly musings:

1. It's hard having faith in a system that's broken.  Or if not completely broken, a system in need of major rehab.  While there may be people in positions working to fix the system, resistance, backbiting, partisanship, and corruption prevent change from taking shape.  One day... Just maybe one day this won't be the case.


2. I hope I never get to the point where my personal interests take precedence over all, especially when they are to the detriment of those around me.  Sometimes you need to take a step back and think about the short-term and long-term impact of what you do and the effects it may have on others. 


3. When only you and those like you are winning, everyone else loses.  We can't win when self-serving and party-serving interests take precedence over the needs and interests of the larger society.  Until we get back to "WE THE PEOPLE," everything will fail.


4. There's an "unwritten" code or script in life that many of us follow.  Within this code or script lies expectations about the type of life we should live, how and where we get educated, the field of work we go into, who we love/marry, the type of community we live in, etc.  Now there's nothing wrong with following this code/script...as long as it provides you with the life you truly want.  The big "Oops!" or "WTF!" moment for many of us comes when we realize that following the code/script hasn't fulfilled us (at all).  A gaping, persistent void will figure prominently until we feed our souls what it's been missing and revive the dreams that died on the way to PC, cookie cutter living.


5. College isn't for everyone.  Marriage isn't for everyone.  Having children or parenting isn't for everyone.  Corporate America isn't for everyone.  Christianity isn't for everyone.  Everything isn't for everybody.  Just because it's working for you doesn't give you the right to force it on to others or expect everyone else to do as you do.  Just live and let be.


6. Confidence is a light that shines through.  When it's peaking, everyone can see it.  There's a certain assurance and glow about you.  Everyone can see it, feel it when it's dim too.  Oh, the difficulty trying to convince others of anything when you don't have the confidence or belief in yourself. 


7. You cannot fully embrace/accept the love you need/want or be able to successfully sustain any romantic relationships unless you truly love yourself.  The inability to love yourself makes it virtually impossible to love anyone else (at least in the way they need or deserve to be loved). 

Weekly Musings on Life, Love, and Politics - Week 7

Here's the latest weekly musings:

1. Not sure there's a harder sell than making others believe in something when you don't believe in it yourself. Persuasion/buy-in often fails without conviction, confidence, and universal appeal.


2. The more you accumulate in this life, the harder you're going to have to work to maintain it.  So many of us are out here living lives we don't want to live and working ourselves into an early dirt nap each day just to maintain things we don't need. When our world suddenly changes and all these "things" we've accumulated go to the waysides, then what? "Things" don't make us. But they will break us if we place more value in them than living a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life.


3. There's something about the simple life that becomes more and more appealing the older I get. I'm striving for it. A simple life doesn't mean a boring life. It means living within your means. It means striving for a stress-free/drama-free life. It means living to truly love yourself and not looking for value and esteem in superficial and materialistic things. The simple life means being happy and content. It means counting on your joy through it all and having success on your own terms. The simple life means balance.


4. Change is inevitable. There's nothing any of us can do to stop change. We may be able to place roadblocks in its way or try to prolong the shelf-life of the traditional ways of yesteryear. But change will eventually take shape and form just the way destiny intended. Governing bodies, institutions, organizations and people have all been forced to change with the times. Our modern world is no different. Embrace it!


5. Maybe some, not all, of us forget that celebrities and public officials are human too. They're everyday people with more high-profile occupations. Putting the obvious differences aside, they have the same basic needs as us and often experience the same things we do. (Don't let the "celebrity life" fool you into thinking otherwise.) So it makes no sense that we put them on pedestals so high even they can't compete with themselves. And then we want to shame, blaspheme, and condemn them when they do things that we don't agree with. Our society gets kicks out of building people up and tearing them down. Just think about how it would feel if their shoes were on our feet.


6. I imagine if love were a tangible commodity that it would sell out each time it hit the shelves. Marketing campaigns would be out of this world. Businesses would face fierce competition year after year, as the industry and consumers would determine who creates and sells love the best. I figure love as a commodity would always be trendy, never going out of style. Because it's something everybody wants. Sadly, we fail to realize that love is always in our midst.

Time for Change: Love's In Need Of Love Today

Good morn or evening friends
Here's your friendly announcer
I have serious news to pass on to every-body
What I'm about to say
Could mean the world's disaster
Could change your joy and laughter to tears and pain

It's that
Love's in need of love today
Don't delay
Send yours in right away
Hate's goin' round
Breaking many hearts
Stop it please
Before it's gone too far

~ "Love's In Need Of Love Today," Stevie Wonder, Songs In The Key of Life (1976)

There was a certain point after hearing about the tragedy in Newtown, CT on Friday, December 14, 2012 that the tears couldn't help but fall.  I was stricken with an unsettling sadness, worry, and horror.  Immediately, I wondered how and why something like this could happen (again)?  What was it in the shooter's life that brought on a period of acute psychosis such as this?  And how long will it take the people of Newtown (and the neighboring areas) to get back to some sense of normalcy, especially those families suffering from the loss of those they loved?

While I may never completely understand the situation, what I do know is that many of us are troubled...  So much so that we're slipping through the tracks.  We're either blind-sighted to the warning signs or ignore them altogether.  Looming in our room is a pink elephant which continues to be neglected—mental illness.  Never something to be passed off, mental illness—when properly diagnosed and treated—can be effectively managed.  But when will we give mental illness the same kind of attention we give other illnesses in this society?  How many more acts of senseless, inconceivable of violence and rage must we endure before the change we need occurs?  How many more innocent people need to die before we decide to take the appropriate preventative measures?

In a society such as ours, it should never be easier to get our hands on ammo than it is to seek help for mental illness (or any other medical condition).  If the laws that govern us don't change, our days will continue to be disturbed by events such as those in Newtown, CT and Aurora, CO. 

I will continue to pray for the victim's families, the town of Newtown, CT, and our nation.  Hopefully we can all pull together, stop playing politics, drop the sensationalism and exploitative tactics, and take action.

One thing I know for sure is the human spirit is resilient.  No matter what the tragedy, we will heal.  Better days will come.  If we let love, peace, and harmony reign, we will prevail.

Weekly Musings on Life, Love, and Politics - Week 6

Let's get right to it...the latest weekly musings!

1. While there are times when we won't always be up and happy, it's during the times we're down when we should empower ourselves with hope. If we can't find it within ourselves, look to the inspirational and uplifting journeys of others who made it through. This may be just what we need to hold fast and securely to our hope.


2. When our elected officials are unable to compromise on bills that impact the very people they represent and they let their personal interests impact their ability to fight for what's right, you have to wonder who they're really standing for? Do they forget why they're in office? Do they forget they stand for all and not just the people and organizations they keep in their back pockets?


3. I have to admit that I've often been caught off guard and amazed by the level of hatred, intolerance, and ignorance expressed in comments to political news articles in the weeks following the election. I probably shouldn't be. But one thing's for sure—this nation is not as progressive as it's oft proclaimed.  There's still a long, LONG way to go.


4. Loving someone is easy. Maintaining a relationship with them—not so much. What should keep the relationship strong are the very things which brought you together. This, along with the desire and willingness to see the relationship (and each other) prosper and grow.


5. Sometimes we have to ask people what they want (outright). Forget the guessing games. If we were mind readers we'd be in a different realm. We're able to proceed confidently when we all have an understanding of the purpose and mission of why we're here. Otherwise it's bullshit.  When time and money are at stake, bullshit deserves no seat at the table. Unless it's a bullshit convention, bullshit should never be allowed a seat at any table.


6. It's a shame (for others) when you do your best to give people what they want (and then some) and it's still not good enough.  No matter how good it is they're never satisfied. What strength and fortitude it takes to deal with this on a regular basis (especially if it's at work or at home). Realize it's not always you, sometimes (or a lot of times) it's them. Just don't let it ruin your confidence or self-esteem. Don't let it change you. Don't let it stress you out. It's all part of the process of learning how to work and deal with people.

The Power Of Your Words (from Prevail)

You've got the power to influence the masses;
You've got the power to make change.
You've got the power to make a difference in someone's life,
So don't underestimate the power of your words.

Someone is always listening;
You've got to be responsible for what you put out there.
People are looking up to you.
They admire you,
Respect you,
Want to be just like you.
So encourage them,
Inspire them,
Uplift them,
'Cause if anyone's gotta take it to the street,
It better be for a damn good reason.

Set an example,
And never underestimate the power of your words.       

© 2012 BuddahDesmond

Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics is available at iUniverse, Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle), Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million (Paperback | Hardcover), and other retailers.    

Related Post:
101 Days Project: Prevail

Weekly Musings on Life, Love, and Poltics - Week 5

My apologies for the delay, but here are the latest weekly musings:

1. If you lose the battle, always remember to bow out gracefully.  Don't continue talking trash in your defeat.  It will only cast a dark(er) light on your character.  May even make your supporters question why they ever rooted for you.


2. Laughter is an infectious tonic that can bring light to any situation.  It's one of the Creator's natural cures.  Try it.  You'll feel so much better.


3. While it can be hard maintaining a positive outlook, even when everything around you is suggesting otherwise, you'll be better for it.  Believe it.  The power of positivity (and faith) will help you conquer ANYTHING!


4. Our relationships give back what we put in them.  It may be easy to blame our partners for what we aren't getting, but remember relationships are joint ventures.  We always have to check ourselves first before we have the audacity to check our partners.


5. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine's Day are everyday, not just on the days specified by the calendar.  We sometimes break our necks to go out of our way on these particular days to show our families and friends how much we love and care for them.  Some could say it's a bit foolish.  We should strive to show our loved ones what they mean to us every day of the year, not just on holidays and special occasions.


6. Instead of waiting until New Year's, maybe we should try making changes, resolutions, and setting goals on our birthdays.  What better day to commit to life changes than on the anniversary our birth?

Until next time, enjoy your week!

Weekly Musings on Life, Love, and Politics - Week 4

Without further adieu, here are the latest weekly musings:

1. Tolerance is limiting.  It leads to a dead end road.  It means that total understanding, respect, and empathy are not possible, because one is not able or is unwilling to embrace that which is different from oneself.


2. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel and how much the world opens up to you when you get out of your own way. 


3. Rejection is unavoidable.  If you're "lucky enough" to have yet to experience it, don't worry... It'll happen.  It's foolish for any of us to think that we're so good or so untouchable that everything belongs to or is meant for us.  Not so.


4. Unless you have a plan or recommendations on how to make life as we know it better, STFU!  We can be so quick to complain when things don't go the way that we want them to.  Complaining is useless.  If you want to make a difference, you have to collaborate with those than don't share the same beliefs or ideals as you.  By doing that, we can get the change that will benefit everyone—not just you or those like you.
    
5. Sometimes the best opportunities are those that come about by accident or those that we create ourselves.  We have to be open to all possibilities.


6. Love manifests from within.  It's so easy to be led astray when you can't find it within yourself.  Stop looking out, and start looking within!

Our America

(Written in Praise of President Obama and Vice President Biden's victory in the 2012 Election.)

 
Image courtesy of Just Jared site.

Our America is not one that is steeped in homogeneity.  Our America is ever changing, evolving.  It doesn't always look like you, sound like you, love like you, or believe like you.  In our America, our differences don't create problems.  They bring about unity.  They showcase the beauty of diversity and inclusion, not inferiority and hatred.  

In Our America, access doesn't come with million or billion dollar price tags.  Opportunities exist for all, especially all who believe in themselves and are committed to diligence.  While Our America is not perfect, it cannot keep up the status quo just to appease the good ole boys.  Only doing this will forsake itself, its people, and the world by not adapting to change and by not allowing new perspectives and styles of leadership to come to the forefront.  

Change, the right change—especially when given the opportunity to blossom—is essential to our livelihood, our growth, our productivity, and our economy.  Our America needs to move forward.  Our America needs progress.  Let our America prevail!

Related Posts:

The Power Of Your Voice
Day 98: I'm Voting for Progress - Obama Biden 2012
Day 96: Michelle Obama at the DNC 2012
Desperation (from Prevail)
Politricking